Relational study between sleep quality, daytime sleepiness state, anxiety, stress, depression in possible bruxist and non-bruxist: cross-sectional study

This study aims to analyze whether individuals who self-report as possible bruxism differ from non-bruxism in terms of sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and emotional disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress). Additionally, it examines the relationships between these emotional disorders, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness in both groups. An online questionnaire was administered to 400 Spanish participants without cognitive impairments. The questionnaire included self-report measures of sleep bruxism, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Statistical analyses, including the Chi-square test and the T-test, were conducted to assess associations. A total of 21.8% of participants self-reported as possible bruxism, with a higher prevalence among women and individuals under 50 years of age. No significant differences were found between bruxism and non-bruxism regarding the percentage of participants with poor sleep quality or excessive daytime sleepiness (p > .05). However, significant differences were observed in levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which were higher among possible bruxism. Possible sleep bruxism is not associated with excessive daytime sleepiness but is linked to poorer sleep quality and greater severity of depression, anxiety, and stress. Stronger associations between sleep quality and both depression and anxiety were observed in the bruxism group compared to non-bruxism, suggesting that psychological disorders have a more consistent impact on sleep quality in bruxism. Women, middle-aged individuals, and those with a university education reported higher rates of bruxism symptoms. Bruxism is associated with poorer sleep quality and psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress, which negatively impact quality of life. Understanding these associations, their prevalence, and the psychological profile of bruxism can help in designing more effective intervention programs to mitigate these adverse effects.