Which information would the community nurse provide when educating a group of parents about sleep and rest requirements of school-age children? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. School-aged children need to have 1- to 2-hour long naps per day: By school age (6–12 years), children generally do not require daytime naps. Most children consolidate their sleep at night, and napping is uncommon unless there is illness or sleep deprivation. B. Children 12 years of age need approximately 6 hours of sleep per night: School-aged children typically require 9–12 hours of sleep per 24-hour period. Six hours is insufficient and may result in fatigue, poor concentration, and behavioral issues. C. Children 7 years of age should be encouraged to read before bedtime: Establishing a consistent, calming bedtime routine is essential for school-age children. Activities such as reading, listening to soft music, or taking a warm bath help the child wind down from the stimulation of the day. This promotes better sleep hygiene and can help prevent bedtime resistance. D. Children 5 years of age need approximately 11 hours of sleep a night: Preschool and early school-age children generally require 10–13 hours of sleep per 24 hours. Eleven hours aligns with recommended sleep duration for a 5-year-old, supporting growth, cognitive function, and overall health. E. Children 6 years of age should be encouraged to read before bedtime: Establishing calming pre-sleep routines such as reading promotes relaxation and supports healthy sleep habits in school-age children. Encouraging reading helps transition children from activity to rest and is consistent with sleep hygiene recommendations.