How Many Hours Does a 17 Month Old Sleep?

It may seem like young children never want to sleep, but they actually need more sleep than adults do. Sleep will encourage your 17 month old's healthy physical and mental development, and it will help him to be happy and cooperative throughout the day. Without getting enough sleep, your toddler will be cranky and disruptive. Making sure that your 17 month old gets enough sleep will ensure his well-being, as well as the rest and well-being of everyone else in the family.

  1. Recommended Amount of Sleep

    • Every child's needs will be different, but the National Sleep Foundation website recommends that toddlers between 1 and 3 years old get at least 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day. This sleep may come in different increments for different toddlers. For example, your 17 month old should be down to one nap per day, but the nap can last anywhere from one to three hours. How long your child naps will influence how long he sleeps at night. It doesn't matter how the sleep is broken up, so long as your child gets the recommended amount of sleep in that 24-hour period, he should be fine.

    Sleep and Health

    • The consequences of not getting enough sleep may be more than a cranky child. The American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org says that sleep deprivation has been linked with some potentially serious health issues, including anxiety and depression, obesity, diabetes, immunity problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Failing to get enough sleep can also have short-term consequences for mood, which can impact family relationships and learning.

    Encouraging Good Sleep Habits

    • Parents can take an active role in helping their toddlers develop healthy sleep habits. The National Sleep Foundation site encourages a consistent bedtime routine and a comforting and consistent sleeping environment. Child development experts at the Kids Health website say that the routine should last about 15 to 30 minutes, and it can include brushing teeth, reading stories together or listening to soft music. The key is to do the same thing each night and at the same time. Your activities and the environment should all be designed to soothe your child to sleep. HealthyChildren.org suggests keeping the lights and noise level low and making the temperature slightly cooler. The site also recommends giving your child a lovie or security object, and it advises against allowing your child to have a television in his bedroom.

    Impediments to Sleep

    • Despite your best efforts, your 17 month old may occasionally struggle with sleep. A variety of factors can disrupt your toddler's sleep, including teething, illness, separation anxiety and even nightmares. Maintain your routines, and provide extra comfort and reassurance for your toddler. Your consistent presence will help him to overcome these sleep issues and re-establish health habits. If sleep problems persist for more than a week or two, talk with his pediatrician to make sure that more serious health issues are not the cause.

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