One in three toddlers - and one in five teenagers - don't get enough sleep, newly-released guidelines say.
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Updated guidelines on weight management for children have been released, and for the first time they formally recognise the importance of quality sleep.
The guidelines set an expectation for primary care to be regularly monitoring height, weight and growth for all children, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said.
"This is the first time we are formally recognising the importance of quality sleep for children and young people as an aspect of weight management," Mr Coleman said.
"We know that quality sleep is associated with better emotional development and academic achievement."
Emma Purdue, who set up Baby Sleep Consultants, said acknowledging the importance of sleep this was a big step forward.
"Sleep regulates, mood and appetite so getting sleeping patterns right at a young age sets up weight management for life."
People needed to understand sleep was a biological necessity, not a luxury, Ms Purdue said.
"We can survive longer without food than we can with sleep.
"I think parents are starting to recognise the importance of sleep, but some are still surprised when when let them know just how important it is for children's health."
Working on healthy sleep patterns as early as possible would set children up for life, she said.
