Type-specific effects of orofacial pain on sleep quality: a cross-sectional clinical study.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the impact of different types of orofacial pain on sleep quality and to examine the influence of age and gender on sleep-related parameters.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 400 patients with orofacial pain presenting to the Faculty of Dentistry, Fırat University, were included. Participants were divided into eight pain categories: pulpal, periodontal, impacted tooth-related, dental implant-related, temporomandibular disorder-related, mucosal/cutaneous, neuropathic, and oncologic. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale, and sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Non-parametric tests and correlation analyses were used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

The mean age was 33.62 ± 13.06 years, and 66.8% were female. The mean global PSQI score was 5.56 ± 2.84. Neuropathic and mucosal/cutaneous pain groups demonstrated significantly higher PSQI scores, especially in sleep latency and disturbances (p < 0.05). Females had significantly higher scores in sleep latency, disturbances, and daytime dysfunction than males (p < 0.05). Age was weakly but significantly correlated with several PSQI components.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropathic and mucosal/cutaneous pain types were associated with the most detrimental effects on sleep quality. Gender and age were also found to influence specific sleep parameters.