MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — A lack of sleep can affect much more than energy levels, especially for children.
UW Health Dr. Casey Freymiller says parents may notice behavioral changes before realizing sleep is the problem.
“Definitely see much more grumpiness. We can have emotional reactivity. Kids can go from zero to 60 really quick and then back down to zero. And it can be hard for parents to know like, why is my child acting like this? Sleep can be a big part of it,” Freymiller said.
Freymiller says sleep also plays a key role in growth, learning, and memory, making a consistent sleep schedule important year-round.