Drooling while sleeping is something many people experience at some point in their lives. It happens when excess saliva escapes from the mouth during sleep, often soaking your pillow. While occasional drooling is harmless, frequent or excessive drooling could be a sign of underlying health issues that need attention.
If you find yourself waking up with a wet pillow regularly, it might be time to look deeper into the possible causes. Here are six conditions that could be responsible for excessive drooling while you sleep.
1. Sleep Apnea – Could Your Breathing Be Affected?
One of the most serious conditions associated with excess drooling is sleep apnea. This sleep disorder occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, causing snoring, choking, and even momentary stoppages in breathing.
🔍 Signs to watch for:
✔ Loud snoring
✔ Waking up gasping for air
✔ Feeling excessively tired during the day
✔ Morning headaches
Why does it cause drooling?
When your airway is partially blocked, you may breathe through your mouth, leading to poor control over saliva. If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a doctor, as it can have serious health consequences.
2. Acid Reflux (GERD) – Is Your Digestive System to Blame?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause excessive saliva production, which may lead to nighttime drooling. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and triggering an increase in saliva.
🔍 Signs to watch for:
✔ Frequent heartburn
✔ Sour taste in your mouth upon waking up
✔ Coughing or throat irritation
✔ Difficulty swallowing
How to manage it?
- Avoid eating large meals before bed
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Limit acidic and spicy foods
If GERD is the culprit, treating the reflux can significantly reduce drooling.
3. Sinus Infections & Allergies – Are Your Airways Blocked?
If you experience nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or chronic sinus issues, drooling could be the result of difficulty breathing through your nose. When your nasal passages are blocked, you are more likely to breathe through your mouth, leading to excessive saliva escaping.
🔍 Signs to watch for:
✔ Stuffy or runny nose
✔ Sneezing and itchy eyes
✔ Thick mucus or postnasal drip
✔ Pressure around the sinuses
What can help?
- Use a humidifier to keep airways moist
- Try saline sprays or steam inhalation
- Take antihistamines for allergies
4. Neurological Disorders – Is Your Nervous System Affected?
Certain neurological conditions can interfere with muscle control, making it harder to swallow saliva while sleeping. Disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), stroke, and cerebral palsy can all lead to excessive drooling.
🔍 Signs to watch for:
