CARDIOVASCULAR AUTONOMIC CONTROL IS DISTURBED IN NOCTURNAL TEETHGRINDERS

To examine the hypothesis of disturbed autonomic function, non-invasiv e cardiovascular reflex tests were performed on 11 sleep bruxists in t he waking state. The tests included the Valsalva manoeuvre, a deep-bre athing test, and an orthostatic test (standing up). The R-R intervals were monitored continuously, and blood pressure was measured non-invas ively and continuously using the Finapres method. In total, 64% of bru xists showed abnormalities in at least two variables reflecting the ca rdiovascular autonomic function. Abnormalities were found in blood pre ssure regulation during the Valsalva strain, and in the immediate biph asic heart rate response during standing up, but not in the vagally me diated deep-breathing difference. These findings suggest that bruxism is accompanied by abnormalities in autonomic function, particularly in sympathetic vasoconstrictor function.