Drooling during sleep isn’t just an embarrassing or uncomfortable issue—it’s a common problem that many people experience. But when it becomes frequent or excessive, drooling may be more than a minor inconvenience; it could indicate an underlying health concern. In this article, we’ll dive into why drooling happens and, more importantly, how you can stop it.

What Causes Drooling When You Sleep?

Drooling occurs when excess saliva escapes from your mouth while you sleep. When you’re in a deep sleep, your facial muscles and swallowing reflexes relax, which can cause your mouth to open. Saliva naturally accumulates, and with your muscles relaxed, it can easily trickle out, leaving you with a damp pillow.

For some, this is a rare occurrence. However, if drooling becomes excessive—known as hypersalivation—it could be a sign of certain health issues like nasal congestion or even neurological conditions. People who have experienced a stroke, for example, are often more prone to drooling due to the after-effects of the condition.

1. Blocked Sinuses Can Cause Drooling

If you’re breathing through your mouth because of a stuffy nose, drooling is almost inevitable. Nasal congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, increasing the chances of saliva escaping.

To combat this, try clearing your sinuses before bed:

• Take a hot shower to open up your nasal passages.
• Use essential oils like eucalyptus to improve airflow and help you breathe easier.
• Apply a product like Vicks VapoRub to unblock your sinuses and enhance your nighttime breathing.

If your sinus issues are caused by a nasal infection, treat the infection promptly to prevent chronic congestion, which can make drooling harder to control.

2. Your Sleeping Position Matters

Believe it or not, the way you sleep can contribute to your drooling problem. When you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity pulls saliva out of your mouth, leading to drool. However, if you sleep on your back, your saliva stays where it should—inside your mouth.

If you struggle to stay in one position during the night, try using pillows to prop yourself up and stabilize your body.

3. Could It Be Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that disrupts your breathing while you sleep. If you notice excessive drooling along with snoring or waking up gasping for air, you may have sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea prevents restful sleep, leaving you fatigued in the morning and sluggish during the day. Drooling is one of the key indicators of sleep apnea, so if you suspect this might be the case, consult a healthcare professional. It’s also important to note that smoking and being overweight can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.

4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight Can Help

Your weight plays a major role in the quality of your sleep. Over half of the people in the U.S. with sleep apnea are also overweight. The extra tissue around the neck can obstruct airflow, worsening drooling and other sleep-related problems.

If you’re overweight and dealing with drooling or sleep apnea, losing weight can drastically improve your sleep quality. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about improving your overall health and ensuring you get the rest you need.

5. Consider Specialized Devices

Sometimes, stopping drooling requires a more specific approach. If lifestyle changes and home remedies aren’t enough, a doctor may suggest a specialized dental device. These devices are designed to help keep your mouth closed or assist with swallowing during sleep.

Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if a mouthguard or another device might be the solution to minimize drooling and improve your sleep quality.

6. Check Your Medications

Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can cause hypersalivation as a side effect. If you notice increased drooling after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. A simple adjustment in your prescription might be all it takes to reduce the excess saliva.

7. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

A simple fix for drooling is adjusting your sleeping position by elevating your head. Using a higher pillow can help prevent saliva from pooling in your mouth while you sleep. Make sure your pillow is comfortable and provides proper support for your neck and back, which will not only help reduce drooling but also improve your overall sleep quality.

8. Surgical Options for Severe Cases

In extreme cases, drooling linked to neurological disorders may require surgery. The procedure usually involves removing or disabling some of the salivary glands to reduce saliva production. Surgery is generally considered a last resort, used only when other non-invasive methods have failed.

Final Thoughts: How to Stop Drooling and Get Better Sleep

Drooling when you sleep might seem like a minor annoyance, but if it happens frequently, it can impact the quality of your rest and potentially signal a more serious issue. Whether it’s caused by a blocked nose, poor sleeping position, or a health problem like sleep apnea, there are ways to address it. From simple lifestyle changes to consulting with a doctor for specialized devices or even surgery, you don’t have to let drooling disrupt your sleep.

Ready to try out these tips and finally say goodbye to drooling? Let us know how they work for you!