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To function properly, children need more sleep than adults. Between 3 and 5 years they need an average of 10 to 13 hours per day.^1,3

A child can’t sleep early due to many factors: overexcitement, tv or tablets, food or juices, teething, weather, stubbornness, fear.^1,2,3

So, supporting your child to sleep early to maintain a healthy sleeping routine is important. 

For this you can always find some steps that may help overcome this issue:

1. Stick to a bedtime routine ²
2. Keep a dark and calm bedroom environment for 30 mins prior to the specific bedtime²
3. Limit food and juices prior to bedtime ^1,2
4. Limit the use of screens and electronics 1 hour before bedtime ²
5. Reading a short book/story with your child ²

You can always fix the time of sleep by putting your child to bed 15 minutes earlier everyday until you reach the most appropriate time, usually between 3 and 5 years the child should go to bed between 7 and 9 pm to wake up between 6 and 8 am.⁴

Dr. Massouad Abou Zeid

Pediatric, Neonatologist 

¹https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/childhood-insomnia-and-sleep-problems.htm 

²https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/toddler/toddler-wont-sleep

³https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids

⁴https://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/sleep-children#