[A two-sample Mendelian randomization study on the association between temporomandibular disorder and insomnia]

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Sleep Medicine

Context:

• Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a prevalent condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles.
• Insomnia is a common sleep disorder with significant public health implications.
• The etiological relationship between TMD and insomnia remains incompletely understood.

Purpose:

• To investigate the potential causal association between TMD and insomnia.
• To determine if TMD is a risk factor for insomnia.
• To assess if insomnia is a risk factor for TMD using a robust genetic approach.

Summary:

• Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed using large genome-wide association study datasets for TMD (n=377,277) and insomnia (n=375,359).
• MR analysis revealed a significant causal effect of TMD on insomnia (OR=1.089, P=0.014).
• No significant causal effect of insomnia on TMD was detected (OR=0.996, P=0.816), and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.

Impact:

• This study provides strong evidence that TMD is a risk factor for insomnia.
• The findings suggest that interventions targeting TMD may help mitigate insomnia risk.
• Understanding this unidirectional causal link can inform clinical management and public health strategies for both conditions.