They often develop better memory, concentration, and longer attention spans. With plenty of sleep, they may also recover from illness faster. Growth spurts are accelerated during sleep, as the human growth hormone is released.
Behavioral problems can even result from lack of sleep.
While children may seem anything but sleepy at bedtime, they still may be. Their bouncing around the room behavior may be masking sleep deprivation. Two year olds normally need 13 hours of sleep a day, including naps. School-aged children need about 10 hours of sleep. Most teenagers need a good 9 hours of sleep at night to be alert during the day.