Exploring the Link Between Headache, Possible Sleep Bruxism and Self-Medication in Adolescents
M C P do Nascimento1, J F O L Batista1, L G L Júnior1
1School of Dentistry of Pernambuco, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 22, 2025
Summary
Headaches and sleep bruxism are common in adolescents. This study found a link between primary headaches and possible sleep bruxism, with females and those with bruxism being more likely to experience headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Adolescent Health
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Headaches and sleep bruxism are prevalent conditions affecting adolescents.
- The relationship between primary headaches and sleep bruxism in this demographic remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between primary headaches and possible sleep bruxism in adolescents.
- To identify factors associated with headaches in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 567 adolescents (14-19 years) in Recife, Brazil.
- Data collected via questionnaires assessing sociodemographics, self-medication, and headache disability.
- Possible sleep bruxism diagnosed using international consensus criteria; statistical analyses included Pearson's chi-square and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- Headaches affected 40.6% of adolescents, while possible sleep bruxism was present in 10.6%.
- Headaches were significantly associated with female gender, guardian's employment, possible sleep bruxism, and self-medication for headaches (p < 0.05).
- Adolescents with possible sleep bruxism were nearly twice as likely to experience headaches.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between primary headaches and possible sleep bruxism in adolescents.
- Female adolescents and those with possible sleep bruxism face a higher likelihood of experiencing headaches.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering sleep bruxism in the management of adolescent headaches.
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