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Kids Sleep Science
Kids Sleep Science
Stella offers evidence-based sleep advice
We are a source of advice that you can trust. Stella is informed by leading experts in the field of sleep research, ensuring that our information is accurate, up-to-date, and backed by evidence.
What does science say about sleep and children's health?
You can optimize your evening routine for your kids. Listen to our recommendations "Advice for parents" in the Stella Sleep app.
Sleep is essential for your child's mental and physical health. However, sleep problems in children are not uncommon. An estimate from American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that sleep problems affect 25 to 50 percent of children. Poor sleep in childhood has been linked to a variety of health and behavioural issues, such as immune system problems, poor concentration, anxiety and depression, as well as increased risk of obesity and diabetes.
How can I help my child sleep better?
Research has shown that a consistent bedtime routine can help your child get enough sleep.
Studies have shown that the first step towards providing better sleep for your child is understanding their sleep needs. Once you understand your child's sleep requirements, you can work towards a healthy sleep pattern. Research has shown that consistent bedtime routines can help your child get enough sleep. We have, together with Swedish sleep scientists, formulated a checklist of sleep hygiene steps which can help make bedtime easier.
Depending on their age, children need varying amounts of sleep, and the appropriate amount of sleep may vary from child to child. If you are concerned about your child's sleeping pattern, we recommend that you consult with your paediatrician.
Depending on their age, children need varying amounts of sleep, and the appropriate amount of sleep may vary from child to child. If you are concerned about your child's sleeping pattern, we recommend that you consult with your paediatrician.
How much does my child need to sleep?
Children need varying amounts of sleep depending on their age.
Depending on their age, children need varying amounts of sleep, and the appropriate amount of sleep may vary from child to child. If you are concerned about your child's sleeping pattern, we recommend that you consult with your paediatrician.
Want to know more? Check out or frequently asked questions below for information about sleep guidelines, common sleep disturbances, further resources and more!
Want to know more? Check out or frequently asked questions below for information about sleep guidelines, common sleep disturbances, further resources and more!
Frequently asked questions
- How much should my child be sleeping?Find out about the sleep guidelines for children of different ages by clicking here.
- What are common sleep disturbances in kids?We have compiled a list of common sleep disturbances here.
- How can I improve my child's sleep habits?Below is a list of good sleep hygiene practices. Also, try our Stella Sleep Bedtime Routine.
- Where can I get help?If you are concerned about your child's sleeping habits, professional medical support is key. Find support resources here.
Frequently asked questions
- How much should my child be sleeping?Find out about the sleep guidelines for children of different ages by clicking here.
- What are common sleep disturbances in kids?We have compiled a list of common sleep disturbances here.
- How can I improve my child's sleep habits?Below is a list of good sleep hygiene practices. Also, try our Stella Sleep Bedtime Routine.
- Where can I get help?If you are concerned about your child's sleeping habits, professional medical support is key. Find support resources here.
How Stella can help make bedtime a dream
- Help your child fall asleep fasterWith our specially written stories, your child will learn to relax and fall asleep. The stories are designed to aid your child in calming down, and can be used as part of your bedtime routine as well as for nap times.
- Fewer night-time wakingsUse the Stella Sleep app as a part of your bedtime routine. Research has shown that children who follow a set bedtime routine get better sleep and have fewer night-time wakings.
- Help your child sleep longerEstablishing a set of habits around bedtime can help your child fall asleep faster, and also sleep for longer.
- Establish a bedtime routineThe Stella Sleep app contains a guide for parents, based on the latest sleep science and informed by evidence-based practices. Try out our bedtime routine to help your child optimise their sleeping habits.
How Stella can help make bedtime a dream
Help your child fall asleep fasterWith our specially written stories, your child will learn to relax and fall asleep. The stories are designed to aid your child in calming down, and can be used as part of your bedtime routine as well as for nap times.
Fewer night-time wakingsUse the Stella Sleep app as a part of your bedtime routine. Research has shown that children who follow a set bedtime routine get better sleep and have fewer night-time wakings.
Help your child sleep longerEstablishing a set of habits around bedtime can help your child fall asleep faster, and also sleep for longer.
Establish a bedtime routineThe Stella Sleep app contains a guide for parents, based on the latest sleep science and informed by evidence-based practices. Try out our bedtime routine to help your child optimise their sleeping habits.
Designed for kids
Safe, ad free, and based on established sleep science
Stella Sleep offers unique audio content designed to help children relax and fall asleep. Together you can explore our range of gentle, kind and magically sleepy characters and their journey towards sweet dreams and deep, enjoyable sleep. Try the app together our recommended bedtime routine based on established sleep science. With Stella, moments of calm relaxation will soon be your child's favourite time of day!
Our best suggestions to help your child fall asleep
- Promote sleep hygiene
- Pick a toy or blanket for the night
- Make the bedroom (especially the bed) a no-screen zone, even during the day
- Set the thermostat to a slightly cooler temperature
- Use dark curtains to block out light
- Use a nightlight if they're scared of the dark
- Let them take a warm bath or shower before bed
- Let them relax by reading a light book, singing a lullaby or listening to a sleep story
- Provide a regular schedule
- Arrange a balanced schedule for their daily activities with interspersed periods of rest and play
- Put them to bed at a regular time
- Have a set bedtime routine
- Provide regular mealtimes throughout the day
- No stress around bedtime
- Avoid conflict around bedtime
- Use low-affective strategies for dealing with your child
- Set aside plenty of time for a bedtime routine
- Avoid excitement or intensive activities immediately prior to bedtime
- Avoid topics or activities that can cause anxiety or stress
What our users say ❤️
- "My girl loves these wonderful stories! Stella has made bedtime into a calm and easy routine."
- "My kids love Stella and request the stories about Theo the bear every night!"
- "My kid wakes up in the night a lot and Stella really helps to help him fall back asleep. It's easy to use and well worth the subscription."
Unlock bedtime.
Download Stella Sleep today!
Unlock bedtime.
Download Stella Sleep today!
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