Sleep: clenching fists and grinding teeth

When I sleep I grind my teeth constantly and wake up multiple times because I'm clenching my fists so tightly that my hand falls asleep and it wakes me up. Does anyone else have this issue? Any one know how to make it stop?

Hello pink&grey,

Yes, you can buy a soft mouth guard, you know like what sports people wear or ask your dentist to make one. It won't stop you grinding your teeth but it will stop the pain that goes with it. You can try putting something in the palm or your hands also, like a rolled up cloth or sponge.

My dentist told me I developed TMJ from clenching my teeth so hard at night. I was given a mouth guard but never wore it. It's awkward to try to sleep in it.

I also wake up with my hands numb.

I have many anxiety issues. Sorry I can't help and offer solutions. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.
Take care.

Did it start after you started taking meds? If so, I would talk to your pdoc about possible side effects. You don't have to suffer stuff like this if it's caused by medication.

No. It's not meds. I think it must be anxiety but I didn't know you can have anxiety in your sleep. My dreams are all whacked out too.

I clench my teeth badly while sleeping. I often have a sore jaw in the morning because of it. It is caused by agitation or anxiety I think. When in a mixed state or very anxious I clench my fists a lot both during the day and night. I try to be mindful of my body and that helps me stop doing it, if only for a few minutes. It is slow going but I am making progress. I used to be completely unaware I was doing it.

When I was younger and on a higher dosage of Zoloft it caused me to grind my teeth every night and wake up clenching my jaw.

Ok I see you take Lamictal and I have heard of people grinding while taking it. I take it too. But I am also a daytime clencher hardcore. I developed TMJ and saw a chiropractor for a while for the pain before getting into our local dental school. Ever since I got my custom bite splint I am great! Mine is hard acrylic for upper teeth and has been amazing.

i cannot say i have the teeth issue , but i do have the numbness in the hands from sleeping and clenching of the hands while sleeping dreams are rough and have impact on my physical movement. not sure what to do about it. Wish you the best though

I have this problem too! I had braces a few years back for severe jaw pain from it (they never fixed the problem because the muscles in my jaw were too strong...my mouth is very screwed up now because they took them off...so don't get braces just because I mentioned them). Anyway, I wear a retainer now at night. I can't talk in it and my breath smells AWFUL with it in but it does help me from breaking my teeth (that's how bad I clench them). When I wear the retainer I haven't broken one so I wear it a lot now. As for clenching fists I have this too...still trying to find a way to deal with it. :/
~Ursaula~

I have the issue of literally scratching my head and forehead (sometimes leaving cat like scratch marks) and pulling my hair out vigorously. Keeps my husband awake with the sound of me scratching my head continuously. All why I'm fast asleep.

(There's nothing wrong with my hair or head during the day)

I have this problem! I have for years and its catching up to me. I wear a nightguard for my teeth because of the grinding. But I sleep so clenched up that my arms and hands are numb when I wake up. Now I have pinched a nerve in my neck from sleeping in a ball with my neck bent. I am in pain. IDK what to do either. My doctor said I need carpal tunnel braces on my wrists while I sleep. I am going to be so sexy with my nightgurard and braces all over me. Ugh!

I think its vivid stressful horrible dreams and a very loud mind. I don't know how to fix that. Maybe meditation, massage, steam room, reading a book that is not a thriller murder mystery, or just somehow learning to quiet the mind. I am glad I am not alone but I am sorry this is happening to you too.

I've messed up my jaws, too. My dentist said I have a "crazy bite."
I though that's great, even my bite is insane!!

My bite splint helps my clenching and grinding. But I daytime clench too and have been lately. I have to try keeping aware of that.

"Lips together, teeth apart"