During what sleeping hours do kids grow "most"?

Question

I've heard that kids need around 7-8 hours of sleep, and that there is a period during those sleeping hours that is most effective in their growth spurt and when their height grows the most per se. What hours are most effective when it comes to growth in height for children? Any source provided will be much appreciated since it would be more reliable than a guess. Thanks in advance. 10 points for best answer!

Answer 1

good question: the growth occurs with the dispensing of certain brain hormones in the deep sleeping phase which is in the non-REM phase .  Early sleep includes Rapid Eye Movement (REM), and progresses to Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep.  These phases exchange a few times during one sleeping cycle

Here is a list from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep for further interresting reading:

Newborn up to 18 hours

1-12 months 14–18 hours

1-3 years 12-15 hours

3-5 years 11-13 hours

5-12 years 9-11 hours

Adolescents 9-10 hours

Adults, including elderly 7-8 (+) hours

Pregnant women 8 (+) hours