Why is tmj worse at night?

Perception or..: It may be that one is more aware of pain or one may be clenching their teeth which can cause more pain... For help i would suggest seeing a dentist who has experience diagnosing and treating the tmj.

Sleep bruxism : There are a couple of reasons why TMJ pain is worse at night. While you are sleeping you don't have conscious control over your muscles so you can grind more and in ways that you would not do when awake. Your muscles relax and can close off your airway and cause snoring or gasping for breath, sleep apnea. Sleep bruxism is related to sleep disturbances. See a dentist trained in TMJ and sleep.

Not always the case: But if that is what you find for yourself, perhaps you are clenching and grinding most of the day from stress. Most patients tell me that it's worse in the morning upon awakening. See if you can catch yourself gritting your teeth together now that i brought this possibility up.

Clench/grind: When TMJ problems are worse at night, usually due to nighttime clenching and grinding. Get a night guard.