Nearly half of U.S. children are not consistently getting the amount of sleep recommended for their age, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2026 Sleep in America Poll. The survey found that 44% of children fall short of recommended sleep amounts, and 57% of parents underestimate how much sleep their child needs to feel well rested.
The effects can ripple through the household. NSF reported that 95% of parents agree good sleep is essential to overall family functioning, while 86% say good sleep improves a child’s behavior and mood. Four in five parents also say their own sleep suffers when their child sleeps poorly.
NSF recommends family sleep habits such as consistent sleep and wake schedules, a device-free period before bed, a regular wind-down routine, and bedrooms that are cool, dark, and quiet.
Sources: National Sleep Foundation; 2026 Sleep in America Poll.
