What type of behavior can lead to increased instances of bruxism during sleep?

High stress levels are a significant contributor to bruxism, or teeth grinding, during sleep. When individuals experience stress, their bodies often exhibit physical responses, including muscle tension. This tension can lead to clenching the jaw or grinding teeth during periods of sleep, often without the person being aware of it. Stress can escalate anxiety and disrupt relaxation, making it more likely for individuals to engage in bruxism as their bodies subconsciously react to the heightened state of stress.

In contrast, other choices like a relaxing bedtime routine, speaking softly, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule all contribute positively to sleep quality and relaxation. These behaviors are associated with reducing stress levels and promoting a calmer mental state, making them less likely to trigger bruxism. Thus, high stress levels stand out as the primary factor that can lead to an increase in bruxism occurrences during sleep.