Why You Might Be Drooling in Your Sleep — and What to Do About It
Drooling during sleep is common and usually harmless, but it can be embarrassing or signal a health issue.
Top Causes:
Sleep Position – Sleeping on your side or stomach, especially with nasal congestion.
Medications – Some drugs (like sedatives or ibuprofen) increase saliva.
Nasal Congestion – Colds or allergies force mouth breathing.
Deviated Septum – Can block airflow and cause drooling.
Sleep Apnea – Disrupts breathing and often causes mouth breathing.
Dental Issues – Infections or pain can increase saliva.
GERD – Acid reflux can make swallowing harder, leading to drooling.
Neurological Conditions – Like Parkinson’s or stroke, affect muscle control.
Teeth Grinding – Mouthguards or grinding may change how your mouth closes.
Pregnancy – Hormonal changes can increase saliva.
How to Reduce Drooling:
Sleep on your back
Stay hydrated
Try lemon wedges or home remedies
Use a mouthguard or sleep aid
Treat sleep apnea with a CPAP machine
Consider Botox (for severe cases)
Surgery – Rare, for severe neurological cases
When to See a Doctor:
If drooling is new, excessive, or comes with other symptoms (trouble swallowing, jaw pain,
facial weakness), get evaluated. It might point to an underlying health issue.