If you live with frequent jaw pain, simple tasks can be difficult, like chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth to take a big bite of a juicy hamburger. A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can significantly affect your quality of life. However, you might be surprised to learn that it can also affect your sleep. With 44 million Americans having a variant of a TMJ disorder, here’s what you need to know about its effects on getting a good night’s rest.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. When they function incorrectly, it can cause a variety of symptoms, like facial pain, your mouth locking in one position, and even ringing in your ears. While many factors contribute to a TMJ disorder, it can often be a symptom of another condition, like a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. In some cases, it can even affect your ability to feel adequately rested in the morning.
Can a TMJ Disorder Affect Your Sleep?
Your jaw functions may not seem related to your sleep quality, but there are clear connections between TMD and poor sleep. Jaw pain has been linked to many issues that can cost you a good night’s rest, like:
Sleep Apnea
22 million Americans have sleep apnea, but 2-4% of all adults are undiagnosed. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapsing. This creates an obstruction that blocks airflow, causing several pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. Each interruption in breathing disrupts your sleep cycle, which can lead to daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and much more. With no treatment, sleep apnea can cause potentially life-threatening complications, like an increased risk of heart disease.
Bruxism
TMJ and bruxism often go hand in hand. Bruxism is a subconscious habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, often while sleeping. The pressure and friction can cause inflammation and trigger TMJ symptoms. However, TMJ can also cause bruxism flares. No matter the reason, dental or jaw pain from grinding can make it almost impossible to fall asleep.
Nighttime Headaches
It’s not uncommon for TMJ sufferers to experience headaches, neck pain, and even earaches. Since there are fewer distractions at night, it can be difficult to focus on anything else but your pain, making it almost impossible to drift off to sleep.
Thankfully, your dentist has the solutions you need to get some rest. They’ll determine the cause of your TMJ to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include a mouthguard to create a cushion between your upper and lower teeth to treat bruxism. If sleep apnea is the culprit, they may recommend an oral appliance to reposition your jaw to keep your airway open. A better night’s sleep is possible with an effective solution for TMJ therapy.
About Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca
Dr. Gorczyca earned her dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education in many specialties. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through our website or call (702) 602-4000.