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Waking up with a damp pillow from drool? You’re not alone. Nighttime drooling, or sialorrhea, is common—and your sleep position is often to blame.

Side sleeping is the most popular position but also a top culprit. Gravity pulls saliva toward the mouth’s edge, and if your lips part during deep sleep, drool escapes. A firm pillow that slightly elevates your head can help reduce this.

Stomach sleeping almost guarantees drooling. Your face presses into the pillow, your mouth may open, and gravity does the rest. It’s also tough on your neck and may worsen breathing or digestion.

Back sleeping is best for keeping your pillow dry. Gravity pulls saliva toward your throat, your mouth is more likely to stay closed, and overall drooling decreases. Plus, it benefits spine alignment and may reduce sleep wrinkles.

Drooling is also influenced by deep sleep and mouth breathing, especially if nasal congestion is present. Clearing nasal passages and retraining breathing patterns can make a difference.

Tips to reduce drooling:

Sleep on your back

Use a wedge pillow

Treat allergies or congestion

Avoid late meals

Practice breathing exercises

While occasional drooling is normal, persistent issues may warrant a visit to your doctor.