Updated November 7, 2026
Sleep and mood are closely linked. A child who is short on sleep is more likely to be irritable, anxious and impulsive, and emotional problems in turn can make sleep harder.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, with the support of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends the following amounts in every 24 hours, including naps for younger children:
Tired children do not always seem sleepy. Instead, they may be cranky, have more tantrums, struggle to concentrate, seem hyperactive, or get upset easily. In teenagers, ongoing short sleep is linked with low mood and difficulty managing emotions. If your child's behavior has changed, sleep is one of the first things worth checking.
Bedtime is often when anxious thoughts come out. A short "worry time" earlier in the evening, when your child can talk or write down worries, can help. At bedtime, keep reassurance brief and warm. If your child needs a parent present to fall asleep every night, a gradual plan to step back over several weeks usually works better than a sudden change. See anxiety in children.
Talk to your child's doctor about loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep, frequent night waking, severe nightmares or night terrors, trouble falling asleep that lasts for weeks, or daytime sleepiness despite enough time in bed. Sleep problems are treatable, and solving them often improves mood and behavior.
This guide is general information, not medical or psychological advice. For questions about your child, talk with a pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional. In a crisis in the US, call or text 988 or call 911; elsewhere, call your local emergency number.