Influence of craniocervical and craniomandibular dysfunction to nonrestorative sleep and sleep disorders

ABSTRACT

Objective: Nonrestorative sleep and sleep disorders are commonly reported in patients suffering from craniomandibular (CMD) and craniocervical dysfunctions (CCD). This study aimed to investigate polysomnographic characteristics and the reduction of pain before and after treatment in these patients.

Methods: Seventy-four patients with sleep disorders and evident CMD and CCD were included. Manual therapy and an Aqualizer® were used in the therapeutic group. Polysomnographic measurements were conducted pre- and post-therapy.

Results: The number of sleep stage alterations and the sleep stage index differed significantly between pre- and post-therapeutic measurements. Between both groups, these parameters were significantly different, as well (p = .001 and p = .012). The subjective perception of sleep quality improved in 81.6% post-therapy (p < .001).

Discussion: Manual therapy and the application of an Aqualizer® may improve sleep quality in patients suffering from CMD and CCD. Pain may not be the main cause for the sleep disorders in CMD and CCD.

KEYWORDS:

• Craniomandibular dysfunction
• CMD
• craniocervical dysfunction
• CCD
• temporomandibular dysfunction
• TMD
• sleep disorder

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests.