Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can obstruct the upper airway and cause sleep disturbances that often go undiagnosed in children. Depending on their severity, sleep disorders can impact a child's health, behavior, and quality of life and may lead to inattentiveness.. Teachers and daycare providers have the unique opportunity to observe children in situations where many of these problems appear. For that reason, it is important for teachers and daycare providers to recognize the common symptoms of sleep disorder and know when it's time to talk to the child's parents.
For that reason, it is important for teachers and daycare providers to recognize the signs of sleep problems. According to the National Institutes of Health1, a person may not be getting enough sleep if they are:
- Struggling to stay awake when reading
- Having difficulty paying attention or concentrating
- Having performance problems at school
- Often looking sleepy
- Having difficulty remembering facts and people
- Having difficulty controlling emotions
- Taking frequent or prolonged naps
- Acting out or irritability
Many children with sleep problems become active or agitated rather than lethargic or listless.
Guide for speaking to parents
Sleep problems are not uncommon in children and may not be an indication of an underlying physical of psychological problem. However, undiagnosed or untreated sleep problems can have significant consequences. If you notice a decrease in a child's performance, concentration, or memory or changes in behavior and mood, it is important to let his or her parents know and talk to them about the possibility of a sleep disorder. Share your observations about the child's performance and behavior with his or her parents. Ask the parents if they have observed signs of sleep problems at home.
- Is the child having problems sleeping at night?
- Does the child snore at night?
- Does the child move frequently during the night?
- Does the child wake up frequently?
- Does the child's breathing pause during sleep?
- Does the child have difficulty breathing or swallowing?
- Does the child have problems with bedwetting?
If any of these symptoms are present, the parents should talk to their physician.
The information provided here is not intended or recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss any symptoms or treatment options with your primary care physician or an ENT specialist to review whether you or a loved one may be a candidate for a tonsillectomy
- Facts About Problem Sleepiness. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; 1997. NIH Publication No. 97-4071
