Temporomandibular disorders and sleep disorders: which relationship?

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Dental Disorders
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common, often associated with subjective reports of poor sleep quality.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are significant sleep disorders impacting public health.
• Investigating potential links between TMD and sleep disorders like OSA and EDS is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a statistically significant association exists between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• To investigate the relationship between TMD and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
• To utilize validated questionnaires, the Douglass Sleep Disorders Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, for assessing sleep disorders in TMD patients.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 100 TMD patients and 100 matched controls.
• Participants completed the Douglass Sleep Disorders Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess sleep habits and disorders.
• Statistical analysis using the chi-squared test was performed to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant association was found between TMD and OSA.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was more prevalent in TMD patients (19%) compared to controls (10%).
• EDS was more frequently observed in TMD patients with myofascial pain; OSA was identified in a small number of TMD patients and controls.

Conclusions:

• Despite TMD patients reporting poor sleep, the prevalence of OSA was lower than TMD.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was present in a minority of TMD patients.
• The study did not establish a significant link between TMD and OSA or EDS, suggesting distinct underlying factors or prevalence rates.