The Follow-Up: The Hidden Impact of Poor Sleep

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Does your child snore, mouth breathe, or seem “wired” instead of tired? Are they struggling with sleep—or is something bigger going on?

In this follow-up episode with sleep expert Dr. Shelby Harris, we dive deep into the connection between sleep, behavior, and diagnoses like ADHD. If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your child’s sleep issues are causing daytime struggles—or if the behavioral struggles are disrupting sleep—this episode is for you.

We cover:

• 🧠 How sleep deprivation can mimic ADHD symptoms

• 😴 When to suspect sleep apnea—and what signs often get missed

• 👃 Why mouth breathing in babies and toddlers isn’t “just cute”

• 🕵🏽‍♀️ The questions to ask before jumping to medication or a diagnosis

• 💊 A balanced, science-based look at melatonin (when it can help—and when to pause)

• 🛏️ Real-life stories from Dr. Shelby and Dr. Mona’s parenting journeys

Plus:
💬 How sleep quality impacts everything from emotional regulation to anxiety—and what to look out for at every age.

This episode is all about empowering you with information, not guilt. Because before we assume it’s “just behavior,” we need to explore what’s happening at night.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your child’s sleep. It just might be the missing piece.

Struggling with your child's sleep? The Essential Guide to Children's Sleep: a Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage offers expert tips and easy tools for every age and stage-so you (and your kid) can finally rest.

Written by three psychologists (Drs. Roth, Shale and Harris) who are specialists in pediatric behavioral sleep medicine and child psychology, this book is packed with information to help anxious kids and tired parents learn the necessary tips and tricks to help everyone on the road to better sleep.

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