Final answer:
School-age children are recommended to get approximately 10 hours of sleep per night for optimal physical and mental development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer is 2:
An explanation for this recommendation includes recognizing that adequate sleep is crucial for the physical and mental development of children. It is during deep sleep when growth hormones are released, which are essential for muscle development and tissue repair. Moreover, sleep has a significant impact on a child's learning and memory consolidation, as well as their emotional regulation and ability to manage stress.
Current guidelines from sleep experts and organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest that school-age children (ages 6-13) should get approximately 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night, with 10 hours being an ideal average to aim for. Less than the recommended amount can result in sleep deprivation, which may be reflected in cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Ensuring a child has a consistent bedtime routine, a sleep-conducive environment, and limiting screen time before bed can help in achieving the recommended amount of sleep. Parents and caregivers should monitor for signs of insufficient sleep and address them promptly with the help of healthcare professionals if needed.