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Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep in humans
G J Lavigne1, P H Rompré, G Poirier
1Centre d'étude du sommeil, H pital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Québec, Canada. gilles.lavigne@umontreal.ca
Journal of Dental Research
|May 3, 2001
Summary
Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) occurs in most normal sleepers and sleep bruxers. Normal subjects show less frequent RMMA episodes than bruxers, suggesting a physiological role in sleep.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Neurology
- Physiology
Background:
- Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) is a common finding during sleep in both healthy individuals and those with sleep bruxism.
- Previous research suggests RMMA may be linked to sleep-related phenomena, but its prevalence and characteristics in normal subjects require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency and characteristics of RMMA during sleep between normal subjects and sleep bruxers.
- To investigate the potential physiological functions of RMMA in normal sleep.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnographic data were collected and analyzed from 82 normal subjects and 33 sleep bruxers.
- RMMA episodes were identified as sequences of three or more consecutive masseter electromyography (EMG) bursts.
- Sleep organization, RMMA episode frequency, burst count per episode, and amplitude were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- RMMA episodes were detected in nearly 60% of normal subjects, albeit at a lower frequency compared to sleep bruxers.
- Sleep architecture did not significantly differ between the two groups.
- Sleep bruxers exhibited twice the number of masseter muscle bursts per episode and higher amplitude episodes than normal subjects with RMMA.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of RMMA in normal subjects indicates it is a normal physiological event during sleep, not exclusive to bruxism.
- RMMA may be associated with sleep-related physiological functions, potentially including autonomic nervous system activation.