Drooling during sleep is quite common and usually not a cause for alarm. It often happens when the muscles that control swallowing are relaxed during sleep, letting saliva pool and leak from the mouth. A few factors can make it more noticeable or frequent. What may be contributing
- Sleeping position: Sleeping on the back can help keep saliva in the mouth, while side- or stomach-sleeping or sleeping with an open mouth can increase drooling due to gravity.
- Mouth breathing or nasal congestion: If the nose is blocked from allergies, a cold, or sinus issues, the mouth may fall open during sleep, promoting drooling.
- Saliva production and swallowing: Some people naturally produce more saliva or have a slower swallow reflex during sleep.
- GERD or digestive issues: Acid reflux can increase saliva production and irritation, potentially increasing drooling.
- Medications or medical conditions: Certain drugs (e.g., those that cause dry mouth paradoxically or increase secretions in some people) and neurological or sleep-related conditions can affect swallowing or saliva flow.
- Age-related factors: Drooling can be more noticeable in infants/young children and sometimes in older adults, depending on muscle tone and health status.
What you can try to reduce it
- Adjust sleep position: If you’re a side sleeper, trying to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated may reduce drooling.
- Manage nasal passages: Use saline nasal spray, consider a humidifier, or address allergies/colds to keep the nose clear and encourage nasal breathing.
- Oral care: Good hydration, regular dental check-ups, and treating any dental or throat irritation can help.
- Mouth closure strategies: Some people find taping the mouth shut at night helpful (with caution and only if you’ve discussed it with a clinician and are confident you can breathe safely through the nose).
- Treat underlying conditions: If GERD, allergies, or sleep-disordered breathing are suspected, addressing these with a healthcare professional can reduce drooling.
- Review medications: If a new drug started recently correlates with increased drooling, discuss alternatives or adjustments with your clinician.
When to seek medical advice
- If drooling is sudden, very excessive, accompanied by new facial weakness, trouble speaking, or other neurological symptoms, seek prompt medical evaluation.
- If you have sleep apnea symptoms (loud snoring, gasping/choking at night, excessive daytime sleepiness) or significant nasal congestion that affects breathing, a medical assessment is warranted.
- If drooling persists or worsens despite self-care, or if you notice fever, mouth sores, or dehydration, consult a healthcare professional for a tailored evaluation.
If you’d like, share any details about your age, sleep position, nasal symptoms, medications, or any accompanying symptoms. That can help refine potential causes and practical steps.
