Nocturnal tongue biting, an involuntary action occurring during sleep, involves the forceful contact between the tongue and the teeth, resulting in potential injury. This can range from minor irritation to significant lacerations. Episodes are often unnoticed by the individual experiencing them. Examples include waking up with a sore tongue, discovering small cuts on the tongue’s surface, or experiencing discomfort during eating or speaking in the morning.
Understanding the underlying causes of this behavior is crucial for preventing recurring injury and ensuring restful sleep. The benefits of addressing this issue include improved oral health, reduced pain and discomfort, and enhanced sleep quality. Historically, such occurrences were often attributed to superstition; however, modern medical understanding focuses on identifying physiological and neurological factors that contribute to this phenomenon.