The Link Between Sleep and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Literature Review
Carolina Marpaung

Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti

Abstract

Background: Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Both physical and mental health are significantly impacted by sleep quality and duration. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are not excluded from having a close relation to sleep quality and sleep disorders. Objective: The review discussed the relationship between sleep and temporomandibular disorders based on the available literature. Methods: A PubMed search was carried out with sleep and craniomandibular disorders as the mesh terms being used. The articles were screened based on sleep quality assessments and type of sleep disorders with their relation to TMD. Articles that were included were written in English language and published from 2014 to 2024. Review: Low sleep quality increases TMD patients^ pain perception, leading to increased pain sensitivity and altered pain processing. Although not as clear as with pain, the relation of sleep to function disorders of TMD is also indicated. The complex relationship between sleep, psychological factors, and TMD might explain the indication. Besides the quality, types of sleep disorders are also closely linked to TMD occurrence. Conclusion: Sleep has a complex relation to the incidence and persistence of TMD complaints.

Keywords: Temporomandibular Disorders, Sleep, Sleep quality, Pain

Topic: Prosthodontics