An important new University of Michigan study has found that children who have their tonsils removed are likely to sleep and behave better a year later.
An especially significant finding was that about half of the children in the study who had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) no longer had the symptoms of this disorder after the surgery. Doctor exams also showed cognitive advancement and improvements in adolescent behaviors.
The data was collected from “rigorous tests” of sleep and breathing at night, according to an article about this study published in the journal Pediatrics. The U-M researchers said this doesn’t necessarily prove a connection, yet, but does say many children with attention and sleep problems may benefit from having their tonsils out.
Sheryl James is a former EduGuide editor from Brighton, Michigan.