Night Sweats, Jaw Pain, and Reflux: Could Your Sleep Be the Cause? May 13, 2026 This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used to replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare team before making any changes to your sleep or health routine. Why Night Sweats, Jaw Pain, and Reflux Could All Be Linked to Your Sleep Waking up with soaked sheets, a sore jaw, or a burning sensation in your chest can feel confusing, especially when these symptoms seem unrelated. But often, they share a common root: your sleep quality.1-3 When sleep is disrupted night after night, your body begins to show subtle but important signs that something deeper may be going on. What appears to be separate issues can actually be your body signalling that your sleep is not as restorative as it should be. Night Sweats That Keep Coming Back Occasional sweating during sleep is usually harmless, often linked to a warm room or heavy bedding. But if you regularly wake up drenched, it may be worth looking closer. Night sweats are significantly more common in people with obstructive sleep apnea than in the general population.1 In fact, around one third of people with sleep apnea report frequent night sweats, compared to roughly 10 to 12 percent of the general population.1 This means they are about three times more likely to experience this symptom. When breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, the body activates a stress response.4 This can trigger sweating, particularly around the neck and upper body.4 Over time, these repeated disruptions prevent deep, restorative sleep, leaving you feeling tired despite spending enough time in bed. Jaw Pain and Night-Time Clenching Waking with jaw tightness or soreness may also point back to your sleep. Many people unknowingly clench or grind their teeth at night, placing strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is essential for speaking and eating. There is a strong connection between sleep disorders and jaw-related conditions.2 Nearly half of people with TMJ issues also report trouble sleeping. When breathing becomes difficult, the body may subconsciously clench the jaw to help keep the airway open.5 Over time, this repeated tension can lead to pain, headaches, clicking, and even changes in your bite.5 Poor sleep can also increase pain sensitivity, making discomfort feel more intense.5 Reflux That Disrupts Your Night Acid reflux often becomes more noticeable at night.3 You might experience a burning sensation, a sour taste, or wake up coughing or choking. These symptoms can interrupt your sleep and make it harder to settle again. Studies suggest that around 40 to 60 percent of people with sleep apnea also experience gastroesophageal reflux.3 Changes in pressure during breathing interruptions can allow stomach acid to move upward more easily.3 At the same time, reflux itself can wake you, creating a cycle where each issue worsens the other.3 The Bigger Picture Sleep apnea is a key condition that can connect these symptoms. It occurs when the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and brief awakenings you may not remember.6 Over time, it can leave you feeling constantly tired and gradually impact your overall health and quality of life.6 Fortunately, it is treatable with therapies such as CPAP. CPAP therapy involves a bedside device which gently blows air through a mask, keeping the airway open and eliminating symptoms.7 What You Can Do Next If these symptoms sound familiar, it is worth paying attention to your sleep. Maintain a consistent bedtime and create a calm sleep environment, but do not ignore ongoing issues. Speaking to your doctor can help determine whether a sleep disorder is involved. If diagnosed, treatments like CPAP therapy can help keep the airway open and improve symptoms. Taking your sleep seriously could improve not just your nights, but how you feel every day. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 90 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References 1 Arnardottir, Erna Sif, et al. “Nocturnal Sweating—a Common Symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: The Icelandic Sleep Apnoea Cohort.” BMJ Open, vol. 3, no. 5, 2013, p. e002795, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002795. Accessed 12 May 2022. 2 Sleep. “Down in the Mouth? The Link between Sleep Apnea and TMJ | Sleep Centers of Middle Tennessee.” Sleep Centers of Middle Tennessee, 14 Sept. 2023, sleepcenterinfo.com/blog/sleep-apnea-tmj-connection/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026. 3 Mahfouz, Ratib, et al. “The Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Inpatient Settings: A Nationwide Study.” Cureus, 3 Mar. 2022, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.22810. 4 “Night Sweats Linked to Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea.” ApneaMed, 13 Aug. 2020, www.apneamed.org/blogs/info/night-sweats-linked-to-undiagnosed-sleep-apnea. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026. 5 Teo, Adam. “TMJ Disorders and Orofacial Pain: How Sleep Apnoea Could Be the Missing Link Sleep | QLD Dental Sleep Therapy.” QLD Dental Sleep Therapy, 20 June 2025, qdst.com.au/tmj-disorders-and-orofacial-pain-how-sleep-apnoea-could-be-the-missing-link/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026. 6 Sleep Health Foundation. “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) | Sleep Health Foundation.” Www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au, 2024, www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/obstructive-sleep-apnoea. 7 Katella, Kathy. “7 Things to Know about Sleep Apnea and CPAP.” Yale Medicine, 18 Apr. 2022, www.yalemedicine.org/news/sleep-apnea-cpap.
