Do you or your kids have enlarged tonsils? If so, you may be aware of the challenges that come with bedtime. Enlarged tonsils can cause snoring and sleep apnea, which can not only be disruptive to your quality of life, but can also pose a health risk. In this article, we will discuss some best practices for sleeping with enlarged tonsils so that you and your family can get the rest you need.
What are Enlarged Tonsils?
Tonsils are two small glands at the back of the throat that help to fight off infection. However, when they become inflamed and swollen, they are considered enlarged. Enlarged tonsils can cause a variety of issues, ranging from difficulty swallowing and snoring to sleep apnea and upper respiratory tract infections.
Best Practices for Sleeping with Enlarged Tonsils
Here are some useful best practices for sleeping with enlarged tonsils that you may find helpful:
1. Improving Sleep Environment
Improving your sleeping environment can be helpful when trying to get a good night’s sleep with enlarged tonsils. Make sure that the room is as dark as possible, as the light can make it difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, get rid of any loud noises in the room that may disturb your sleep, and use a white noise machine if necessary.
2. Staying Cool
Staying cool can also be helpful when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep with enlarged tonsils. Keep the bedroom as cool as possible, as both hot and cold temperatures can make it difficult to sleep soundly. Covering up with a lightweight blanket can also help regulate body temperature, which can help with sleep quality.
3. Keeping the Air Moist
Enlarged tonsils can cause one to snore, and snoring can be exacerbated if the air in the bedroom is too dry. Keep the air moist to reduce snoring, which can help improve sleep for those with enlarged tonsils. Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and to help soothe and open the nasal passages.
4. Changing Sleep Positions
Sleeping on your back can cause an increased likelihood of snoring for those with enlarged tonsils. Change the sleep position to either side to decrease the chances of snoring. Additionally, adding a pillow or a rolled up towel between the knees and under the chin can help to keep the airway open, which can improve breathing and reduce snoring.
5. Seeing a Doctor for Diagnosis
If you find that the best practices for enlarged tonsils do not seem to help, it may be time to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. A doctor can help you figure out if your tonsils are indeed enlarged and can provide treatment options. Treatment may include sleep studies, medications or surgery, depending on the severity of the enlarged tonsils.
6. Lifestyle changes
Simple changes in lifestyle can also be beneficial in managing the symptoms of enlarged tonsils. For instance, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and getting regular exercise all can help to decrease snoring and increase the chances of getting a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Enlarged tonsils can cause many of us to lose out on valuable sleep. However, there are some best practices that can help manage the symptoms. Keep the bedroom as dark and cool as possible, use a white noise machine, keep the air moist, sleep on the side instead of the back, and see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, making lifestyle changes can also be helpful, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and exercising regularly. By following these best practices, you may find that you get the good night’s sleep you deserve.