Relationship Between Sleep Disturbances and Non-Odontogenic Orofacial Pain and Its Impact on Quality of Life: A...

Non-odontogenic orofacial pain (OFP) is a common presentation in oral medicine and frequently co-occurs with sleep disturbances. Health-related and oral health-related quality of life (HRQoL/OHRQoL) are clinically meaningful outcomes; however, the relationship between sleep disturbances and quality of life (QoL) across non-odontogenic OFP conditions has not been comprehensively synthesised. This systematic review investigated the relationship between sleep disturbances and non-odontogenic OFP in adults and assessed their impact on HRQoL and OHRQoL. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL Ultimate were searched from inception to November 2025. Eligible studies included adults with non-odontogenic OFP, assessed sleep disturbance using validated or self-reported measures, and reported QoL outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Due to heterogeneity, results were synthesised narratively. Nine studies were included, encompassing temporomandibular disorders, burning mouth syndrome, painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy, and other chronic non-odontogenic OFP conditions. Across studies, poorer sleep was consistently associated with reduced QoL, including lower vitality, impaired daily functioning, greater emotional distress and increased pain-related interference. Sleep disturbances were consistently associated with reduced HRQoL/OHRQoL in adults with non-odontogenic OFP. Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in adults with non-odontogenic orofacial pain and are associated with meaningful reductions in both health-related and oral health-related quality of life. This review highlights the importance of considering sleep as a clinically relevant component of the assessment of chronic orofacial pain conditions, including temporomandibular disorders, burning mouth syndrome and painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy. Incorporating routine enquiry regarding sleep may facilitate identification of patients with greater functional, psychological, and pain-related burden, supporting a more comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to patient management. Recognition of sleep-related impairment may also assist clinical decision-making, improve communication with patients, and support timely interdisciplinary referral where indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Registration: CRD420251071445.