TMJ disorders, which cause pain in the jaw, can make sleeping difficult and even cause insomnia or sleep apnea. See your dentist for treatment options, and try changing your sleep habits. A mouth guard for TMJ, different sleeping positions and the right pillow can help.

About Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull and allows it to hinge open and closed. You have one on each side of your mouth. TMJ disorders are often referred to as just TMJ, TMD, or TMJD.

TMJ disorders cause pain in the jaw, face, and around the ear, difficulty chewing, pain when chewing, and headaches. They can also cause the jaw to lock, making it difficult to open and close your mouth.

Doctors cannot always pinpoint what causes these disorders. Potential causes include an injury, jaw dislocation, arthritis, misalignment in the jaw, and teeth grinding.

If you don’t address TMJ, it can cause chronic inflammation and tooth erosion. Complications of TMJ disorders include sleep apnea and insomnia. See your dentist about signs of TMJ. They can treat it with medications, mouth guards, and oral splints.

How TMJ Affects Sleep

If you have a TMJ disorder, your sleep likely suffers. You are more likely to clench your jaw and grind your teeth at night, and when asleep, worsening the pain and other symptoms. The jaw also tends to be out of alignment when lying down. The pain can keep you awake and cause insomnia.

There is also a connection between TMJ and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, causing you to stop breathing. You automatically thrust out the lower jaw when this happens. The tension and misalignment in the jaw can lead to jaw pain.

How to Sleep Better if You Have a TMJ Disorder

The best thing you can do is see your dentist for a diagnosis and treatment. They might be able to find an underlying cause to treat, but if not, your dentist can suggest solutions to help relieve pain so you can sleep better. In addition to seeing your dentist, try these tips for sleeping better:

• Get a Bite Guard for TMJ. A TMJ bite guard can help you stop grinding your teeth when you sleep. It is a thin device that prevents contact between the upper and lower teeth.
• Sleep on Your Back. This is the best position for TMJ because it doesn’t put pressure on the jaw. Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position.
• Get a New Pillow. Generally, a more supportive pillow is best for TMJ because it helps maintain proper alignment. Try different pillows until you find one that gives you the most pain relief.
• Meditate to Reduce Tension. Stress and tension contribute to TMJ because they can lead to clenching and teeth grinding. Try meditations before bed to relax your body and jaw. Meditation will help relax your mind and prepare you for better sleep.

TMJ disorders cause serious complications and symptoms. It can be tough to live with for many reasons, but difficulty sleeping is the biggest issue for some people. Try these tips and talk to your dentist about what else you can do to get relief.