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.