Sleep Bruxism and Sleep Structure in Comorbid Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (COMISA) Syndrome: A Polysomnographic Study

Abstract

Introduction: Comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA) is not a well-identified sleep disorder, despite having a significant impact on health. This study investigates the relationship between sleep bruxism (SB) and sleep architecture in patients with COMISA, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and in those without any sleep disorders. Methods: 119 patients were included in the study and divided into three groups: OSA, COMISA, and a control group. Polysomnographic (PSG) examination provided parameters related to sleep architecture, OSA, and characteristics of SB. Results: The bruxism episode index (BEI) and other SB parameters were not found to be statistically different between the three groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in measured sleep architecture between the COMISA and OSA groups (p > 0.05). In comparison to the control group, participants in the COMISA group were found to have an increased apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), all arousals (AA), and respiratory arousals (RA) (p < 0.05). Among COMISA patients, AA and RA were shown to have a positive linear correlation with the number of bradycardia events per hour (r = 0.49, r = 0.48, p < 0.05). Conclusions: SB does not occur in patients with COMISA more frequently than in patients with OSA or those without any sleep disorders. PSG parameters are not specific for COMISA; therefore, in order to differentiate this disorder from OSA alone, a comprehensive patient assessment has to be performed.