EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSIOLOGICAL JOB STRESS AND SLEEP BRUXISM AMONG WORKING AND NON WORKING WOMEN IN NORTH CHENNAI, TAMILNADU

Abstract

Background: Sleep bruxism is a periodical, stereotype movement disorder characterized by an involuntary, parafunctional, excessive teeth grinding during sleep. This disorder is common among the general population and represents the third most parasomnia.

Aim: This epidemiological study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological job stress, general health, and sleep bruxism among working and non-working women residing in North Madras. 

Methods: The study was undertaken to assess the sleep bruxism among working and non-working women in North Madras. Subjects were assessed by the demographic data, general health, general job information in a questionnaire and examined for the tooth wear index.

Resuts: A total of 200 females participated, of which 100 were working and 100 were non-working women. The overall implication of the study shows that bruxism increases with an increase in stress. Furthermore, the non-working women who were under higher stress showed an increased bruxism rate.

Conclusion: We conclude that sleep bruxism was highly associated with a few aspects of stress in working women but not in non-working women residing in North Madras.

Keywords: Epidemiology, general job information, general health, tooth wear index, sleep bruxism.