Ah — drooling while sleeping, also called nocturnal sialorrhea, is actually very common and usually not a cause for concern. It happens when saliva escapes from your mouth while you’re asleep. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Why People Drool in Their Sleep
- Sleeping Position
- Sleeping on your side or stomach can make saliva pool and leak from the mouth.
- Mouth Breathing
- If your nose is congested (from a cold, allergies, or sinus issues), you might breathe through your mouth, increasing drooling.
- Deep Sleep
- During deep REM sleep, swallowing reflexes slow down, so saliva can accumulate and leak out.
- Dental Issues
- Poorly aligned teeth or an overbite can make it harder to keep saliva in the mouth.
- Medical Causes
- Less commonly, excessive drooling can be related to:
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Neurological conditions (like Parkinson’s disease)
- Certain medications that increase saliva production
- Less commonly, excessive drooling can be related to:
Tips to Reduce Drooling While Sleeping
- Sleep on your back if possible.
- Treat nasal congestion with saline sprays, antihistamines, or decongestants.
- Practice good oral hygiene — sometimes dental issues contribute.
- Avoid excessive alcohol or sedatives before bed (they relax muscles and reduce swallowing).
- Stay hydrated — ironically, dehydration can increase drooling because the mouth produces thicker saliva.
When to See a Doctor
- Drooling is sudden or severe.
- Accompanied by difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- Occurs alongside neurological symptoms (tremors, weakness).
💡 Fun fact: Some babies drool a lot in their sleep because their swallowing reflex isn’t fully developed — this usually improves with age.
If you want, I can also explain why some people drool more in REM sleep versus light sleep, which gets surprisingly scientific but interesting.
Do you want me to explain that?
