Cardiovascular autonomic control is disturbed in nocturnal teethgrinders

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Autonomic Nervous System Function
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Sleep bruxism is a common condition characterized by involuntary teeth grinding and clenching during sleep.
• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction has been anecdotally linked to bruxism, but empirical evidence is limited.
• Understanding the ANS role in bruxism may reveal underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that sleep bruxism is associated with disturbed autonomic function.
• To assess cardiovascular autonomic reflex function in individuals with sleep bruxism during the waking state.

Main Methods:

• Non-invasive cardiovascular reflex tests were administered to 11 sleep bruxists.
• Tests included the Valsalva maneuver, deep-breathing test, and orthostatic (standing) test.
• Continuous R-R interval and blood pressure monitoring (Finapres) were employed.

Main Results:

• 64% of bruxists exhibited abnormalities in at least two cardiovascular autonomic function variables.
• Impaired blood pressure regulation during Valsalva strain and abnormal heart rate response upon standing were observed.
• No significant abnormalities were found in the vagally mediated deep-breathing response.

Conclusions:

• Sleep bruxism is frequently accompanied by autonomic nervous system abnormalities.
• Findings indicate particular dysfunction in sympathetic vasoconstrictor function among bruxists.
• Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of ANS dysfunction in sleep bruxism.