Sleep by Age › Age 12
How Much Sleep Does A 12-year-old Need?
The recommended range, a bedtime calculator and practical tips.
School age (6–12 years)9–12 hoursof sleep every 24 hours
Bedtime calculator
Bedtime by wake-up time
| Wakes up at | Bedtime for 9–12 hours |
|---|---|
| 6:00 am | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
| 6:30 am | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm |
| 7:00 am | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
| 7:30 am | 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm |
| 8:00 am | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
Allow 15–20 minutes to fall asleep, so lights-out is a little before these times.
Tips for better sleep at this age
- A fixed bedtime on school nights matters more than the exact minute.
- Screens off about an hour before bed and charged outside the bedroom.
- Busy after-school schedules can quietly push bedtime later; protect the routine.
These ranges are from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which draws on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and, for newborns, the National Sleep Foundation. Every child is different; ask your pediatrician if you are worried.
Questions
How much sleep does a 12-year-old need?
9–12 hours per 24 hours, according to the CDC.
What if my child sleeps less than this?
Short nights now and then are normal. If short sleep is regular, or your child is very sleepy or irritable in the day, talk to your pediatrician.