why do i grind my teeth in my sleep

Teeth grinding in sleep, also known as sleep bruxism, is an involuntary movement where a person clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. The causes of this condition are not entirely understood but are generally considered to be a combination of physical and psychological factors. The most common causes include stress and anxiety, which increase muscle tension in the jaw, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, the use of substances like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications, as well as possible genetic predispositions. Teeth grinding may also be linked to other factors like concentration or anger during waking hours but occurs mostly during sleep as an involuntary action. This habit can lead to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, tooth damage, and disturbed sleep for both the person and their bed partner. Treatments often focus on managing stress, using night guards to protect teeth, and addressing any underlying sleep disorders.