DROOLING WHILE SLEEPING
8 Causes, Solutions, & When To Seek Help
Drooling while sleeping is a common phenomenon that many people experience at some point in their lives. While it may seem embarrassing or concerning, it is often harmless.
However, for some, drooling can indicate underlying health issues or disturbances in sleep patterns. This article dives into the 6 causes of drooling while sleeping, when it is normal versus excessive, and provides natural ways to reduce it. We will also discuss when it might be necessary to consult a healthcare professional about this issue.
Table of Contents
What Causes Drooling While Sleeping?
Drooling, also known as sialorrhea or hypersalivation, happens when excess saliva escapes from the mouth while you sleep. Understanding the reasons behind drooling can help in determining if it is a normal occurrence or if it signals something more serious.
Common Reasons for Drooling During Sleep
Sleeping Position
The most common cause of drooling while sleeping is sleeping on your side or stomach. In these positions, gravity can naturally cause saliva to pool and escape from the mouth since the jaw tends to relax, and saliva easily dribbles out.Nasal Congestion or Allergies
When your nose is congested due to a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, you may have to breathe through your mouth while sleeping. Mouth breathing can dry out your oral cavity, increasing saliva production, which often leads to drooling.GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is a digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. This condition can trigger increased saliva production as the body attempts to neutralize the acid, leading to nighttime drooling.Sleep Apnea
Drooling may also be linked to sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouths, contributing to excess drooling.
Sneakier or Less Common Causes of Drooling While Sleeping
Neurological Conditions
Some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), or a history of stroke, can affect the muscles in the mouth and throat, leading to an inability to properly control saliva flow. As a result, people with these conditions are more prone to excessive drooling.Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, or medications used for treating Alzheimer’s, can have side effects that cause excessive saliva production. This can lead to drooling, especially at night when muscle control relaxes during sleep.Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
People with swallowing disorders may have difficulty managing their saliva. During sleep, the reduced ability to swallow may lead to drooling.Dental Issues
Malocclusion, or improper alignment of the teeth and jaw, can sometimes cause difficulty in keeping the mouth closed while sleeping, leading to drooling. Dentures or braces can also contribute to this issue.
How Much Drooling is Normal?
Drooling in sleep is quite normal and can happen to almost anyone occasionally. It is often related to temporary factors like sleeping position or a passing illness such as a cold. However, understanding what constitutes normal drooling versus excessive drooling can help you identify if further steps should be taken.
When Is Drooling Considered Normal?
A small amount of drooling that occasionally happens during sleep, especially if you wake up with only a damp spot on your pillow, is typically considered normal. This can be due to short-term factors like:
- Sleeping on your stomach or side
- Mild nasal congestion
- Temporary fatigue
If you only notice drooling on rare occasions, there’s likely no cause for concern.
When Is Drooling Considered Excessive?
Excessive drooling, or chronic sialorrhea, is when the amount of saliva production disrupts your sleep or causes noticeable wet patches on your pillow almost every night. Chronic drooling can also lead to other symptoms, including:
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Constant dry mouth or dehydration
- Skin irritation around the mouth
- Swollen or inflamed salivary glands
- Disruptive sleep
If you experience excessive drooling, it may be indicative of an underlying health issue, such as sleep apnea, GERD, or neurological disorders. In this case, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Natural Ways to Minimize Drooling While Sleeping
If you are concerned about your drooling, there are several natural and simple strategies you can try to reduce the amount of saliva escaping during sleep.
1. Change Your Sleeping Position
Since sleeping on your stomach or side often increases the chances of drooling, switching to a back-sleeping position can help reduce it. In this position, gravity helps keep saliva inside the mouth rather than allowing it to dribble out.
2. Manage Nasal Congestion
If nasal congestion or allergies are causing mouth breathing and drooling, address the congestion first. You can try:
- Saline nasal sprays or decongestants before bed
- Air purifiers in your bedroom to remove allergens
- Humidifiers to maintain moisture in the air
Keeping your nasal passages clear can help you breathe through your nose rather than your mouth, reducing drooling.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause the body to produce more thick, sticky saliva. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help maintain proper saliva balance and reduce nighttime drooling.
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce bacterial growth in the mouth, which sometimes contributes to excessive saliva production. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, and consider rinsing your mouth with a mild mouthwash before bed.
5. Use a Supportive Pillow
A contour pillow or one specifically designed for side or back sleeping can provide better support for your head and neck, encouraging optimal sleeping positions that reduce drooling.
6. Try a Mouth Guard or Retainer
In some cases, a mouth guard or retainer recommended by a dentist can help keep your mouth closed while you sleep, preventing excess drool from escaping.
When Should You See a Doctor About Drooling?
In most cases, drooling is a harmless, temporary inconvenience. However, there are situations where it may signal a more serious issue, and medical advice is warranted.
When Drooling Interferes with Sleep
If drooling is affecting your sleep quality, causing you to wake up frequently, or leading to disrupted breathing, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires treatment, as it can have long-term health consequences if left untreated.
When You Have Other Symptoms
If your drooling is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or persistent sore throat, this may point to a more serious health issue. In such cases, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If You Suspect Medication Is the Cause
If you recently started taking new medication and have noticed increased drooling, talk to your doctor. Some medications can cause hypersalivation as a side effect, and your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Persistent or Severe Drooling
For individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or ALS, or those who have had a stroke, persistent drooling may require specific treatments. These may include medications to reduce saliva production, or in severe cases, surgical options may be considered.
Drooling While Sleeping
While drooling during sleep is often harmless and manageable with lifestyle changes, it can sometimes point to underlying health conditions that need attention. By understanding the causes of drooling, monitoring your symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical help, you can ensure your drooling is a minor inconvenience rather than a sign of a larger issue.
If you are unsure about your symptoms or feel that your drooling is excessive, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns. And remember, optimizing your sleep environment, such as investing in supportive pillows and improving your sleep hygiene, can also go a long way in reducing unwanted drooling.
References
- Very Well Health. (2023). Reasons For Drooling In Your Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-we-drool-in-our-sleep-3015103
- HealthLine. (2023). 6 Ways To Stop Drooling. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-drooling
- Medical News Today. (2023). How To Stop Drooling: The 7 Best Ways And Why It Happens. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321622
- Manchester University. (2022). Management of Hypersalivation and Sialorrhoea in Adult Patients Version. Retrieved from https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MFT-Hypersalivation-pathway-update_FINAL-for-web.pdf
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Yes, occasional drooling is normal and often caused by factors like sleeping position or nasal congestion. However, excessive drooling may indicate an underlying issue.
Excessive drooling can be caused by sleep apnea, GERD, allergies, certain medications, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
You can reduce drooling by sleeping on your back, managing nasal congestion, staying hydrated, and using supportive pillows or a mouth guard.
Consult a doctor if drooling disrupts your sleep, is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, or if it’s linked to medication or a neurological condition.
Is drooling while sleeping normal?
Yes, occasional drooling is normal and often caused by factors like sleeping position or nasal congestion. However, excessive drooling may indicate an underlying issue.
What causes excessive drooling during sleep?
Excessive drooling can be caused by sleep apnea, GERD, allergies, certain medications, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
How can I stop drooling while sleeping?
You can reduce drooling by sleeping on your back, managing nasal congestion, staying hydrated, and using supportive pillows or a mouth guard.
When should I see a doctor about drooling in my sleep?
Consult a doctor if drooling disrupts your sleep, is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, or if it's linked to medication or a neurological condition.
Can dehydration cause more drooling?
Dehydration can sometimes lead to thicker saliva, but it generally does not cause drooling. Staying hydrated can help maintain proper saliva balance.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
