Sleep Concern

I grind my teeth at night

Nighttime clenching and grinding that damages teeth and disrupts sleep.

Educational information — not medical advice. Talk to your care team about what's right for you.

Overview

Sleep bruxism — clenching or grinding the teeth during sleep — is common and often unnoticed until a partner hears it or a dentist sees the wear. It can cause jaw pain, morning headaches, tooth damage, and disrupted sleep. It is often a signal of underlying stress, sleep-disordered breathing, or both, rather than a problem in isolation.

Common Causes

Stress and tension that surface as jaw clenching during sleep.
Sleep-disordered breathing — bruxism is often a response to airway narrowing or apnea.
Anatomy and bite alignment that predispose to grinding.
Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications that increase bruxism.
Coexistence with RLS, insomnia, or other sleep disorders.

What You May Be Experiencing

Morning jaw soreness, facial pain, or tension headaches.
Tooth wear, sensitivity, or damage noticed by a dentist.
A partner reporting grinding or clenching sounds during sleep.
Disrupted or unrefreshing sleep.
Daytime jaw tension or TMJ discomfort.

Dr. Morse's Approach

Dr. Morse treats bruxism as a clue, not just a dental problem. Because grinding is often linked to airway issues or stress, she looks for sleep-disordered breathing and addresses stress and arousal alongside dental protection. She works with dentists on night guards to protect the teeth, while investigating whether the grinding is a signal of apnea or fragmented sleep that needs its own treatment. The goal is to protect the teeth and treat the cause, not just the symptom.

Treatment Options

Behavioral

Stress management, jaw relaxation exercises, and a calming wind-down.

Lifestyle

Reducing caffeine and alcohol; a custom night guard to protect the teeth.

Medical

Evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing; treatment of underlying apnea when present.

Your Night-time Routine

A practical, step-by-step wind-down built around this concern's specific drivers. Follow it consistently for two to three weeks — rhythm, not perfection, is what resets sleep.

1
6:00 PM
No caffeine; it increases muscle tension and bruxism.
2
8:00 PM
A calming wind-down; try a warm bath and jaw relaxation to reduce overnight tension.
3
8:30 PM
No alcohol; it can increase grinding and fragment sleep.
4
9:00 PM
Jaw relaxation: place the tongue gently between the teeth to discourage clenching.
5
9:30 PM
Insert your night guard if prescribed; if you snore or wake with headaches, raise it with your clinician.

Take this guide home

A printable PDF of this concern's full overview, routine, and treatment options.

Articles on this concern are being written. Check back soon, or browse the full Sleep Laboratory.

When to Seek Help

If you have jaw pain, morning headaches, tooth wear, or a partner reports grinding, seek evaluation from both a dentist and a sleep clinician. Because bruxism is often linked to airway issues, checking for sleep-disordered breathing is important.

Educational — Not Medical Advice

This content is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Submitting a question or receiving a reply does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and discuss any changes to your care with your own care team.

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