Why do people grind their teeth during sleep?

Stress: Often is is a sign of stress. Some patients may have sleep apnea and grinding or clenching their teeth do occur. Consult your dentist for a mouth splint.

Stress relief: Grinding your teeth at night is probably a stress relieving function of the body. Such grinding comes from signals in your brain, causing the chewing muscles to activate. It may also occur in response to a "high spot" in your bite. Such an area can stimulate the muscles to chew on this area. If you are grinding your teeth at night, see a TMJ specialist to get the proper treatment.