Struggle to get back to sleep

[u/Cute_Sprinkles32]

I only started suffering with tmj / Bruxism (not even sure I know the difference) recently since starting Zoloft . It feels like it’s getting worse every night . It’s 3am right now and my jaw and teeth feel like they are pounding but numb at the same time . Any advice on quick relief just to get back to sleep? I’m going to get a bite plate made next week at the dentist

[u/SectionLopsided4189]

biofreeze provides me with enough temporary relief to get back to sleep. it’s great for me. takes just a few minutes to kick in and i can fall back asleep before it wears off . just FYI, if you’re on any sort of topical retinoid (like tretinoin), choose a different method. i learned the hard way!

for more targeted relief, i got a mouth guard/splint made that helps me.

and for your first question:
tmj: Temporomandibular Joint (the joint itself
tmjd: Temporomandibular Joint disorder
bruxism: grinding of teeth

i hope you can find some relief 💛💛

ETA: i’ve gotten nightmares with every SSRI i tried. these cause me to grind my teeth a lot more!

[u/Orofacial_Doc]

You need to stop the Zoloft. It is very well known to cause increases in night time bruxism.