organisation of the sleep-wake cycle

Last reviewed 01/2018

This varies dependent on age.

Newly born infant - soon divides sleep up into several spells; usually a main sleep period and about four naps.

Sixth month old infant - a main sleep period of about 11 hours and about two naps, often one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

18 months - 4 years - the morning nap usually has been abandoned by 18 months. However the afternoon nap often persists until the child is about 4 years old. After about 4 years of age the child's sleep becomes consolidated into a single night-time sleep period.