Any parent knows that having a young child means sleeping less than you ever thought was possible. However, the short sleep may be affecting your health.

A recent Australian study finds that parents of infants and toddlers who said that their children had sleeping problems also reported poor physical health and emotional distress. Both mothers and fathers with infants were equally at-risk, but in families with older children, researchers found that moms fared worse. Their health is more adversely affected because they're usually the ones who deal with the sleep problems.

The message, say researchers, is clear. In short, if your child is having sleep problems, don't just "deal with it," see a pediatrician. There are a variety of techniques to get your child into a normal sleeping pattern, and doctors can help.

If nothing else, you'll feel better for it.