Association between sleep duration and masticatory discomfort in Korean adults

Li, Guo-Lin; Lee, Yong-Jin; Go, Hyeonjeong; Kim, Eun-Kyong; Kuboniwa, Masae; Choi, Youn-Hee

doi:2026.64.3.83

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 64(3); 2026 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2026;64(3):83-100.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2026.64.3.004 Published online March 31, 2026.

Association between sleep duration and masticatory discomfort in Korean adults

Guo-Lin Li¹

, Yong-Jin Lee^1,2

¹Department of Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
²Institute for Translational Research in Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
³Department of Preventive Dentistry, The University of Osaka Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan

Correspondence: Youn-Hee Choi, Tel: +82-53-660-6871,
Email: cyh1001@knu.ac.kr

Received: 31 October 2025 • Revised: 24 November 2025 • Accepted: 12 March 2026

Abstract

Purpose
Despite limited evidence on the relationship between sleep and oral health, this study aimed to investigate the associations of sleep duration with masticatory discomfort and subjective oral health among Korean adults.
Materials and Methods
This study included 155,106 participants aged ≥45 years utilizing data from the 2024 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Sleep duration was assessed based on daily sleep hours on workdays and weekends, averaged weekly, and categorized into five groups. Self-reported masticatory discomfort and oral health status were assessed using a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between sleep duration and self-reported masticatory discomfort.
Results
Inadequate sleep durations were significantly associated with increased odds of masticatory discomfort. Compared to individuals sleeping 7.0–7.9 hours, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of masticatory discomfort for those sleeping <5 hours was 1.377 (95% confidence interval: 1.273–1.491). These associations were significantly stronger among men (AOR = 1.503), adults aged 45–64 years (AOR = 1.467), individuals with moderate-to-severe depression (AOR = 1.611), white-collar or service/sales workers (AOR = 1.712 and 1.602, respectively), divorced individuals (AOR = 1.640), and urban residents (AOR = 1.405).
Conclusions
Deviations from the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep are associated with increased masticatory discomfort. This association was stronger among men, middle-aged and older adults, white-collar and service workers, divorced individuals, and urban residents.

Key Words: Sleep Duration; Oral Health; Mastication; Sociodemographic Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies