Waking with a headache? You might be grinding your teeth in your sleep, says expert
And while that might not sound like a big deal, the symptoms of bruxism – the medical term – could be ruining your smile and your sleep. Left untreated, complications of bruxism include expensive dental work, poor sleep quality and more.
So, to find out more about bruxism and why some people grind their teeth at night, we've spoken to the experts. We'll also take a closer look at how you can stop this damaging habit and get better sleep and when you should seek professional help.
Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching and it's way more common than you might think.
'Bruxism is a repetitive jaw activity. That can include clenching, grinding your teeth, or even sliding your jaw forward during sleep,' says Aaron Glick, DDS, CEO of Spira Dental in Houston, Texas.
About 30% of people will experience bruxism at some point
For most people, grinding their teeth happens subconsciously while they're asleep (aka sleep bruxism), though some people clench during the day, too (awake bruxism).
It's not just a noisy annoyance or a 'bad habit.' Grinding can lead to long-term dental damage, jaw soreness, disrupted sleep, and even headaches that linger for hours.
It's said that about 30% of people will experience bruxism at some point. While it seems to be a dental-related problem, bruxism is a sleep issue, too, since it can cause micro-arousals that you aren't aware of.
You don't need to hear yourself grinding to know you're doing it. 'If you're waking up with jaw soreness or tightness, morning headaches, earaches, or you notice your teeth are flatter or more sensitive, those are signs,' Dr. Nguyen says.
He mentions that changes in your bite or loosened fillings could also be clues.
Often, it's a partner who hears the grinding first. 'It can sound like chewing on your own teeth,' Dr. Nguyen says. But even if no one catches you in the act, your mouth will likely show signs.
More subtle symptoms of bruxism include:
Teeth grinding isn't one-size-fits-all and neither is the cause. Here are some of the most common reasons your jaw might be working overtime at night:
'The most common trigger we see is psychological stress,' says David Nguyen, DDS, CEO, URBN Dental, in Houston, Texas. Emotional tension and anxiety during the day often show up as clenching or grinding at night.
Stress, anxiety and depression can also impact your sleep in other ways, disrupting your sleep cycles and circadian rhythm and harming the quality of your rest.
Grinding is closely linked with disrupted sleep, including conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Dr. Glick sees the associations frequently in his dental practice that specializes in treating patients with OSA.
'Sleep bruxism often occurs as a result of micro-arousals, little blips in your sleep where your brain wakes up for just a few seconds,' says Dr. Glick.
These moments may follow a pause in breathing or oxygen dips that happen with sleep apnea, possibly leading to jaw muscle activity. Studies have shown that sleep bruxism is prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Some prescription drugs may increase your risk of grinding. 'Any medication that impacts serotonin or dopamine — like SSRIs, SNRIs, or stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin — can trigger muscle hyperactivity during sleep,' Dr. Nguyen says.
Dr. Click adds that methadone, certain antipsychotics and even medications for bipolar disorder can contribute as well.
"Using alcohol, nicotine/smoking or consuming high amounts of caffeine may spike your chances of nighttime clenching and grinding at night," says Dr. Glick.
That nightcap you sip to 'relax' after a stressful day not only hurts your ability to have a quality night's sleep but it could be one of the additional causes of bruxism.
While there's no universal cure, there are plenty of treatment options that can reduce bruxism symptoms and protect your smile. Both dentists stress the importance of understanding the root cause before jumping into solutions.
'Bruxism is multifactorial,' Dr. Nguyen says. 'We try to isolate the variables, whether it's stress, bite misalignment, or medication-related.' Talk to your primary care doctor and your dentist for a 360-degree approach to what might be causing bruxism and how to fix it.
Your dentist might recommend one or more of the following strategies:
Poor sleep hygiene can worsen teeth grinding by increasing nighttime awakenings and tension.
Dr. Glick explains that people who toss and turn or experience poor-quality sleep may be more prone to micro-arousals, when their brain wakes up for 3 to 10 seconds, which could result in the jaw muscles clenching.
Creating a regular sleep schedule, keeping your bedroom dark and cool, avoiding screens before bed and keeping evening alcohol to a minimum may help reduce episodes. Here's how to go to sleep earlier in 6 simple steps.
One of the most effective tools against bruxism? A professionally made night guard.
'Custom night guards position the jaw in the most comfortable place, called centric relation, which helps calm the jaw muscles and prevent damage,' Dr. Nguyen says.
He warns against over-the-counter drugstore versions, which may not align your bite correctly and could worsen the problem. They tend to cost between $400 to $700 but dental insurance usually covers 50 to 80 percent of the cost, Dr. Nguyen says.
People with a history of extensive dental work — like veneers, implants, or crowns — should always wear a mouthguard at night to avoid damaging those dental restorations.
Our experts said you might start to notice reduced symptoms of pain and tightness within two weeks of wearing a night guard but it might take up to a month for relief of irritating bruxism symptoms.
If anxiety is playing a role, it might be time to rethink your wind-down habits. Treating bruxism sometimes requires addressing the mental load you carry into sleep.
'When you're psychologically stressed out, it causes your nervous system to kind of overload while you're sleeping,' says Dr. Nguyen.
That could be one of the reasons your jaw muscles are working while you sleep. Find out how the stress hormone cortisol plays a role in your sleep.
A calming nighttime routine that involves activities like reading, meditation, breathing exercises and yoga can help.
For patients dealing with chronic stress or anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) done with a therapist can help manage the emotional triggers that contribute to nighttime grinding.
A therapist may also help identify behaviors in the patient that go unnoticed, like if they're unconsciously clenching while in the school pickup line, stuck in traffic or whenever a certain family member texts their phone.
Learning relaxation techniques as well as what causes tension could have a positive impact on someone's stress-induced bruxism.
When jaw pain is part of the picture, muscle relaxation techniques can provide relief. 'Some patients benefit from medications like muscle relaxants or even Botox to the jaw area (which would need to be readministered every three months), but we also encourage awareness exercises and biofeedback,' says Dr. Glick.
Simple strategies like setting reminders to check if your teeth are clenching during the day (like on that weekly work Zoom meeting?) can build awareness and prevent unconscious clenching.
Ask your dentist for specific exercises that might help with relaxing the jaw muscles and reducing overall tightness and tension in that area.
Maybe. It depends on the cause. 'Some people see their symptoms disappear after making lifestyle changes, like reducing stress or changing medications,' says Dr. Glick. He had one patient whose teeth grinding at night stopped when he retired from his job!
Some people see their symptoms disappear after making lifestyle changes
Try to resolve bruxism by finding ways to manage stress better, talking to your prescriber about medications you're on and their side effects and seeing if a custom mouth guard can solve the problem.
Overall, the best strategy to stay on top of teeth grinding is by protecting your teeth early and being aware of bruxism symptoms.
'Once the enamel layer is worn down and the dentin is exposed, you can develop significant sensitivity,' Dr. Nguyen says. In some cases, the next step is crowning the teeth.
As for whether you'll need a night guard forever? That varies. 'Stress comes and goes, so it's often better to wear the guard consistently,' Dr. Glick suggests. 'If your grinding is due to a structural issue like a misaligned bite, you might need ongoing support.'
Bruxism may seem like a harmless habit, but if left untreated, it can wreck your sleep, do a number on your jaw and cost you thousands in dental repairs.
The good news? Once you know the signs, you can take action.
If you're waking up with headaches, jaw pain or sensitivity, don't ignore it. Talk to your dentist or general practitioner about what's going on.
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3 days ago
- WIRED
What Your Nighttime Breathing Says About Your Health
Jul 30, 2025 7:00 AM Once dismissed as just snoring, sleep apnea is now emerging as an early warning sign for serious conditions like Alzheimer's, heart disease, and depression. Brain scan images are displayed on a tablet. Photograph:For decades, sleep disturbance was a punch line: the cartoon dad snoring, the disgruntled partner burying their head under a pillow. But science is beginning to paint a less jovial picture. Sleep apnea—a relatively common disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep—is now being taken seriously as a potential biomarker for a host of major health conditions, from cardiovascular disease to Alzheimer's, even anxiety and depression. 'Sleep is just as important for health as diet and exercise,' says Marishka Brown, director of the US National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. 'Poor sleep affects both your mental and physical health; it contributes to cardiovascular disease, increases all-cause mortality, and raises risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. And these impacts are independent—they're not just knock-on effects from something else. Sleep is foundational.' Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types of apnea, affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. It occurs when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, interfering with breathing and lowering oxygen levels. The brain responds by jolting the sleeper awake—sometimes hundreds of times a night—before letting them drift off again, often unaware. Sufferers may feel exhausted during the day and can experience memory problems. But more than this, the latest research suggests that sleep apnea may play an early and direct role in serious long-term illnesses, especially those affecting the brain. 'Traditionally, sleep apnea was thought of as a disorder that increases with age—especially in men—and leads to heart problems, maybe stroke,' says Bryce Mander, associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at UC Irvine. 'But over the last decade, it's become clearer that it's also a risk factor for neurological illnesses like Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.' Each pause of breath triggered by apnea causes a drop in oxygen levels and a surge in adrenaline for the sleeper. 'Over time, that raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke,' says Atul Malhotra, a sleep medicine specialist and professor at UC San Diego. 'There's strong evidence now that sleep apnea is not just a marker of being unfit. Lean people get sleep apnea too,' he adds. Hypoxemia—when oxygen levels in the blood are lower than normal—increases inflammation and oxidative stress on cells, explains Mander. 'It's associated with vascular pathology in the brain. So, your blood vessels become damaged, and that can damage the surrounding brain tissue,' he says. This damage can accelerate the trajectory of a disease like Alzheimer's or make the brain more vulnerable to it—and researchers now know the effects may appear years before outward symptoms. A 2015 New York University study found that people with sleep-disordered breathing developed mild cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's, up to 10 years earlier than those without. However, those who received treatment for their sleep apnea had the same onset age as those without sleep-disordered breathing. 'Duration of untreated illness is one of the biggest predictors of long-term damage,' says Mander. 'The longer you have OSA, the more havoc it can wreak on the body and the brain.' Notably, the research showed that apnea can manifest differently in REM sleep: 'A lot of the memory consolidation and emotional regulation … happens during REM,' Mander explains. 'If you're waking up during REM because of a breathing event, you're fragmenting that process. And if that's happening night after night for years, it adds up.' Early diagnosis, therefore, is critical—but it's currently falling short. Diagnosis frequently relies on a partner noticing loud snoring, an unreliable signal at best. 'The reality is, women—and especially pregnant women—have been overlooked when it comes to sleep disorders,' says Brown. 'Right now, our diagnostic standards for sleep apnea are based on a very narrow demographic—typically middle-aged men. But we know that women present differently.' 'What's classified as 'mild' apnea in a man could be moderate or even severe in a woman, particularly during pregnancy,' she adds. 'We've supported research in pregnant women that found even mild sleep-disordered breathing was an independent risk factor for maternal hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.' Wearable tech companies are racing to fill the diagnostic gap. Samsung's Galaxy Watch recently became the first wearable to receive De Novo authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration for detecting signs of OSA. But experts remain cautious. 'Wearables and home sleep tests are improving, but they're not yet a replacement for a full clinical diagnosis,' says Malhotra. 'They can give a false sense of security—people see a score and think they're fine when they're not.' Mander is also skeptical: 'They're not accurate enough to replace proper diagnosis,' he says. 'They might be better than nothing—as long as you treat them as one piece of information, not the full picture.' While smartwatches and rings can track metrics like heart rate variability, they're still not reliable at detecting breathing patterns, he adds. The gold standard in diagnosis is polysomnography, a clinical sleep study that monitors brain waves, oxygen, heart rate, and muscle activity. But this is expensive and time-consuming, and doesn't scale well. New home-based devices are now offering better options. Mander highlights WatchPAT, which uses finger, wrist, and chest sensors to detect apnea events by analyzing changes in blood vessels. There's also ARES, a wearable headband monitor that measures airflow, oxygen levels, and sleep position, and NightOwl, a fingertip device that received FDA approval in recent years. 'It's a big step forward, especially for reaching underserved populations who might not be able to access a sleep lab,' Mander says. Still, there are limitations. 'Right now, the home test doesn't know if you're awake or asleep, much less the sleep stage. It would probably miss people with REM-dominant OSA,' he says. 'If we have devices that can detect when these events are happening—in REM versus non-REM—that could help us pick up people earlier and reduce their risk.' Once diagnosed, CPAP—continuous positive airway pressure—remains the gold standard for treatment, despite being uncomfortable or claustrophobic for some users. It uses a small machine to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. 'CPAP improves symptoms, blood pressure, and we now have emerging evidence that it may reduce cardiovascular risk,' says Malhotra. For those who can't tolerate CPAP, new tools such as nasal inserts are emerging on the market. Some interventions are more unconventional—and yet surprisingly effective. 'There's an Australian study that showed learning the didgeridoo helped strengthen throat muscles and reduce OSA severity,' says Mander. 'It's a fun example, but it works.' Ultimately, the most critical step is awareness. 'We used to think snoring was just annoying or funny,' Malhotra says. 'Now we understand that it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you snore heavily or feel constantly tired, don't just brush it off—go see your doctor.'
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Waking with a headache? You might be grinding your teeth in your sleep, says expert
Whether you're waking up with sensitive teeth, headaches or muscle ache in your jaw, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep without knowing. And while that might not sound like a big deal, the symptoms of bruxism – the medical term – could be ruining your smile and your sleep. Left untreated, complications of bruxism include expensive dental work, poor sleep quality and more. So, to find out more about bruxism and why some people grind their teeth at night, we've spoken to the experts. We'll also take a closer look at how you can stop this damaging habit and get better sleep and when you should seek professional help. Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching and it's way more common than you might think. 'Bruxism is a repetitive jaw activity. That can include clenching, grinding your teeth, or even sliding your jaw forward during sleep,' says Aaron Glick, DDS, CEO of Spira Dental in Houston, Texas. About 30% of people will experience bruxism at some point For most people, grinding their teeth happens subconsciously while they're asleep (aka sleep bruxism), though some people clench during the day, too (awake bruxism). It's not just a noisy annoyance or a 'bad habit.' Grinding can lead to long-term dental damage, jaw soreness, disrupted sleep, and even headaches that linger for hours. It's said that about 30% of people will experience bruxism at some point. While it seems to be a dental-related problem, bruxism is a sleep issue, too, since it can cause micro-arousals that you aren't aware of. You don't need to hear yourself grinding to know you're doing it. 'If you're waking up with jaw soreness or tightness, morning headaches, earaches, or you notice your teeth are flatter or more sensitive, those are signs,' Dr. Nguyen says. He mentions that changes in your bite or loosened fillings could also be clues. Often, it's a partner who hears the grinding first. 'It can sound like chewing on your own teeth,' Dr. Nguyen says. But even if no one catches you in the act, your mouth will likely show signs. More subtle symptoms of bruxism include: Teeth grinding isn't one-size-fits-all and neither is the cause. Here are some of the most common reasons your jaw might be working overtime at night: 'The most common trigger we see is psychological stress,' says David Nguyen, DDS, CEO, URBN Dental, in Houston, Texas. Emotional tension and anxiety during the day often show up as clenching or grinding at night. Stress, anxiety and depression can also impact your sleep in other ways, disrupting your sleep cycles and circadian rhythm and harming the quality of your rest. Grinding is closely linked with disrupted sleep, including conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Glick sees the associations frequently in his dental practice that specializes in treating patients with OSA. 'Sleep bruxism often occurs as a result of micro-arousals, little blips in your sleep where your brain wakes up for just a few seconds,' says Dr. Glick. These moments may follow a pause in breathing or oxygen dips that happen with sleep apnea, possibly leading to jaw muscle activity. Studies have shown that sleep bruxism is prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Some prescription drugs may increase your risk of grinding. 'Any medication that impacts serotonin or dopamine — like SSRIs, SNRIs, or stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin — can trigger muscle hyperactivity during sleep,' Dr. Nguyen says. Dr. Click adds that methadone, certain antipsychotics and even medications for bipolar disorder can contribute as well. "Using alcohol, nicotine/smoking or consuming high amounts of caffeine may spike your chances of nighttime clenching and grinding at night," says Dr. Glick. That nightcap you sip to 'relax' after a stressful day not only hurts your ability to have a quality night's sleep but it could be one of the additional causes of bruxism. While there's no universal cure, there are plenty of treatment options that can reduce bruxism symptoms and protect your smile. Both dentists stress the importance of understanding the root cause before jumping into solutions. 'Bruxism is multifactorial,' Dr. Nguyen says. 'We try to isolate the variables, whether it's stress, bite misalignment, or medication-related.' Talk to your primary care doctor and your dentist for a 360-degree approach to what might be causing bruxism and how to fix it. Your dentist might recommend one or more of the following strategies: Poor sleep hygiene can worsen teeth grinding by increasing nighttime awakenings and tension. Dr. Glick explains that people who toss and turn or experience poor-quality sleep may be more prone to micro-arousals, when their brain wakes up for 3 to 10 seconds, which could result in the jaw muscles clenching. Creating a regular sleep schedule, keeping your bedroom dark and cool, avoiding screens before bed and keeping evening alcohol to a minimum may help reduce episodes. Here's how to go to sleep earlier in 6 simple steps. One of the most effective tools against bruxism? A professionally made night guard. 'Custom night guards position the jaw in the most comfortable place, called centric relation, which helps calm the jaw muscles and prevent damage,' Dr. Nguyen says. He warns against over-the-counter drugstore versions, which may not align your bite correctly and could worsen the problem. They tend to cost between $400 to $700 but dental insurance usually covers 50 to 80 percent of the cost, Dr. Nguyen says. People with a history of extensive dental work — like veneers, implants, or crowns — should always wear a mouthguard at night to avoid damaging those dental restorations. Our experts said you might start to notice reduced symptoms of pain and tightness within two weeks of wearing a night guard but it might take up to a month for relief of irritating bruxism symptoms. If anxiety is playing a role, it might be time to rethink your wind-down habits. Treating bruxism sometimes requires addressing the mental load you carry into sleep. 'When you're psychologically stressed out, it causes your nervous system to kind of overload while you're sleeping,' says Dr. Nguyen. That could be one of the reasons your jaw muscles are working while you sleep. Find out how the stress hormone cortisol plays a role in your sleep. A calming nighttime routine that involves activities like reading, meditation, breathing exercises and yoga can help. For patients dealing with chronic stress or anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) done with a therapist can help manage the emotional triggers that contribute to nighttime grinding. A therapist may also help identify behaviors in the patient that go unnoticed, like if they're unconsciously clenching while in the school pickup line, stuck in traffic or whenever a certain family member texts their phone. Learning relaxation techniques as well as what causes tension could have a positive impact on someone's stress-induced bruxism. When jaw pain is part of the picture, muscle relaxation techniques can provide relief. 'Some patients benefit from medications like muscle relaxants or even Botox to the jaw area (which would need to be readministered every three months), but we also encourage awareness exercises and biofeedback,' says Dr. Glick. Simple strategies like setting reminders to check if your teeth are clenching during the day (like on that weekly work Zoom meeting?) can build awareness and prevent unconscious clenching. Ask your dentist for specific exercises that might help with relaxing the jaw muscles and reducing overall tightness and tension in that area. Maybe. It depends on the cause. 'Some people see their symptoms disappear after making lifestyle changes, like reducing stress or changing medications,' says Dr. Glick. He had one patient whose teeth grinding at night stopped when he retired from his job! Some people see their symptoms disappear after making lifestyle changes Try to resolve bruxism by finding ways to manage stress better, talking to your prescriber about medications you're on and their side effects and seeing if a custom mouth guard can solve the problem. Overall, the best strategy to stay on top of teeth grinding is by protecting your teeth early and being aware of bruxism symptoms. 'Once the enamel layer is worn down and the dentin is exposed, you can develop significant sensitivity,' Dr. Nguyen says. In some cases, the next step is crowning the teeth. As for whether you'll need a night guard forever? That varies. 'Stress comes and goes, so it's often better to wear the guard consistently,' Dr. Glick suggests. 'If your grinding is due to a structural issue like a misaligned bite, you might need ongoing support.' Bruxism may seem like a harmless habit, but if left untreated, it can wreck your sleep, do a number on your jaw and cost you thousands in dental repairs. The good news? Once you know the signs, you can take action. If you're waking up with headaches, jaw pain or sensitivity, don't ignore it. Talk to your dentist or general practitioner about what's going on.
24-07-2025
1st pill for obstructive sleep apnea could be around the corner
The first oral pill for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be around the corner after pharmaceutical company Apnimed Inc. reported positive results from its stage III clinical trial. Currently, many people diagnosed with OSA patients require a machine that covers their nose or both the nose and mouth during sleep and delivers air through a mask to help keep their airways open. Apnimed's lead candidate AD109 showed "clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions" in airway obstruction after 26 weeks, the company said in a press release. AD109, a once-a-day pill, is a neuromuscular modulator that increases upper airway muscle tone, which is how contracted the muscles are in the upper airway. OSA patients treated with the medication saw a nearly 50% reduction in the severity from baseline at week 26, compared to 6.8% of those in the placebo group. The reduction was "significant" at the end of the study period, which concluded at 51 weeks. At the end of the trial, nearly 23% of participants saw "complete disease control." The results were part of Apnimed's 12-month study looking at the safety and efficacy of AD109 in adults with mild, moderate and severe OSA. AD109 was well-tolerated among participants with only mild or moderate adverse events. Which was consistent with prior studies, according to Apnimed. No serious adverse events were reported in the trial. "With two large Phase 3 studies now demonstrating a consistent and significant efficacy profile for AD109, we are closer to delivering the first oral pharmacotherapy for over 80 million U.S. adults with OSA," Dr. Larry Miller, CEO of Apnimed, said in a statement. "Given the scale of unmet need in OSA, where the majority of patients remain untreated, we believe AD109, as a simple once-daily oral drug, has the potential to expand and reshape the treatment landscape, which would represent a significant commercial opportunity for Apnimed." OSA is a sleep disorder in which the airways become narrowed or blocked while sleeping, causing breathing to pause, according to MedlinePlus. Soon after falling asleep, people experience loud and heavy snoring. The snoring is often interrupted by a long silent period during which breathing stops and then followed by a loud snort and gasp as the patient attempts to breathe. This can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and affect quality of life, mental well-being and cardiovascular health. In addition to a CPAP machine, there are lifestyle changes that people with sleep apnea can make including avoiding alcohol or medications that cause drowsiness and losing excess weight. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded approval of Eli Lilly's obesity medication Zepbound to include treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea for people with obesity. The clinical trial did examine patients with a wide range of "weight classes" and did not see differences in efficacy based on weight. Apnimed plans to file a New Drug Application with the FDA in early 2026, according to Miller.
