Sleep, Caffeine, BMI, and Pressure Pain Threshold in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients: An Observational Study.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a multifactorial condition involving a multitude of symptoms of the temporomandibular joint that emanates a series of distress. Understanding the relationship between these lifestyle factors and pain perception in TMD patients is essential for optimizing their management and care. This study delves into the intricate interplay between sleep, caffeine consumption, body mass index (BMI), and the potential effect on pressure pain threshold (PPT) values among individuals with TMDs.

Materials And Methods: This is an observational study. Data were collected from a convenient sample of female patients at a single center in Riyadh city, between the ages of 20 and 50 years. The variables collected were based on an operator-designed questionnaire, the symptom questionnaire, and the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (DC/TMD).

Results: A total of 139 participants were included in the study, appraising the occurrence of TMD and pain as per reports of caffeine intake and sleep duration. The observed outcomes indicate that the amount of sleep has a significant effect on the PPT values in TMD patients. This study highlights the substantial impact of sleep duration on lowering PPT values in individuals with TMDs. The findings highlight the importance of considering sleep duration and caffeine intake in the comprehensive management of TMD patients. There was no effect of BMI on this particular sample.

Conclusion: This study shows a positive correlation between sleep and pain and TMD, caffeine, and pain. A deeper understanding of these relationships could pave the way for more effective pain management strategies and personalized treatment approaches tailored to the unique needs of TMD patients. BMI had no effect.