Waking up to find saliva on your pillow isn’t the most appealing start to the day—but hey, it happens to many people.
While drooling during sleep might bring to mind concerning health issues, experts assure us it’s usually nothing serious—though there are some indicators that might require attention.
The primary reason for drooling at night is often just mouth-breathing, according to Matthew Walker, a neuroscience and biomedical engineering professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. “For most people, occasional drooling is perfectly normal and harmless,” he explains. “Your salivary glands continue to work while you sleep, and if your mouth opens, well, gravity does its thing—the damp spot on your pillow is usually just a laundry matter.”
Michael Perlis, a professor and director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine program at the University of Pennsylvania, adds, “Everyone drools.” He suggests this might be especially true during REM sleep, which is the stage where your muscles relax temporarily.
When should I be concerned about drooling while sleeping?
While it’s generally harmless, waking up feeling severely dehydrated or with an uncomfortable dry mouth might raise some flags, according to Perlis.
It’s worth noting that if drooling becomes new, heavy, or continues over time, that could be significant. Walker points out that what accompanies the drooling matters too. If you notice heavy snoring, gasping for air, or feeling exhausted during the day, these may signal sleep apnea. Conversely, facial weakness, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing could indicate a neurological issue, which should prompt a visit to a doctor.
As Walker puts it, “Mild, lifelong drooling isn’t a big deal; however, changes in drooling patterns warrant further examination.” Excessive drooling might also suggest chronic mouth-breathing due to nasal blockages, acid reflux, or side effects from some medications.
How can I reduce drooling?
Since mouth-breathing is the leading cause, addressing issues with the airway can provide a straightforward solution.
“Treating nasal congestion, allergies, or ailments like a cold often helps close your mouth and can keep your pillow drier,” Walker recommends, also emphasizing good hydration and managing reflux.
Adjusting your sleeping position might also help. People who sleep on their sides or stomachs tend to drool more, while back sleepers generally drool less; however, Walker advises that those who prefer side-sleeping should focus more on keeping their mouths closed than the actual position.
Additionally, mouth guards and chin straps can be beneficial too.
