Quick answer
Some preschoolers who nap fall asleep later at night, while others still need daytime rest to get enough sleep. Look at your child’s sleep over a full 24 hours and how they feel during the day; a nap is not automatically harmful.
Yawnder originally linked to a 2015 report about Australian researchers’ review of naps and nighttime sleep. Here is what the research means for families.
What the research found
A 2015 systematic review examined 26 studies of children from birth through age five. It found an association between napping and later sleep onset, shorter nighttime sleep and poorer nighttime sleep quality, with evidence strongest after age two.
Those studies were observational, varied in quality and often relied on parent reports. They do not prove that a nap causes a particular child’s sleep difficulty, or that every child over two should stop napping. The review found less consistent evidence about behavior, development and other health outcomes.
How much sleep does a preschooler need?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s consensus recommendations call for children ages one to two to sleep 11–14 hours and children ages three to five to sleep 10–13 hours in each 24-hour period, including naps. Individual needs and schedules vary; use the range as a guide rather than a diagnosis.
Adjusting naps and bedtime
For a week or two, note wake time, nap timing and length, bedtime, night waking and daytime mood. Share the pattern with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned.
- If a late nap consistently pushes bedtime back, discuss trying an earlier or shorter nap and observe the effect on total sleep and daytime behavior.
- If your child still falls asleep readily at nap time or struggles to stay awake without it, they may still benefit from daytime sleep.
- For a child transitioning away from naps, a quiet period with books or calm activities can offer a break. Avoid forcing sleep when they are not sleepy.
- Coordinate with childcare when possible; routines and individual sleep needs differ.
When to ask for help
Talk with a pediatrician about persistent difficulty sleeping, loud snoring, breathing pauses, frequent night waking or excessive daytime sleepiness. A professional can consider the child’s full history rather than assuming that naps are the cause.
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Explore sleep guidesFrequently asked questions
Should all children stop napping at age two?
No. Napping needs vary, and many young children still need daytime sleep to reach an appropriate total.
Can a nap make bedtime later?
It can be associated with later sleep onset for some children, especially depending on timing and individual needs. The 2015 review does not prove that every nap causes a problem.
How many hours should a three- to five-year-old sleep?
The AASM recommends 10–13 hours per 24 hours, including naps, on a regular basis.
What if my child snores or seems unusually sleepy?
Discuss persistent symptoms with a pediatrician rather than changing the nap schedule alone.