Ambulatory polysomnography for the assessment of sleep bruxism

Abstract

Ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) is introduced as a new method for assessing sleep bruxism. Nocturnal recordings of masseter electromyography (EMG), electro-encephalography, electro-oculography, electrocardiography, thoracic effort and body position allow for the detection of typical nocturnal masseter activity as well as the determination of sleep stages. Twelve patients with a clinical diagnosis of bruxism were assessed with the ambulatory PSG, all of them fulfilled diagnostic PSG criteria according to Kato et al. (Dent Clin North Am. 2001; 45: 657-684). Per hour of sleep patients showed 34.2 (+/-10.6) EMG bursts and 5.6 (+/-1.3) sleep bruxism episodes. Because of the ability to determine sleep stages and the application in the home environment the ambulatory PSG represents a cost-saving alternative to sleep laboratory investigations that might be especially useful in field studies and clinical application.