Sleep position substantially influences the occurrence of sleep-related breathing disorders and bruxism.

The objective was to examine the correlation between sleep breathing disorders and sleep bruxism nature.

A total of 32 subjects referred to the clinical sleep apnea laboratory were included. The patients underwent standard nocturnal polysomnographic examination to assess sleep patterns, and their masticatory activity was estimated using a masseter electromyogram. Throughout the study, the patients slept in both supine and lateral decubitus positions.

People with a higher respiratory disturbance index (RDI) exhibited increased levels of nocturnal clenching. Among 32 patients, 28 met the criteria for obstructive sleep apnea, with an average RDI of 12.7. Throughout the study, a total of 280 clenching events were observed across all patients.

Sleep-related breathing disorders and bruxism are interconnected, and sleep position plays a role in the occurrence of both conditions. Analyzing hypopneas, apneas, and clenching events in both lateral decubitus and supine sleeping positions can provide valuable insights and assistance in understanding these conditions.