I’m drooling in my sleep, what’s wrong with me?

Waking up with a wet pillow can be frustrating, embarrassing, and just a bit gross. Drooling from time to time during sleep is normal, and saliva plays a crucial role in oral hygiene and digestion. However, if you’re suffering from frequent nighttime drooling (sialorrhua or nocturnal hypersalivation), there may be an underlying issue to address.

Why do we drool in our sleep?

Drooling during sleep isn’t uncommon and is usually due to a simple explanation. When we’re in a deep sleep, our facial and throat muscles relax, and if our mouths open during slumber, it's easy (and usually harmless) for some saliva to run out. Simple things like sleep position, nasal congestion, and mouth breathing can all lead to a bit of drooling during the night. However, there is one possible source that could be a cause for concern.

Sleep apnea and drooling

Drooling is a common but often overlooked symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). That same loss of muscle control that causes drooling is also a potential cause of OSA. Neurologist Dr. Guy Leschziner explains that “in REM sleep, the stage of sleep that we most associate with dreaming, our muscles lose significant tone. In fact, most of the muscles in our bodies are paralysed.” This relaxation of muscles is compounded by the fact that many patients with OSA breathe through their mouths due to a blockage of the airway, making it easy for saliva to escape the mouth during sleep.

What you can do

1. Change your sleep position - try sleeping on your back, rather than your side or stomach, and see if you notice a decrease in drooling.
   
   
2. Treat nasal congestion - try over-the-counter allergy medications or decongestants that may help you stop mouth breathing during the night.
   
   
3. Ask a doctor - if you suspect sleep apnea may be the cause of your drooling, it’s important to speak to a doctor and discuss other symptoms to reach a diagnosis and begin treatment. Take the first step today and complete the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz to find a sleep expert near you.

Seemingly strange symptoms like drooling are just one way sleep apnea can present itself. OSA is different for everyone, and it can be hard to track the symptoms. That’s why Dumbo Health is dedicated to making the diagnosis and treatment process streamlined and accessible for all patients.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drooling in your sleep normal?

Yes, occasional drooling is common and usually harmless. It often happens when you’re in deep sleep and fully relaxed, which can be a sign of restful sleep.

Can drooling be a sign of good sleep quality?

Sometimes, yes. Drooling often occurs during deep, restorative stages of sleep. If you wake up feeling refreshed and have no other symptoms, it may simply mean you were deeply relaxed.

What vitamin deficiency causes excessive drooling?

There is no direct vitamin deficiency linked to drooling. However, deficiencies that affect neurological function (such as B12 deficiency) may indirectly affect muscle control and swallowing, which could contribute in rare cases.

Can dehydration cause drooling?

Dehydration usually leads to less saliva, not more. However, dry mouth can cause you to sleep with your mouth open, which may make even small amounts of saliva more noticeable on your pillow.

Why does drooling sometimes happen more during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes can increase saliva production (a condition called ptyalism) during pregnancy. This, combined with nasal congestion and reflux, can make drooling more frequent.

When should I worry about drooling at night?

See a doctor if drooling is persistent, worsens suddenly, or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, speech changes, weakness in the face, or other neurological symptoms, as these could signal an underlying medical issue.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.