mars 26, 2025
If you frequently wake up feeling exhausted despite a full night's rest, teeth grinding (bruxism) might be sabotaging your sleep. Many people don't realize that their nighttime grinding and clenching can significantly disrupt sleep quality—leading to fatigue, headaches, and even long-term health issues.
But can a night guard actually help you sleep better? Let’s explore the connection between bruxism, sleep quality, and how the right night guard can make a difference.
Grinding creates micro-awakenings, pulling you out of deep sleep cycles without full consciousness.
This leads to non-restorative sleep and daytime fatigue.
Clenching strains jaw muscles, causing morning soreness, headaches, or earaches that make waking up unpleasant.
Bruxism is common in people with sleep apnea, as the body may grind teeth to reopen airways.
Acts as a protective cushion, absorbing grinding forces that would otherwise trigger awakenings.
Helps maintain continuous, deeper sleep.
Prevents excessive muscle strain, so you wake up without tension or soreness.
Some studies suggest certain night guard designs can mildly improve airflow in mild apnea cases.
Wearing a guard can train your brain to associate it with relaxation and sleep readiness.
| Type | Sleep Benefit |
|---|---|
| Custom Hard Guard | Best for severe grinders; most durable |
| Dual-Layer (Soft Inside) | Comfortable for new users |
| Mandibular Advancement Device | Helps mild sleep apnea + grinding |
💡 For optimal comfort and sleep improvement, a custom-fit guard (like those from New Smile Life) is ideal.
✔ Consistency is key – Wear it every night.
✔ Pair with relaxation techniques – Reduce stress before bed.
✔ Keep it clean – A fresh guard is more comfortable.
If you still feel exhausted after using a night guard:
You might have undiagnosed sleep apnea
Your guard may need adjustment for better fit
Consider a sleep study for deeper insights
While a night guard won’t stop grinding entirely, it significantly reduces sleep disruptions caused by bruxism. Many users report:
Falling asleep faster
Fewer nighttime awakenings
Waking up more refreshed
Ready to sleep better? Try a custom night guard from New Smile Life.
Q: How long until I notice better sleep with a night guard?
A: Most users see improvements in 1-2 weeks as their jaw relaxes.
Q: Can a night guard make sleep worse?
A: Only if poorly fitted (e.g., too bulky). Custom guards rarely cause issues.
Q: Should I wear it for naps too?
A: Yes, if you grind during daytime sleep.
For more on sleep and grinding, visit New Smile Life.
Customer Care (toll free):
Sales: 1 (548) 708-6882
Support: 1 (888) 231-7725
Monday-Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm PST
Closed on weekends & statutory holidays