On our way home yesterday in the car, we heard on a radio program that up to 40 % ( or more) of kids these days do not get enough sleep. Doctors and experts agree that our kids need between 12 and 15 hours of sleep per night. Now I know that my kids are in that 40 % because they do not get that amount of sleep per night and our oldest who is 4 years old does not take a nap anymore during the day. Our youngest, almost 16 months, takes about an hour long nap everyday so he is probably not getting enough sleep either. Sleep is very important for a child's well being and overall health. So, how do we get our kids to sleep more? Should we encourage a more strict bedtime routine? What other things can I do for a 4 year old to get him to sleep his "recommended" amount of sleep each night?