How to Tell If Your Child's Tonsils Are Affecting Their Sleep

Ever heard of a kid getting their tonsils removed? While it isn't always necessary, it's a somewhat common procedure for children and is occasionally performed on adults as well. Doctors may recommend tonsil removal, and potentially the removal of their counterparts, the adenoids, if the tonsils or adenoids are interfering with a child's sleep. But how can you tell if this is the case for your child? At 5 Little Monkeys, we're on a mission to help kids everywhere get better, healthier sleep – so here are our tips on how to tell if your child's tonsils or adenoids are affecting their sleep.

4 Signs Your Child May Need a Tonsillectomy

The function of the tonsils is to clean and filter air as a first line of defense for the body. But sometimes, the tonsils may be more trouble than they're worth. If a child's tonsils are slightly larger than normal, they may interfere with breathing, and tonsils can also be a source of repeat throat infections, both of which may make removing them a net-positive. Here are 4 signs your child may benefit from a tonsillectomy:

• Frequent Throat Infections: If your child gets throat infections that include fever and swollen lymph nodes more than 5 times per year, the tonsils may be the culprit. If this is true for your child, you'll probably want to schedule a doctor's appointment to investigate.
• Snoring: Occasionally snoring is normal for everyone, but if your child snores at least 4 nights every week, it may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which tonsils can contribute to. 
• Excessive Daytime Tiredness: Sleep apnea can rob a child of proper sleep, which means excessive drowsiness during the day is a common symptom. And if the tonsils are contributing to the sleep apnea, it may be best to remove them.
• Bed Wetting: Sleep apnea can show up in a range of symptoms, and bed-wetting may be one of them. If your child persistently wets the bed in addition to any of these other symptoms, tonsil-related sleep apnea may be at play. 

Get the Best Mattress for Children On the Market

While these signs may indicate your child would benefit from a tonsillectomy, the only way to know for sure is through an evaluation with your pediatrician or an ENT. And when it comes to sleep, it's always better to be safe than sorry! Tonsils aren't the only thing that contribute to the quality of a child's sleep, though, and your child's bed can have a serious impact. At 5 Little Monkeys, we've worked hard to create a kids bed that gives growing bodies what they need for truly restful, healthy sleep. Want to see the difference for yourself? Try our kid's mattress risk-free today!