Dr.ᵃ Andréa Melo
Sleep deprivation is an increasingly common problem in modern society, with significant effects on physical and mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 40% of the Brazilian adult population has some type of sleep-related disorder, such as bruxism, a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth involuntarily, usually during the night.
The importance of sleep for health
Sleep plays a vital role in the functioning of the body. It not only allows for physical recovery, but also helps regulate cognitive and emotional functions. Sleep deprivation or poor quality sleep can cause a number of health problems, including:
- Compromised immune system , increasing susceptibility to infections;
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases , such as hypertension and arrhythmias;
- Changes in mood , predisposing to anxiety and depression;
- Difficulties with memory and concentration , affecting performance at work or in studies;
- Hormonal imbalances , which can lead to weight gain and other metabolic complications.
Bruxism: a condition linked to sleep
Nocturnal bruxism, characterized by grinding or clenching teeth during sleep, is one of the most prevalent conditions related to poor quality of sleep. The WHO estimates that around 30% of the world’s population suffers from bruxism, a figure that reaches 40% in Brazil.
This condition can have several consequences, including:
- Excessive wear of teeth, leading to their loss;
- Facial and jaw pain;
- Frequent headaches;
- Changes in sleep, which make it difficult to reach the deepest phases, such as NREM 3 and REM, which are essential for physical and cognitive regeneration.
The relationship between bruxism and sleep is direct: during light sleep, episodes of bruxism can prevent the patient from reaching deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. This affects memory, hormonal regulation and general well-being.
Bruxism treatment
To effectively treat bruxism, it is essential to adopt an approach that improves sleep quality. Treatment involves:
- Sleep hygiene : Implement healthy bedtime habits, such as avoiding stimulants, maintaining regular bedtime hours, and creating a peaceful environment for rest.
- Adjustments to diet and supplementation : Focus on nutrients that promote deeper, more restful sleep.
- Occlusal adjustments : Work on the patient’s bite to reduce impact on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Custom plates : Develop specific devices that protect teeth and help in cases of apnea related to bruxism.
- Ongoing follow-up : Monitor and adjust treatment as needed to ensure lasting results.
Conclusion
Sleep deprivation and conditions such as bruxism have significant impacts on health and quality of life. Adopting personalized treatments, focusing on diagnosis and appropriate management of the underlying causes, is essential to improving the well-being of patients. Consulting experts and seeking evidence-based solutions are the first steps to addressing these challenges and restoring the balance necessary for a healthy life.
