Exploring the Link Between Headache, Possible Sleep Bruxism and Self-Medication in Adolescents

Adolescents predominantly suffer from headaches and sleep bruxism. Yet, the association between both conditions remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between primary headaches and possible sleep bruxism in adolescents.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 24 to October 13, 2022, with 567 adolescents (aged 14-19 years old) from public schools in Recife, Brazil. Data were collected via questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, self-medication and the Paediatric Migraine Disability Assessment. Possible sleep bruxism was diagnosed based on international consensus criteria. Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate analysis were used for statistical evaluation (p < 0.05).

The sample comprised 567 students, predominantly female (54.1%) and aged 16-17 years old (65.1%). Most attended school full-time (61.6%), had employed guardians (57.5%) and had a family income around the minimum wage (44.3%). Possible sleep bruxism was identified in 10.6% of adolescents, while headaches affected 40.6%. Over-the-counter medication use was reported by 70.2%, with 68.8% specifically self-medicating for headaches. Headaches were associated with gender, guardian's employment status, possible sleep bruxism and self-medication for headache (p < 0.05).

Primary headaches were associated with possible sleep bruxism. Female adolescents and those with possible sleep bruxism were nearly twice as likely to experience headaches.