Co-sleeping as a risk for sleep bruxism and morning headaches

Sleep bruxism (SB) is a behavioral abnormality that has been frequently described in the current scientific literature. Similarly, credible evidence indicates that various sleep-related disorders or diseases associated with SB negatively impact restful sleep. Almost all of the available literature on this subject deals with sleep disorders and their effects on the individual. However, significantly less attention is paid to the possible interaction between bed partners and the significance of this for the illness of the individual. Sharing a bed as a couple is a behavior deeply rooted in social and cultural norms. The significance of co-sleeping for mental and physical well-being is emphasized in the relevant scientific literature. However, there is also evidence that bed partners can disturb each other’s sleep, which negates the positive effects of co-sleeping. To date, only a few studies have been able to show these interactions with synchronous polysomnographic recordings of couples.
Aim: This article will examine the potential link between SB, morning headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns in couples. It will also investigate whether synchronized recordings of co-sleeping, along with outpatient testing, can help answer this question.
Result: Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is a validated outpatient sleep diagnostic procedure that allows for the synchronous somnographic recording of a couple’s sleep patterns and is therefore particularly useful for exploring the topic discussed in this article.
Conclusion: Even though further scientific research on the subject of sleep in couples is needed, individual clinical examinations of patients with sleep disorders and/or morning headaches should include an investigation of possible interactive effects with a potential bed partner.