A temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also known as a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), can cause jaw pain, discomfort and other symptoms. But did you know that TMD can also interfere with your sleep?
In this post, the team at Naperville Dental Specialists will shed light on how TMD impacts sleep quality and may even contribute to sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Of course, we’ll also share tips and solutions to relieve TMJ pain and help you enjoy more restful nights.
What Causes TMD and How Does it Affect Sleep?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the jaw to the skull on either side of the face. TMD, commonly referred to as a TMJ disorder, is a condition that involves dysfunction of the TMJ or its related components, such as the cartilage, chewing muscles, etc. What causes TMD? It can result from:
- Jaw injuries or trauma
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
- Stress and muscle tension in the jaw
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
When the TMJ isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and muscle tension, often worsening at night and interrupting sleep.
A 2022 study published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that patients with chronic TMD had considerably lower sleep quality compared to healthy controls. The impaired sleep quality in TMD patients was associated with a number of clinical factors, including older age, female gender, and the presence of a TMD-related headache. The subjects with chronic TMD also were more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Can TMJ Cause Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, often due to the collapse of soft tissues in the throat, causing a temporary cessation of breathing. While TMD doesn’t directly cause sleep apnea, it can contribute to or exacerbate the condition.
A 2013 study in the Journal of Dental Research also found a “significant association” between OSA and TMD. Subjects with OSA were much more likely to develop TMD. More research needs to be done on causation but the link is there. This connection means that treating one condition often improves the other, leading to better sleep quality.
It’s thought that in an effort to compensate for the reduction in oxygen that occurs with OSA, patients may shift or clench their jaw and/or grind their teeth while sleeping, putting pressure on the TMJs and causing TMD.
In other cases, a structural issue, such as an underdeveloped upper jaw, leads to TMD and a narrow airway, resulting in OSA.
What are the Signs That TMD or Sleep Apnea Is Impacting Sleep?
TMD can cause headaches and make it difficult to get comfortable, leading to frequent awakenings and unrestful sleep. Common signs that TMD or sleep apnea is affecting your sleep include:
- Jaw pain or soreness upon waking
- Morning headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Snoring or waking up gasping for air
- Daytime sleepiness even after a full night’s sleep
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating
These symptoms highlight the importance of addressing both TMD and sleep apnea to improve sleep quality and overall health.
How to Sleep with TMJ Pain and Minimize Discomfort
These tips on how to sleep with TMJ pain can help ease discomfort:
- Sleep on Your Side: When you sleep on your back, gravity can further narrow the airway. Research suggests sleeping on your side may improve OSA and TMD symptoms.
- Use a Supportive Pillow: A supportive pillow that keeps the head aligned with the spine can minimize jaw tension.
- Warm Compress Before Bed: Applying a warm compress to the jaw before bed can relax muscles and relieve TMJ pain.
- Wear a Custom Oral Appliance: Wearing a TMJ appliance supports the joints, promoting healing. There are also splints that address TMD and sleep apnea in one by shifting the jaw forward, which takes pressure off the joints and keeps the airway open.
Effective TMD Pain Relief and Treatment Options
For those dealing with chronic TMD and associated sleep issues, there are several treatment options for TMD pain relief:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises strengthen the jaw muscles, improve flexibility and reduce pain.
- Oral Appliances: Custom oral appliances, such as night guards or a TMJ splint, relieve jaw strain, prevent grinding and align the jaw during sleep.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and pain relievers can provide temporary relief.
- Stress Management: Since stress often worsens teeth grinding and jaw tension, managing stress can alleviate TMD symptoms.
- Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to address TMJ issues. However, this is always the last resort.
Oral Appliance Therapy for TMD and Sleep Apnea
At Naperville Dental Specialists, we’re proud to offer TMJ appliances and custom mandibular advancement splints. If you suffer from both TMD and sleep apnea, a mandibular advancement splint could be a great option.
The oral appliance gently moves the lower jaw forward, which tightens the soft tissues and muscles in the upper airway, preventing them from collapsing while you sleep. It also takes the pressure off the TMJs and cushions against the forces from bruxism, helping with TMJ pain and dysfunction.
Additionally, a mandibular advancement splint stops the soft tissues in the airway from vibrating as air passes over them, addressing a primary cause of snoring. Many patients prefer a custom oral appliance over more invasive alternatives for its comfort, ease and effectiveness.
When to Seek Treatment for TMD and Sleep Issues
If TMD is disrupting your sleep or contributing to sleep apnea, it’s time to consult with a dental professional. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing pain and improving sleep. At Naperville Dental Specialists, our team offers customized TMD and sleep apnea treatments to help you enjoy more restful nights and better health.
Connect with a Naperville TMJ and Sleep Apnea Expert Today!
Addressing both TMD and sleep apnea can have a major impact on your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with TMD symptoms or suspect you have sleep apnea, schedule a consultation at Naperville Dental Specialists today!
