Drooling during sleep is more popular than most people admit. Waking up to find a damp pillow may feel confusing, but what does it actually mean for your health? While occasional drooling is usually harmless, frequent or excessive saliva leakage could signal something deeper about your body’s condition.
Why Do We Drool in Our Sleep?
When you sleep, your facial muscles and swallowing reflexes relax. This allows saliva to pool in your mouth and, if you’re lying on your side or stomach, gravity can make it escape. In short, it’s a normal process that occurs to everyone from time to time.
Howeve, if you wake up every morning with noticeable wet spots on your pillow, it might mean your body is creating too much saliva or that your muscles and nerves aren’t working as effectively as they should.
Common Causes of Excessive Drooling
Several factors can increase nighttime drooling:
- Sleeping position: People who sleep on their sides or stomachs tend to drool more because of gravity.
- Nasal congestion: A bl0cked nose makes you breathe through your mouth, supporting saliva to spread.
- Allergies or sinus infections: These can boost saliva production and cause mouth breathing.
- Dental or oral issues: Misaligned teeth, gum infections, or dental devices can interfere with swallowing.
- Medications: Some drugs for anxiety, depression, or Alzheimer’s can cause hypersalivation
