The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, affecting not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. Among the many challenges faced by individuals during this time, the increase in smartphone use and its impact on sleep quality has become a significant concern. A recent study titled "Possible sleep bruxism, smartphone addiction and sleep quality among Brazilian university students during COVID-19 pandemic" sheds light on the association between these factors and sleep bruxism, a condition characterized by involuntary teeth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep.
The Study at a Glance
This research involved a cross-sectional online survey conducted with 546 university students in Brazil. The study aimed to evaluate the association of possible sleep bruxism (PSB) with smartphone addiction and sleep quality during the pandemic. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, academic information, and severity of PSB activities such as grinding, bracing, and thrusting. The Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR) and the short form of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) were used to measure sleep quality and smartphone addiction levels.
Key Findings
- Students with higher PSQI-BR scores were more likely to experience severe PSB activities like bracing, grinding, and thrusting.
- Smartphone addiction was linked to mild and moderate PSB-bracing and thrusting activities.
- Female students were more likely to report moderate and severe PSB-thrusting.
- Students who had children showed a higher likelihood of severe PSB-thrusting.
- Not being enrolled in distance learning increased the chance of moderate PSB-grinding.
Implications for Practitioners
The findings from this study offer valuable insights for practitioners working with individuals experiencing sleep bruxism. Understanding the link between smartphone addiction, poor sleep quality, and bruxism can help practitioners develop targeted interventions to address these issues. Here are some ways practitioners can enhance their skills based on this research:
- Promote Healthy Sleep Habits: Encourage clients to establish regular sleep schedules and create a conducive sleep environment by reducing screen time before bed.
- Address Smartphone Addiction: Work with clients to identify and modify behaviors associated with excessive smartphone use, particularly before bedtime.
- Consider Sociodemographic Factors: Be mindful of factors such as gender and parental status that may influence bruxism severity and tailor interventions accordingly.
- Encourage Further Research: Practitioners should stay informed about ongoing research in this area and consider participating in studies that explore the long-term effects of pandemic-related lifestyle changes on bruxism.
The Path Forward
The intersection of technology use, sleep quality, and mental health is a complex area that requires ongoing exploration. As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, it is crucial for practitioners to remain adaptable and informed about emerging research findings. By integrating these insights into their practice, they can better support individuals struggling with sleep bruxism and related issues.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Possible sleep bruxism, smartphone addiction and sleep quality among Brazilian university students during COVID-19 pandemic.
