How TMJ Disorders Affect Sleeping Patterns

A person with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is likely to experience several symptoms that affect sleeping patterns. These symptoms include jaw pain and headaches, as well as muscle tension in the face and neck. This article will discuss how TMJD can affect sleep quality, its impact on daytime functioning, and the most effective forms of natural relief for TMJ in Fairborn.

Can TMJ Disorders Affect One's Sleeping Patterns?

You might be wondering how a jaw joint concern can affect a person's sleeping patterns. Well, as farfetched as it may seem, it most certainly can.

Sleep problems caused by TMJ disorders include difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. Those with TMJD may also have trouble getting comfortable while they sleep because of their pain. 

Patients sometimes struggle with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Notably, RLS causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs that keeps them from being able to relax enough to fall asleep. Sometimes, doctors refer to this condition as "sleepy leg syndrome" because it often occurs when someone tries to fall asleep. 

In addition to these symptoms, TMJD patients also report feelings of fatigue and decreased motivation. Many also do not realize that their condition causes their poor sleep until they start working with a dentist or doctor specializing in treating TMJ disorders.

Effects of TMJ Disorders on a Person

If you're dealing with TMJ symptoms, you know all too well how much they can affect your sleep. And if you're like many others, you probably think that just getting more sleep will help. But the truth is:

You can't just "catch up" on lost sleep—it's not like taking a nap! 

When you don't get enough sleep, it's hard to catch up on with the rest of your life. Your brain doesn't work well, so it's harder to do everything from remembering to concentrating on tasks. 

You may even have trouble controlling your emotions and moods. You'll also feel tired and depressed more often than usual, which can lead to overeating or other unhealthy habits. And because of this vicious cycle of pain and sleeplessness, the more days go by without proper rest; the worse things get for your body and mind!

Most Effective Form of Natural Relief for TMJ in Fairborn

It's no secret that the more you sleep, the better it'll be for your body because sleep is when your body recovers from everything you did in the day. It's also no secret that if your TMJ symptoms flare up, it can be challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

You may be wondering: "How can I get a good night's rest when my jaw is in pain, even when I just yawn?"

The answer: You need a backup plan. And we have one for you – upper cervical chiropractic care! To date, this is one of the most recommended forms of natural relief for TMJ in Fairborn due to its holistic approach to restoring one's health.

Upper cervical chiropractic care for TMJ pain helps reduce stress levels by aligning the vertebrae in your neck, which improves nerve function throughout your body. This leads to less tension in your jaw muscles, which means fewer painful symptoms from your TMJD. 

If you want to try this form of natural relief for TMJ in Fairborn, visit Living Well Spine Center! Dr. Terry McCoskey and the rest of our team will help you end your pain so you can start enjoying life again and live well! You can book your appointment by calling 937-878-1071 or filling out an online consultation form.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. McCoskey, call our Fairborn office at 937-878-1071. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.