Though having a tonsillectomy will improve your life in the long run, there's no denying that the recovery period can be a little stressful. As well as dealing with a certain amount of discomfort, many people find it hard to get a good night's sleep after having their tonsils out. When you're already feeling a little off your game after the operation, a lack of sleep can really take its toll.
With that in mind, here are just four things you can do to improve your sleep after a tonsillectomy.
1. Use a Humidifier
It's important to keep your throat moist while recovering from a tonsillectomy, which is why you'll often be told to drink plenty of water or chew ice. However, you can't do that while you're sleeping, and the fact that you're likely to start breathing through your mouth after surgery due to swelling can contribute to dryness in the throat. One of the best ways to get around this is by using a humidifier. Placed by your bed, it will at least keep the air moist and help prevent your throat getting too dry.
2. Prop Yourself Up
When you sleep lying down or with your head only slightly propped up by a pillow, your airways tend to get a little constricted – this is why people with sleep apnoea are often advised to invest in an adjustable bed that keeps them slightly seated through the night. You probably don't want to buy an adjustable bed just to recover from a tonsillectomy, but you can stack some more pillows behind your back and head to keep your upper body higher than your lower body.
3. Resist Napping
Sleeping might be tough after a tonsillectomy, but many patients have no trouble napping. You'll often be put on medication, and that can make you feel a little dazed. You may also simply feel tired due to the recovery process or feel like napping through the day when you aren't getting a full night of sleep. Unfortunately, taking naps is going to make it all the more difficult to get a full seven to eight hours at night.
4. Talk to Your Doctor About Pain Meds
If pain is making you miss sleep, you should consider talking to your doctor about pain medication – even if you're already on some, they might be able to prescribe something a little stronger. Your doctor won't always consider it advisable to provide stronger medication, but it's still worth asking if pain is keeping you up at night.
Contact a local ENT clinic for more information about tonsil removal surgery.
