Association between sleep duration and masticatory discomfort in Korean adults

Purpose: Despite limited evidence on the relationship between sleep and oral health, this study aimed to investigate the associations of sleep duration with masticatory discomfort and subjective oral health among Korean adults. Materials and Methods: This study included 155,106 participants aged ≥45 years utilizing data from the 2024 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Sleep duration was assessed based on daily sleep hours on workdays and weekends, averaged weekly, and categorized into five groups. Self-reported masticatory discomfort and oral health status were assessed using a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between sleep duration and self-reported masticatory discomfort. Results: Inadequate sleep durations were significantly associated with increased odds of masticatory discomfort. Compared to individuals sleeping 7.0–7.9 hours, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of masticatory discomfort for those sleeping <5 hours was 1.377 (95% confidence interval: 1.273–1.491). These associations were significantly stronger among men (AOR = 1.503), adults aged 45–64 years (AOR = 1.467), individuals with moderate-to-severe depression (AOR = 1.611), white-collar or service/sales workers (AOR = 1.712 and 1.602, respectively), divorced individuals (AOR = 1.640), and urban residents (AOR = 1.405). Conclusions: Deviations from the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep are associated with increased masticatory discomfort. This association was stronger among men, middle-aged and older adults, white-collar and service workers, divorced individuals, and urban residents.