Waking up to or being told about clicking noises made during sleep can be a perplexing experience. These sounds, which may originate from the jaw, throat, or mouth, often lead individuals to wonder about their cause. While sometimes harmless, understanding the potential origins of these nocturnal sounds can offer clarity and guide appropriate action.
Sources of Sleep Clicking
Clicking noises during sleep stem from common physiological processes. Slight shifts in jaw position, the mouth opening or closing, can produce soft clicking sounds as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articulates. The movement of air through a dry mouth or throat can also cause tissues to briefly stick and release, creating a distinct click or rustle. These occurrences are intermittent and do not indicate a serious problem.
Minor muscle spasms or twitches in the jaw or throat might also contribute to these sounds. These involuntary muscle contractions are subtle and can occur during sleep, sometimes generating a faint clicking sound. Swallowing, a natural reflex during sleep, can also produce soft sounds as saliva is managed and throat muscles engage. Such benign causes are not accompanied by pain or other concerning symptoms.
Medical Conditions Associated with Clicking
Beyond common physiological occurrences, specific medical conditions can cause persistent or noticeable clicking during sleep. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a disorder affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, is a common cause. Issues within the TMJ, such as a displaced disc or inflammation, can cause clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when the jaw moves, even subtly, during sleep. This mechanical issue can manifest as a distinct click as the joint components shift out of alignment and snap back into place.
Bruxism, the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often causes jaw clicking during sleep. The excessive force exerted on the jaw joints during bruxism can strain the TMJ, causing the joint to click or pop as it moves under pressure. This grinding action can also wear down tooth surfaces and contribute to jaw discomfort. Palatal myoclonus involves rhythmic, involuntary contractions of the soft palate, which can produce an audible clicking sound.
Sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can also indirectly contribute to clicking. Individuals with sleep apnea may make gasping or snorting sounds as they struggle to breathe, and the sudden, forceful jaw movements made to open the airway can result in a clicking sound from the TMJ. These sounds are often part of a broader pattern of disrupted breathing and sleep.
Addressing Sleep Clicking Noises
Recognizing when to consult a healthcare professional about sleep clicking is important. If clicking is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or restricted jaw motion, it warrants medical attention. Persistent loudness, or association with other sleep disturbances like excessive daytime fatigue, loud snoring, or observed breathing pauses, also warrants evaluation. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
For mild cases not linked to a specific medical condition, certain self-care strategies can offer relief. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and maintaining proper sleep hygiene can reduce the frequency of jaw-related sounds. Ensuring a sleeping environment conducive to restful sleep can also minimize general muscle tension.
When a medical condition is identified as the cause, various interventions may be recommended. For bruxism, a custom-fitted dental night guard can protect teeth from grinding and reduce strain on the jaw joints, alleviating clicking. Physical therapy, involving exercises and stretches, can help improve jaw function and reduce TMJ dysfunction symptoms. For more complex conditions like sleep apnea or palatal myoclonus, further diagnostic tests, such as a sleep study or neurological evaluation, may be necessary to guide specialized treatments.