Exhaustion Symptoms Vary Across Different Age Groups
Understanding the signs and symptoms of exhaustion in children at various stages of development is crucial. The way exhaustion manifests itself can differ greatly depending on whether the child is an infant, toddler, or teenager. This discrepancy can be attributed to the evolving communication skills we acquire as we progress through different life stages. For instance, while a baby may not be able to verbally express their exhaustion, a teenager is more capable of doing so.
Sleep Requirements Change as Children Grow
Just like adults, sleep needs for children vary according to age. Newborns, up to three months old, require a significant amount of sleep, typically around 17 hours per day. This includes both daytime naps and nighttime sleep.
As babies grow older, their sleep needs gradually decrease. From four months to one year of age, infants require around 12 to 16 hours of sleep each day. Toddlers, aged one to two years, generally need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep, while preschool-aged children, up to five years old, require around 10 to 13 hours.
Once children reach school age, their sleep needs further decrease. Typically, children between six and twelve years old require between eight and twelve hours of sleep per night to function optimally.