Once again, we’re coming back to the most talked-about topic among our patients — TMJ dysfunction and unbearable jaw muscle pain. Turns out, this is actually a fairly common condition, and it can show up surprisingly early, even starting around the age of 30. And since we’ve already published a few posts about different ways to identify and treat this condition, our next piece will focus on the question of how to sleep with TMJ.
Key Takeaways
- We’ll take a closer look at how TMJ fatigue affects the quality of your sleep and what’s behind it.
- Does TMJ make you tired? Our team explores when patients delay correction and let the dysfunction gradually progress.
- You’ll discover which TMJ breathing issues can unexpectedly show up.
- And of course, we’ll remind you how to best treat jaw pain and tiredness, and which remedies are most effective.
How to Sleep With TMJ: Nighttime Recommendations
We’ve already mentioned in previous posts that a poorly functioning jaw can cause quite a bit of pain affecting different parts of the head. And yes, when someone comes to us at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry for a Headaches Savannah treatment, the first thing we do is look for the root cause.
The most commonly used tool to help manage mandibular issues is the TMJ night guard. You simply wear it at night and sleep peacefully. But when the problem runs deeper, it’s time to look for more advanced solutions.
We’re often asked how to sleep with TMJ. It’s a pressing question, since the discomfort usually kicks in at night, especially when you fall asleep in your favorite position or with your usual pillow. That’s why we recommend using an orthopedic pillow, a night guard, and finding the best sleeping position for TMJ to minimize pressure. For example, sleeping on your back or on the side opposite the painful area is usually the best choice.
Let’s Consider: Can TMJ Cause Sleep Apnea
As part of our Patient Education project, we’ve written about various related problems that can arise from mandibular malfunction.
And the next relevant question (one we often hear from our patients) is: Can TMJ cause sleep apnea? No, it’s not a direct cause, but let’s say it can provoke or worsen OSA. When the lower part of the face shifts during sleep, the throat muscles may collapse even more, blocking airflow. So TMJ and breathing problems aren’t directly linked, but clinically relevant.
Here’s another tip: if you suddenly start experiencing frequent awakenings, jaw tension, and snoring, then it’s time to consult a gnathologist.
And on the Flip Side: Can Sleep Apnea Cause TMJ
Now let’s take a look: can sleep apnea cause TMJ? And here, we’d say it’s totally possible. It all falls within normal human reflexes and responses. You can develop TMJ from clenching and even from sleep apnea. When breathing stops during sleep, the brain sees it as a threat, and the body responds with tension, starting with the jaw muscles. It’s important to consult a specialist promptly if symptoms like snoring, teeth grinding, and chronic morning fatigue are observed, particularly when reported by close family members.
You should never try to just live with sleep disorders and jaw pain. At Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, the team helps patients manage their discomfort with the TMJ Pain Relief Savannah procedure, which is always tailored to each person’s unique root cause. In early-stage cases, handle the ache and select appropriate corrective techniques. But for deeper intervention, our qualified specialists are here to help, offering both invasive treatments and advanced options like our Ozone Therapy Savannah to address oral health problems.
Conclusion
Well, we’ve now covered the basics of how to sleep with TMJ and whether TMJ can cause sleep apnea.
But really, why put up with such an uncomfortable condition when there are so many quick and safe ways to improve your health and well-being right now? There’s no need to fear pain: even severe or complicated cases are treated at our clinic using Sedation Dentistry Savannah, specially designed for anxious patients. Reach out to us for a consultation and come in for an exam, even if you’re experiencing minor oral symptoms, we’ll find the cause.
