Relationship between temporomandibular and sleep disorders in adults: An overview of systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVE

This study emphasizes the general relevance of sleep disorders (SD) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), explores their bidirectional relationship, and describes the importance of systematic reviews in the critical analysis of the literature. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the relationship between SD and TMD in adults while ensuring a reliable and objective analysis of data from the existing literature.

METHODS

Systematic reviews were evaluated to investigate this association between two conditions in adults. The study was registered with Prospero and followed the PECOT structure in identifying the research question. Searches in multiple databases were conducted until February 2024 using relevant keywords. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews tool, involving two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Data were extracted using different evaluation instruments, and results were analyzed and presented through the synthesis of information collected in selected systematic reviews. The selection included seven systematic reviews of observational studies, with exclusion criteria defined to ensure methodological quality. The results showed that reviewed studies presented clarity and relevance in defining the eligibility criteria, but that the identification and selection of studies, data collection, and synthesis of results varied. Most studies considered the potential risks, but some require greater transparency and methodological rigor.

CONCLUSIONS

This review points out the association between SD and TMD in adults, with most studies presenting a low risk of bias, although some uncertainties were observed.