Why You Might Be Drooling in Your Sleep — And What It Could Mean
Waking up to a wet pillow? You’re not alone. Drooling during sleep is more common than you might think. While it’s usually harmless, in some cases, it can signal something more serious.
Common Reasons You Drool While Sleeping
💤 Sleep Position
Sleeping on your side or stomach makes it easier for saliva to escape — especially if your nose is stuffy.
💊 Medications
Certain medications, like sedatives or even ibuprofen, can ramp up saliva production.
🤧 Nasal Congestion
Colds, allergies, or sinus issues can block your nasal passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth — a major drool trigger.
🦴 Deviated Septum
A crooked nasal passage can interfere with airflow and increase mouth breathing.
😴 Sleep Apnea
Interrupted breathing at night can cause frequent mouth breathing — and drooling.
🦷 Dental Issues
Tooth infections or gum problems can stimulate excess saliva production.
🔥 GERD (Acid Reflux)
When stomach acid comes back up, it can make swallowing harder and lead to pooling saliva.
🧠 Neurological Conditions
Disorders like Parkinson’s disease or a past stroke can affect the muscles that control swallowing.
😬 Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching may alter how your mouth closes, causing saliva to escape.
🤰 Pregnancy
Hormonal changes can increase saliva production — another charming pregnancy symptom!
How to Reduce Nighttime Drooling
✅ Sleep on your back
💧 Stay well hydrated
🍋 Try natural remedies (like sucking on lemon wedges)
🛡️ Use a mouthguard (especially if you grind your teeth)
💤 Treat sleep apnea with a CPAP machine
💉 Consider Botox for severe, chronic cases
🔪 In rare cases, surgery may be needed (typically for neurological causes)
When to See a Doctor
Drooling becomes a concern when it’s excessive, new, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, jaw pain, or facial weakness. In those cases, it’s time for a medical evaluation — it could point to an underlying condition that needs attention.
