Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
09:33
3D Imaging of PDL Collagen Fibers during Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mandibular Murine Model
Published on: April 15, 2021
Mandibular posture during sleep in healthy adults
K Miyamoto1, M M Ozbek, A A Lowe
1Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Archives of Oral Biology
|December 5, 1998
Summary
During sleep, the mandible opens wider as non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep deepens. Mandibular posture is affected by sleep stage, not body position, with greater opening in REM sleep.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Oral Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Understanding mandibular posture during sleep is crucial for diagnosing sleep-related breathing disorders.
- Previous research has yielded conflicting results regarding the influence of sleep stage and body position on mandibular position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sleep stage and body position on vertical mandibular position during sleep.
- To determine if mandibular opening increases with sleep depth.
Main Methods:
- Vertical mandibular position was recorded intraorally using a magnet sensor in seven healthy adult males.
- Measurements were taken during wakefulness and different sleep stages (NREM and REM).
- Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA to assess the impact of sleep stage and body position.
Main Results:
- Vertical mandibular position was significantly affected by sleep stage but not by body position.
- Mandibular opening progressively increased with NREM sleep depth.
- Greater mandibular opening was observed during REM sleep compared to wakefulness and light NREM sleep.
Conclusions:
- Mandibular posture during sleep is significantly influenced by sleep stage, not body position.
- Progressive mandibular opening occurs with increasing NREM sleep depth.
- REM sleep is associated with more open mandibular posture than light NREM sleep.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Anatomical Positions
In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...