Why Do I Drool in My Sleep? Causes and Solutions

You probably don’t think much about how you sleep until you start doing it wrong. One of the most common sleeping missteps is drooling while sleeping. Even if it sounds funny, this is a very unpleasant experience that can make you feel insecure and embarrassed. There are different potential causes of drooling while sleeping and different measures that can help you stop doing it. Moreover, because some conditions may be linked to this habit, we conclude this article with some helpful tips for identifying the source of your problem and what to do about it. Drool in My Sleep is usually harmless but may be linked to sleep position, nasal blockage, mouth breathing or sleep apnoea. Learn when to seek help.

What Causes Drooling While Sleeping?

Drooling while sleeping occurs when saliva escapes from the mouth instead of being swallowed. It is common and usually harmless, especially when sleeping on the side or stomach. During sleep, the facial muscles relax and swallowing becomes less frequent, making it easier for saliva to collect and leak from an open mouth. Persistent or excessive drooling may also be related to nasal congestion, mouth breathing, acid reflux, certain medicines, swallowing difficulties or a sleep-related breathing disorder.

Common Causes why I Drool in My Sleep

• Sleeping position: Side and stomach sleeping allow saliva to escape more easily.
• Nasal blockage: Allergies, a cold, sinus problems or a deviated septum may encourage mouth breathing.
• Open-mouth sleeping: Saliva can leak when the lips do not remain closed during sleep.
• Acid reflux: Reflux may irritate the throat and sometimes increase salivation.
• Medicines: Certain medicines may affect saliva production or swallowing.
• Swallowing or neurological problems: Conditions that reduce swallowing control can cause excessive drooling.

Is Drooling Related to Sleep Apnoea?

Drooling alone does not mean that you have sleep apnoea. However, mouth breathing may occur when the airway or nasal passages are partially obstructed. Consult a doctor or sleep specialist if drooling is accompanied by loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, disturbed sleep or excessive daytime tiredness.

Home remedies for drooling while sleeping

• Peppermint: Peppermint is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help relieve your mouth and stop drooling. You can also make a mouthwash out of peppermint and water, but don’t use this as a replacement for brushing your teeth.
• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce your mouth pain. You can add it to your water or mouthwash to help reduce drooling.
• Saltwater: Mixing water and a little bit of salt will also reduce the swelling of your gums. – Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the pain in your mouth and stop drooling. You can add the tea to water or you can also make a mouthwash out of it.
• Honey and cinnamon: Honey has antibacterial properties and cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing them makes a great mouthwash that can help reduce the inflammation of your gums.

How Can You Reduce Drooling While Sleeping?

1. Try sleeping on your back if it is comfortable and medically suitable.
2. Seek treatment for persistent allergies or nasal congestion.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups.
4. Discuss possible medicine-related side effects with your doctor.
5. Avoid starting mouthwashes or home remedies without professional advice.
6. Seek assessment if you regularly breathe through your mouth while sleeping.

When Should You Consult a Doctor or Dentist?

Seek professional advice if drooling begins suddenly, becomes excessive, interferes with sleep or causes choking and difficulty swallowing. Immediate medical attention is required if sudden drooling occurs with facial weakness, speech difficulty, confusion or weakness of an arm or leg. A dentist can check for oral infections, gum problems, missing teeth, bite concerns or difficulty keeping the lips closed. Nasal obstruction, sleep apnoea, reflux and neurological conditions may require assessment by the appropriate medical specialist.

Conclusion

Occasional drooling while sleeping is common and usually results from sleep position, relaxed facial muscles or an open mouth. Persistent drooling should not be treated only with home remedies, because the correct treatment depends on its underlying cause. If drooling is accompanied by snoring, choking, swallowing difficulty or daytime sleepiness, arrange a professional assessment.

FAQs

Is it normal to drool while sleeping?

Yes. Occasional drooling is common, particularly among people who sleep on their side or stomach. It becomes a concern when it is excessive, starts suddenly or occurs with other symptoms.

Why have I suddenly started drooling at night?

A recent change may be related to nasal congestion, allergies, reflux, a new medicine or another health condition. Persistent or sudden unexplained drooling should be medically assessed.

Does sleeping with an open mouth cause drooling?

Yes. When the mouth remains open, saliva can escape instead of being swallowed. Nasal blockage and mouth breathing are common reasons for open-mouth sleeping.

Can drooling be a sign of sleep apnoea?

Drooling is not diagnostic of sleep apnoea. However, it should be investigated when accompanied by loud snoring, gasping, choking, morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Can dental problems cause drooling?

Some oral infections, poorly fitting dentures, missing teeth or difficulty maintaining lip closure may contribute. A dental examination can help identify or exclude an oral cause.

Which doctor should I consult for excessive drooling?

You may begin with a physician or dentist. Depending on the suspected cause, you may be referred to an ENT specialist, sleep physician, neurologist or swallowing specialist.

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