The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age. When children get enough sleep for their age regularly, it promotes optimal health. According to the AASM, the recommended amount of sleep for children, based on a 24-hour period, is: Infants 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours  1 to 2 years of age: 11 to 14 hours 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours  13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours