Why Drooling in Your Sleep Happens and What It May Reveal

Why Do We Drool During Sleep? (And Why It’s Perfectly Normal)

Finding drool on your pillow when you wake up might seem a bit embarrassing, but it is actually an incredibly widespread occurrence. For the most part, it is just a natural reaction of your body during slumber, particularly when you reach the deeper phases of sleep.

As you drift into a deep slumber, the muscles throughout your body begin to loosen up. This relaxation extends to the muscles responsible for your jaw movement and swallowing reflexes. Consequently, your mouth might slightly part, and your swallowing frequency decreases.

As a result of this relaxation, saliva starts to accumulate inside your mouth. If you aren’t swallowing frequently enough to clear it, the excess saliva can simply leak out, causing you to drool while you sleep.

The position in which you sleep is also a major contributing factor. Individuals who prefer sleeping on their stomachs or sides have a higher tendency to drool, as gravity naturally pulls the saliva downward and out of the mouth.

On the flip side, snoozing on your back generally minimizes the chances of drooling. In this posture, gravity works to keep the saliva inside your mouth rather than letting it slip out unnoticed onto your pillow.

Breathing through your mouth is another frequent culprit. If your nasal passages are congested due to sickness, allergies, or a stuffy nose, you are forced to take in air through your mouth, which significantly increases the likelihood of drooling.

Certain digestive problems, such as acid reflux, can play a role as well. Your body might generate additional saliva to coat and shield your throat, and while you are asleep, this surplus saliva can easily build up.

Experiencing drooling every now and then is completely harmless. However, if you notice an abrupt increase, struggle with swallowing, or have recurring related symptoms, it might be wise to consult a medical professional. Overall, drooling is simply a natural byproduct of a deeply relaxed state of sleep and is generally nothing to fret over.