The Science of Sleep Saliva: Why You Drool and How to Stop It
2. Mouth Breathing & Nasal Congestion
When your nose is blocked, you are forced to breathe through your mouth. This keeps your mouth open all night, making it incredibly easy for saliva to escape. Common culprits include:
- Seasonal allergies
- The common cold or sinus infections
- A deviated septum
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux can stimulate your gastric-salivary reflex. When stomach acid travels up your esophagus, it triggers your salivary glands to produce more saliva (a mechanism called “water brash”) to help neutralize the acid.
4. Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) causes your airway to become blocked or narrowed during sleep, leading to loud snoring and mouth breathing. People with sleep apnea frequently wake up with a very dry mouth or excessive drool.
How to Manage and Reduce Drooling
If you are tired of flipping your pillow to the dry side, here are a few simple “ingredients” to add to your nightly routine:
