EP 39: Kids Sleep + Low Iron with Dr. Michelle Hjelm

Send us Fan Mail What if your child is getting enough hours of sleep but still isn’t getting the quality sleep their body needs? In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels sits down with pediatric pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Michelle Hjelm to talk about what healthy sleep looks like in kids, what can disrupt it, and why iron and ferritin sometimes play a role. They break down restless sleep, periodic limb movements, sleep apnea, and the signs parents may notice during the day, including irritability, tiredness, and trouble focusing. Dr. Hjelm also explains when a sleep study is needed, why ferritin treatment can take months, and why iron doesn’t work for every child. Plus, they discuss bedtime routines, nighttime snacks, appetite hormones, and simple ways families can support better sleep while working with their healthcare team. What You’ll Learn: How sleep stages work in children and why sleep quality matters just as much as total hours. Signs that restless sleep or periodic limb movements may be affecting your child’s sleep and daytime behavior. Why ferritin and iron can play a role in sleep movement disorders and why normal iron levels do not always tell the whole story. What parents can expect from iron treatment, including ferritin goals, absorption, lab checks, and treatment timelines. How sleep affects mood, learning, appetite, blood sugar, immune health, and overall well-being. Practical ways to support sleep through routines, bedtime snacks, and conversations with your child’s healthcare team. Reach out to Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-hjelm-md-mmm-63524917a/ Episode highlights: (3:20) How sleep stages work in babies and children (6:47) The main causes of poor sleep in kids (8:20) When a child may need a sleep study (10:51) Signs of periodic limb movements and restless sleep (13:59) How iron and dopamine may affect restless sleep (16:24) How common movement-related sleep disorders are in children (18:25) The connection between ADHD and restless sleep (19:49) Why ferritin matters and how the body stores iron (21:56) Ferritin goals, iron absorption, and treatment timelines (23:24) When IV iron may be considered (24:49) Why better sleep can take weeks or months (27:05) How poor sleep affects behavior, learning, mood, and health (30:33) Sleep, hunger hormones, appetite, and blood sugar (33:02) Nighttime snacks and what to consider before bed (34:39) What the internet often gets wrong about ferritin and sleep NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.