Do Objective Sleep Metrics and Psychosocial Profiles Differ in the Presence of Possible Awake Bruxism in Patients...

Poor sleep quality and psychosocial impairment are reported to be important aetiological factors for the presence of awake bruxism (AB) although with its absence of certainty. Therefore, this preliminary study aimed to investigate the relation between polysomnography (PSG) objective sleep metrics and psychosocial factors in the presence of possible AB in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) individuals.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 38 OSA individuals (47.02 ± 15.01 years). All participants underwent in-laboratory PSG, and objective sleep metrics were analysed. The presence of possible AB was evaluated by the Oral Behaviour Checklist (OBC), and psychosocial factors were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Student's t-test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were performed for proper comparisons (significance level of 5%).

39.47% (15 individuals) were diagnosed with possible AB. Objective sleep metrics and psychosocial variables did not significantly differ between those with and without possible AB (p > 0.050).

This study elucidates that sleep quality and psychosocial profile seem not to be different regarding possible AB presence when analysed by PSG recording. More studies comparing the subjective and objective sleep parameters and the real role of psychosocial variables in the presence of AB should be performed.