Nocturnal tongue biting, an involuntary action occurring during sleep, involves the forceful closure of the jaws resulting in trauma to the tongue. This behavior can range in severity from a minor annoyance to a painful and disruptive experience, potentially impacting sleep quality and oral health. The causes are varied and often linked to underlying physiological or neurological factors.
Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon is essential for effective management and prevention. Recurrent incidents may indicate the presence of an undiagnosed condition that requires medical attention. Addressing the issue can improve sleep quality, reduce oral pain, and prevent long-term complications like ulcerations or infections. Historically, such occurrences were often attributed to spiritual causes; however, modern medicine has revealed the neurological and physiological basis of the condition.