Medical Conditions

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Your Child's Sleep Diary

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Children differ in how much sleep they need, how long it takes them to fall asleep, and how easily they wake up. If you are concerned about your child's sleep habits, talk with your child's doctor. Your child's doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary to help track your child's sleep habits. Here is a sample chart.

Day of the Week

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Date

Where your child sleeps

Average hours of sleep at night

What your child needs to fall asleep (for example, a favorite toy or blanket)*

How often your child wakes up during the night

How you comfort and console your child when they wake up during the night

The timing and length of naps

Any changes or stresses in the home

* Children younger than 1 year should be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface with no objects, such as toys or blankets, that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation.

Disclaimer

Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brochure Sleep Problems in Children.

The AAP is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.