Incidence of Sleep Disturbances, Stress and Possible Bruxism Presence among Dental Students

Background: One of the most prevalent conditions in the population is bruxism, which is defined as the repetitive activity of the jaw muscles that involves clenching, grinding of the teeth, and jaw thrusting. There is no scientific evidence about the stress levels that dental students are subjected to and its relationship with waking and sleeping bruxism and its poor quality. Objective: To determine the relationship between the presence of waking or sleeping bruxism with the level of sleep quality and stress in students in the 3rd and 5th year of Dentistry and to analyze whether there are significant differences according to gender and between courses. Methods: An observational study was carried out based on data collection through surveys and a descriptive design. 125 students participated in the study by completing three questionnaires. These three variables to be studied were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Perceived Stress Scale and Self-reported Bruxism Questionnaire. Results: 3rd and 5th year undergraduate dental students presented a high prevalence of sleep disorders and a low prevalence of waking and sleeping bruxism. Statistically significant differences were found at the gender level and between courses. Conclusions: It is established that poor sleep quality and high levels of stress can have a negative impact on student concentration and performance as well as being part of the initiation and development of parafunctional habits.