Evaluation of the relationship between sleep bruxism and sleeping habits in school-aged children

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between sleep habits and sleep bruxism (SB) in schoolaged children. Methods: Survey data were collected from the parents of 500 children (267 males and 233 females; age range 6-12 years). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine diagnostic criteria were used to evaluate SB. A Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was conducted to determine sleep habits. The chi-square test was used for statistical evaluation. Results: SB was observed in 160 children (32%). SB awareness was 5.4%. The presence of SB in other family members, mothers' education <= 8 years, and income below minimum wage were found as family risk factors. The presence of sleep disorders was 61.4% and observed to be statistically higher in those with SB. Conclusion: SB is a prevalent disorder that might be associated with sleep disorders. The parents of children with SB had inadequate knowledge and awareness pertaining to SB.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the relationship between sleep habits and sleep bruxism (SB) in school-aged children. The results showed that SB is prevalent in school-aged children and may be associated with sleep disorders. Risk factors for SB in the family include the presence of SB in other family members, lower education level of the mother, and low income.