Waking up with a wet pillow or finding yourself drooling during sleep can be a little awkward—but you’re not alone. Drooling while sleeping is fairly common and, in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. Still, if it happens often or starts suddenly, it might be worth a closer look. Excessive drooling could signal an underlying issue, and understanding the possible causes can help you decide when it’s time to seek help and what you can do about it.

1. Your Sleeping Position

One of the most common reasons people drool is simply how they sleep. If you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity pulls saliva out of your mouth more easily. When you’re on your back, saliva typically stays put and you’re less likely to wake up with a damp pillow. Changing your sleeping position can be a quick and easy fix.

2. Nasal Congestion or Allergies

If your nose is stuffed up due to a cold, allergies, or sinus issues, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth while you sleep. Mouth breathing increases the chances of drooling since your lips are open and saliva can escape. Treating the congestion with nasal sprays, antihistamines, or decongestants may help reduce drooling.

3. A Deviated Septum

A deviated septum—when the cartilage and bone dividing your nostrils is off-center—can also make it harder to breathe through your nose. This forces mouth breathing and, in turn, increases drooling. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct this.

4. Sleep Apnea

Drooling can be one of the signs of sleep apnea, a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. People with sleep apnea often sleep with their mouths open, which increases drooling. If you snore loudly, feel tired during the day, or experience gasping in your sleep, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. A CPAP machine, which helps keep your airways open at night, might reduce both the apnea and the drooling.

5. Medications

Certain medications, especially those used to treat mental health conditions, can increase saliva production as a side effect. If you’ve recently started a new prescription and notice more drooling at night, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives or solutions.

6. Dental Problems or Infections

Infections in your mouth, tooth decay, or poorly fitting dental appliances can stimulate saliva production or make it harder to swallow properly, leading to drooling. A visit to the dentist can help rule out or treat any oral health issues contributing to the problem.

7. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

GERD causes stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus, and this irritation can lead to excessive saliva production. If you also deal with heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, or a chronic cough, GERD might be the root cause. Managing your diet, avoiding late-night meals, and taking medication can help keep symptoms under control.

8. Neurological Conditions

Conditions that affect muscle control, such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or cerebral palsy, can make it harder to swallow, causing saliva to build up and leak from the mouth. For individuals with these conditions, drooling can be more frequent and may require medical treatments like Botox injections or, in rare cases, surgery to reduce saliva production.

9. Teeth Grinding or Jaw Alignment Issues

Grinding your teeth (bruxism) or misalignment of your jaw can affect how your mouth stays closed at night. These issues may cause your lips to part slightly while you sleep, leading to drooling. Using a night guard or seeking treatment from a dentist can help resolve the problem.

10. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormone changes can sometimes cause an increase in saliva production. This is more common during the first trimester and may also be tied to morning sickness or nausea. While temporary, this can still lead to more drooling at night.

What Can You Do About It?

If drooling is becoming a problem, there are several steps you can take:

• Change your sleeping position: Try sleeping on your back to reduce the effects of gravity on saliva.

• Treat nasal congestion: Use a saline spray or talk to your doctor about antihistamines.

• Use a mandibular device: These mouthpieces can help align your jaw and keep your mouth closed.

• Try a CPAP machine: If sleep apnea is involved, this device can greatly reduce drooling.

• Consider Botox or surgery: In severe neurological cases, medical procedures may be necessary.

• Stay hydrated: Dry mouth can confuse your body into producing more saliva, so drink enough water.

• Manage GERD: Adjusting your diet and sleep habits can minimize symptoms.

If your drooling is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, facial weakness, or unexplained pain, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. They can run tests, examine your symptoms, and help determine whether it’s something simple or a sign of a more serious issue.

In the end, while nighttime drooling is often just an awkward nuisance, it can sometimes be a red flag. Don’t ignore it if it’s starting to affect your sleep, comfort, or confidence. Getting the right treatment could make a big difference in your sleep quality—and your pillowcases will thank you.