What is generally true about children’s sleep patterns as they grow older?

As children grow older, one notable change in their sleep patterns is the reduction in the frequency of napping. Younger children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, often require multiple naps during the day in addition to their nighttime sleep. However, as they progress towards school age and beyond, they transition to needing fewer naps and ultimately stop napping altogether. This shift aligns with their developing brains and increasing engagement in social and educational activities during the day.

It's important to acknowledge that while sleep needs can vary among children, the general trend is that older children are able to sustain themselves on a longer stretch of nighttime sleep without the necessity for daytime naps. This development is a crucial part of their growth as they become more active during daylight hours and their sleep-wake cycles mature.