Ambulatory polysomnography for the assessment of sleep bruxism

Summary Ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) is introduced as a new method for assessing sleep bruxism. Nocturnal recordings of masseter electromyography (EMG), electro‐encephalography, electro‐oculography, electrocardiography, thoracic effort and body position allow for the detection of typical nocturnal masseter activity as well as the determination of sleep stages. Twelve patients with a clinical diagnosis of bruxism were assessed with the ambulatory PSG, all of them fulfilled diagnostic PSG criteria according to Kato et al. (Dent Clin North Am. 2001; 45: 657–684). Per hour of sleep patients showed 34·2 (±10·6) EMG bursts and 5·6 (±1·3) sleep bruxism episodes. Because of the ability to determine sleep stages and the application in the home environment the ambulatory PSG represents a cost‐saving alternative to sleep laboratory investigations that might be especially useful in field studies and clinical application.