Insomnia is associated with symptoms of central sensitization in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Background: Central sensitization (CS) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are both associated with insomnia. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate whether insomnia was associated with more symptoms of CS in patients with TMD.

Methods: In 82 volunteers with TMD, insomnia was clinically assessed, allowing sample stratification according to its presence. The Central Sensitization Inventory questionnaire was self-applied to assess the clinical symptoms of CS.

Results: Participants with insomnia had significantly higher mean (SD) scores of CS according to the Central Sensitization Inventory than participants without insomnia (43.10 [12.57] vs 26.59 [13.66]; P = < .001).

Conclusions: Insomnia was associated with higher scores of CS symptoms in patients with TMD.

Practical implications: Insomnia influences TMD as well as its relationship with CS, and, therefore, it is critical to the clinical management of TMD.

Keywords: Temporomandibular disorders; chronic pain; insomnia; pain modulation; sleep; sleep disorders.