How A TMJ Disorder Might Be Affecting Your Sleep

Written By Anita Ginsburg / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

TMJ is a disorder that affects the jaw. It can cause pain and make it difficult to chew, which is bad enough. However, if you have TMJ, it may also be affecting your sleep in several different ways.

It's Often Worse At Night

Many individuals notice that their TMJ pain is worse at night. This can be caused by grinding or clenching the teeth. The pain can make it difficult for you to get a good night's sleep. The pain can fluctuate based on a variety of factors such as chewing habits and food choices. Those who chew a lot of gum during the day or bite their nails may notice that they have a lot of TMJ pain at night.

The Pain Can Be Unbearable

Some individuals may have pain that's almost impossible to deal with. It can keep them up all night and make sleep very difficult. If TMJ is keeping you up at night, you need to see your dentist. Dentists, like those at Silverstone Family Dental, can determine what the best treatment plan would be in order to help you deal with your TMJ pain. Medications, therapies, and oral devices all can be beneficial in treating TMJ-related pain.

Sleep Apnea Link

Those that suffer from sleep apnea tend to stop breathing for a second or two at a time when they are sleeping. This has to do with the airway closing. In addition to being dangerous, this can make it so you can’t get enough sleep. People with sleep apnea tend to feel tired throughout the day. Unfortunately, TMJ and sleep apnea do tend to go hand-in-hand. If you suspect that your TMJ may be contributing to sleep apnea, you need to see your dentist right away. They may order a sleep study to determine whether or not this is the case.

It Can Cause Headaches

It's not uncommon for TMJ to cause debilitating headaches. This pain is caused by TMJ pain radiating from the muscles in the cheeks to the top and sides of the head. If you have a headache, you may notice that it feels worse when you lay down. This can affect your sleep greatly.

If you have TMJ, it may be affecting your sleep in a variety of different ways. This is why you need to see your dentist in order to seek treatment. While TMJ is a nuisance, there are some ways it can be treated so that you can eliminate some of the pain and sleep better.


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