How to Stop Drooling in Your Sleep: Tips and Tricks

Drooling in your sleep can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience. Not only can it lead to stained pillows and sheets, but it can also cause skin irritation and disrupt your sleep quality. While occasional drooling during sleep is normal, excessive drooling can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or poor sleeping habits. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 25% of adults experience some form of drooling during sleep. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of drooling during sleep and provide practical tips and solutions to help you reduce or even eliminate it. Whether you’re dealing with occasional drooling or a more severe case, our tips and tricks can help you wake up feeling refreshed and dry every morning.

Understanding the Causes of Drooling During Sleep

Medical Conditions That May Cause Excessive Saliva Production

Excessive saliva production, also known as hypersalivation or sialorrhea, can be caused by several medical conditions. One such condition is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES doesn’t function properly, stomach acid and undigested food can flow back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can result in increased saliva production as the body tries to neutralize the acid.

Another medical condition that may cause excessive saliva production is hypersalivation itself, which is often a symptom of an underlying problem. Some neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, can affect the nerves that control the salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production. Other possible causes of hypersalivation include certain medications, such as opioids, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, as well as infections, allergies, and mouth ulcers.

It’s important to note that while excessive saliva production can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it’s not usually a serious health concern. However, if you experience other symptoms along with hypersalivation, such as difficulty swallowing, drooping facial muscles, or muscle weakness, it could indicate a more serious underlying condition. In these cases, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Treatment for hypersalivation depends on the underlying cause. For GERD, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head of the bed can help reduce symptoms. Medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can also be effective. For neurological disorders, medications that target the underlying condition, such as levodopa for Parkinson’s disease, may be prescribed. Finally, in severe cases where other treatments have failed, surgery to remove the salivary glands may be recommended.

In summary, while hypersalivation can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if you experience other symptoms along with excessive saliva production, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying health problems.

Medications That Can Increase Saliva Production

While some medications can provide significant health benefits, they may also cause unwanted side effects, including increased saliva production. Here are three types of medications that are known to increase saliva production:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can cause an increase in saliva production.

This side effect is thought to occur because these medications affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that control saliva secretion. While the increase in saliva production may be mild or moderate for some people, it can be more severe for others, leading to drooling and difficulty speaking.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications, also known as neuroleptics, are used to manage symptoms associated with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Some antipsychotics, such as clozapine and risperidone, can cause hypersalivation, which is a condition where the body produces more saliva than necessary.

The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to the medications’ impact on dopamine receptors and other neurotransmitters. Hypersalivation can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but fortunately, there are treatments available to manage this side effect.

Blood Pressure Medication

Some blood pressure medications, particularly those that contain alpha-blockers, can cause an increase in saliva production. This side effect can also occur with other medications used to treat heart conditions, such as angina and arrhythmia.

The reason for this side effect is not entirely clear, but it may be due to the medication’s impact on the nervous system and the receptors that control saliva secretion. While the increase in saliva production may be mild for some people, it can be more severe for others, leading to drooling and other discomforts.

If you are taking any of these medications and experiencing excessive saliva production, speak with your doctor. They may suggest adjusting your dosage, switching medications, or using an oral medication to help manage the side effect.

Sleeping Position and Its Effect on Drooling

Sleeping position plays a critical role in determining whether or not you will drool during sleep. Various sleeping positions have different effects on the body, including saliva production and flow. In this section, we look at how side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping affect drooling.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleeping positions, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. However, side sleeping may also increase the likelihood of drooling. This is because gravity pulls saliva towards the mouth’s corner, where it can easily escape as drool.

If you are a side sleeper and tend to drool, try elevating your head slightly using a cushion to keep your mouth closed. You can also try sleeping on the opposite side if you tend to drool more on one side of your face.

Back Sleeping

Sleeping on your back is considered the best position for reducing wrinkles and preventing acid reflux symptoms. However, back sleeping increases the chances of drooling significantly. When sleeping on your back, your tongue tends to relax and fall backward, causing the saliva to accumulate in your throat and eventually come out as drool.

To prevent drooling while sleeping on your back, try raising the head of your bed using pillows or an adjustable bedframe. Alternatively, you can train your tongue to stay in place by practicing certain exercises.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least recommended position due to its adverse effects on the neck and spine. However, it is the least likely position to cause drooling during sleep. When sleeping on your stomach, gravity works in your favor by directing saliva away from the mouth’s opening.

If you find yourself drooling excessively while sleeping on your stomach, try using a smaller pillow that doesn’t elevate your head too much. This will help keep your mouth slightly open, allowing saliva to drain naturally.

In conclusion, sleeping position and drooling are intricately linked. Side sleeping increases the chances of drooling, while back sleeping significantly increases the risk. Stomach sleeping is the least likely position to cause drooling, but it has adverse effects on the neck and spine. By understanding these positions’ effects, you can take steps to prevent drooling during sleep.

Treating and Preventing Drooling During Sleep

Practical Tips to Reduce Drooling During Sleep

If you’re tired of waking up to a wet pillow and drool-stained sheets, then it’s time to take action. While there are medical conditions that can cause excessive saliva production during sleep, there are also practical tips and tricks to help reduce drooling.

One effective way to reduce drooling is by using oral devices. These devices, such as chin straps or mouth guards, can help keep your mouth closed during sleep and prevent excess saliva from escaping. They are particularly useful for people who sleep on their back or stomach, as these positions can make drooling worse.

Another option is to use a nasal spray. Nasal sprays can help clear your airways and reduce congestion, which can lead to less drooling. Saline nasal sprays are a popular choice, as they are gentle and non-medicated.

Breathing exercises can also be helpful in reducing drooling. By practicing deep breathing exercises before bed, you can strengthen the muscles in your throat and improve your overall breathing patterns. This can help prevent drooling and other symptoms of sleep apnea.

It’s important to note that while these tips can be effective, they may not work for everyone. If you have a medical condition that causes excessive drooling, it’s best to consult with a doctor or sleep specialist for personalized treatment options.

In summary, using oral devices, nasal sprays, and practicing breathing exercises are practical tips to help reduce drooling during sleep. By incorporating these methods into your bedtime routine, you can wake up feeling refreshed and dry.

Home Remedies for Excessive Saliva Production

Excessive saliva production can be bothersome, especially when it interrupts your sleep. While there are medical treatments available for this condition, some people may prefer to try home remedies before turning to medication.

One natural remedy that many people use to reduce excessive saliva is ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the production of saliva. You can chew on a small piece of fresh ginger or drink ginger tea to help ease your symptoms.

Honey is another natural remedy that can help alleviate excessive saliva production. Honey has antibacterial properties and can soothe the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat. Try adding a spoonful of honey to warm water or tea to enjoy its benefits.

Lemon is also a popular home remedy for excessive saliva production. Lemon juice can help regulate the production of saliva by reducing its acidity. Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it slowly to help reduce your symptoms.

It is important to note that while these home remedies may provide relief for some people, they may not work for everyone. It is always best to consult with a doctor or dentist if you are experiencing excessive saliva production, especially if it is interrupting your sleep or causing other symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you find that your drooling during sleep is persistent and affecting your quality of life, it may be time to seek medical help. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you determine the underlying cause of the excessive saliva production and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan.

One option is to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and ask about your sleeping habits and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. Depending on the findings, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

A dentist may also be able to help if your drooling is related to dental issues. For example, they may identify problems with your bite or jaw alignment that are causing you to produce excess saliva. Treating these underlying issues can often resolve the drooling problem.

Finally, a sleep specialist is another potential resource for those struggling with excessive drooling during sleep. They can perform a sleep study to assess your breathing patterns and identify any sleep disorders that may be contributing to your symptoms. From there, they can recommend treatments such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or lifestyle changes to improve your sleep quality and reduce drooling.

Remember, seeking medical help early can help you identify and address the underlying cause of your drooling during sleep before it becomes a more serious issue. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor, dentist, or sleep specialist if you’re struggling with this problem.
Drooling during sleep is a common issue that can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. However, it is not something that you have to live with forever. By understanding the causes of drooling during sleep and implementing practical tips and home remedies, you can reduce or even eliminate this problem. It is important to remember that excessive saliva production during sleep can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so don’t hesitate to seek medical help if necessary. With persistence, patience, and the right strategies, you can stop drooling in your sleep and enjoy a good night’s rest without any discomfort or embarrassment.