Sleep is one of the most important contributors to your health. Sadly, many people do not get enough of it, or the sleep they do get is poor-quality. While there are quite a few possible reasons behind a lack of high-quality sleep, one often-overlooked factor is TMJ disorder (TMD). In this blog post, you will learn more about this connection and the steps that may help you enjoy better rest night after night.
TMD and Poor Sleep — How Are They Connected?
You have two jaw joints, which are also called temporomandibular joints (TMJs). When they become damaged or inflamed, TMD is the result. Many symptoms are associated with this disorder, including jaw pain, chewing difficulty, headaches, and poor sleep.
One possible reason for this connection is that TMD often occurs alongside bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). This can cause micro-arousals during sleep; although you may not be aware of these episodes, they can disrupt your sleep cycle and prevent you from fully benefiting from it.
You may also have some airway problems. A poorly aligned jaw, which is a major factor in many TMD cases, can affect how well you breathe at night. You may experience episodes where your breathing is partially or fully obstructed, which causes your body to go into panic mode before you start breathing again. This condition, known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, can prevent you from spending adequate time in the deeper stages of sleep.
TMD can even play a role in poor sleep in less direct ways. For example, frequent headaches or sore facial muscles could keep you awake. You may also experience heightened stress levels, which could cause bad dreams, bouts of insomnia, and other sleep-related problems.
What Can You Do?
In most cases, a dental professional is the best person to treat TMD. They understand the anatomy of the jaw joints and surrounding structures, and they offer a range of treatments. Sometimes, conservative care is all that is necessary. For example, home remedies (such as a soft diet or heat/cold therapy), a custom oral splint, or minor bite adjustments may relieve stress on your TMJs and improve sleep quality. For severe TMD, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Your dentist or oral surgeon can also evaluate your airway and determine if you need additional care for obstructive sleep apnea. A custom oral appliance or CPAP machine are the most common solutions for OSA, though surgery may be required in certain cases.
TMD may be ruining your sleep! For better health and easier nights, seek care from a qualified provider.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston is proud to work under the leadership of five highly skilled oral surgeons. We provide advanced treatments for both TMJ disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. If you are struggling with poor sleep, jaw pain, or related symptoms, we can guide you on your next steps. Contact our office at 713-783-5560.