Sleep Bruxism in Thai Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of sleep bruxism (SB) in Thai obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and to identify demographic characteristics and specific sleep parameters associated with SB. Methods: A total of 119 medical records, each containing full-night type I polysomnography from Thai patients with OSA, were included. SB was detected using surface electromyography of the masseter muscle. SB was diagnosed when the SB index reached at least two episodes per hour of sleep. The differences in demographic characteristics and sleep parameters between SB and non-SB groups were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors for SB. Results: Among Thai patients diagnosed with OSA, 50.4% concurrently experienced SB, predominantly of the tonic type. The study revealed a higher prevalence of SB in males compared to females. The SB group demonstrated significantly higher values in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Arousal Index (AI), and Respiratory Arousal Index (RAI) compared to the non-SB group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a lower body mass index (BMI), higher ESS, and increased severity of AHI were significantly associated with SB. Conclusions: The study revealed that half of Thai patients diagnosed with OSA also exhibited SB. Male, AHI, ESS, AI, and RAI appeared to be potential correlates for the presence of SB. Lower BMI, higher ESS, and elevated AHI can be factors associated with SB in Thai OSA patients. Clinical Relevance: The prevalence of SB among Thai patients diagnosed with OSA and the factors associated with its occurrence were investigated.