Unraveling the relationship between facial neuropathic conditions and pain, sleep, chronotypes, bruxism, and psychosocial factors.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study evaluated associations between sleep disorders, pain, bruxism, and chronotypes in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in orofacial area.

METHODS

Ninety-four subjects (25 TN, 14 PHN, 55 controls) were evaluated for pain, sleep, chronotype, anxiety, depression, oral behaviors, and lifestyle by validated instruments. Bruxism was assessed by self-report. Between-group comparisons and associations using correlation and regression analysis were made.

RESULTS

TN patients had more sleep disorders and depressive symptoms and poorer lifestyles. Morningness was more common in PHN. Pain and anxiety were correlated with lower sleep quality and oral risk behaviors, mainly in TN. Worse lifestyle in both groups was correlated to anxiety and depression, and morningness was correlated to better lifestyle in TN. No association was observed of sleep or awake bruxism with lifestyle, anxiety, or depression.

CONCLUSION

TN patients are more vulnerable to sleep disorders and psychosocial impacts of pain.