verb (used with or without object), bifurcated, bifurcating. 1. to divide or fork into two branches. adjective. 2. divided into two branches.
Advertisement. By the Numbers. According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns should sleep 12 to 18 hours out of every 24 (every new parent hopes), with a gradual reduction to 12 to 14 hours for toddlers ages 1 to 3; 11 to 13 hours for preschoolers 3 to 5; and (yes!) 10 to 11 hours for schoolchildren ages 5 to 10.
Children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Most 5 and 6 year olds no longer nap. Because children are busy with school and outside activities as well as computers, video games and television, they need to adhere to a regular bedtime and routine. Sleep disorders are common at this age.