Drooling when you sleep isn’t just an embarrassing or uncomfortable issue—it’s a common one that many of us experience from time to time. But what happens when it becomes frequent or excessive? Drooling during sleep may be more than just a minor inconvenience; it can sometimes signal underlying health concerns. In this article, we’ll explore why drooling occurs and, more importantly, how you can stop it.
What Causes Drooling When You Sleep?
Drooling happens when excess saliva escapes your mouth while you’re asleep. Your facial muscles and swallowing reflexes relax when you’re in a deep sleep, which can lead to an open mouth. Since saliva accumulates in your mouth naturally, the relaxed state of your muscles allows it to trickle out, leaving you with a soggy pillow.
For some people, this is a rare occurrence. However, excessive drooling—known as hypersalivation—can indicate certain health issues, including neurological diseases or nasal congestion. If you’ve recently had a stroke, you may also be more prone to drooling due to the after-effects of the condition.
1. Blocked Sinuses Can Make You Drool
If you’re breathing through your mouth at night due to a stuffy nose, drooling is almost inevitable. Nasal congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, which increases the likelihood of saliva escaping.
To prevent this, try clearing your sinuses before bedtime:
- Take a hot shower to open up your nasal passages.
- Use essential oils like eucalyptus to improve airflow and help you breathe more easily.
- Apply a product like Vick’s Vaporub to unblock your sinuses and enhance your nighttime breathing.
If your sinus issues stem from a nasal infection, be sure to treat the infection promptly. Ignoring it could lead to chronic nasal congestion, which makes drooling much harder to control.
2. Sleeping Position Matters
Believe it or not, the way you sleep can contribute to your drooling habit. When you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity pulls the saliva out of your mouth, causing that unwanted drool. On the other hand, if you sleep on your back, your saliva stays where it belongs—inside your mouth.
For those who find it difficult to remain in one sleeping position all night, consider using pillows to prop yourself up and stabilize your body.
3. Could It Be Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that disrupts your breathing while you sleep. If you find yourself drooling excessively and also experience snoring or waking up gasping for air, you may have sleep apnea.
This condition prevents restful sleep, making you feel fatigued in the morning and sluggish during the day. Drooling is one of the primary indicators of sleep apnea, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you have this condition. Keep in mind, smoking and being overweight increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight Can Help
Weight plays a major role in the quality of your sleep. Over 50% of people in the U.S. with sleep apnea are also overweight. The excess tissue around the neck can obstruct airflow, which exacerbates drooling and other sleep-related issues.
If you’re overweight and struggling with drooling or sleep apnea, losing weight can significantly 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. Use Specialized Devices
Sometimes, addressing drooling requires a more tailored approach. If lifestyle changes and home remedies aren’t helping, a doctor may suggest a specialized dental device. These devices can help keep your mouth closed during sleep or assist with swallowing.
Consulting with a medical professional can ensure that you get a solution suited to your needs, whether it’s a mouthguard or a more advanced dental appliance designed to minimize drooling.
6. Medication and Drooling: Check Your Prescriptions
If you’re on certain medications, drooling might be a side effect. Some drugs, particularly antibiotics, can cause hypersalivation. If you notice an uptick in drooling after starting a new medication, consult your doctor. Adjusting your medication might be all that’s needed to stop the excess saliva.
7. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
A simple fix for drooling could be adjusting your sleeping position by elevating your head. Using a higher pillow can prevent saliva from pooling in your mouth. Be sure to fluff your pillow and make sure it’s comfortable for your neck and back, as this can improve your overall sleep quality while reducing drooling.
8. Surgical Options for Severe Cases
In extreme cases where drooling is linked to a neurological disorder, surgery may be recommended. The procedure typically involves removing or disabling some of the salivary glands to reduce saliva production. Surgery is usually a last resort, only considered when other non-invasive methods fail.
Drooling when you sleep may seem like a minor annoyance, but if it happens frequently, it can impact the quality of your rest and even indicate a deeper issue. Whether it’s caused by a blocked nose, poor sleeping position, or an underlying health problem like sleep apnea, there are solutions to help you stop drooling and get better sleep. From simple lifestyle changes to consulting a doctor for specialized devices or surgery, you don’t have to let drooling disrupt your rest.
Are you ready to try these tips and say goodbye to drooling? Let us know how they work for you!
