If You Drool While Sleeping Often, Check for These 6 Diseases
Drooling while sleeping is common and usually harmless, but if it happens frequently or excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Many people ignore this symptom, thinking it’s just a minor inconvenience. However, persistent drooling can indicate serious medical conditions affecting the nervous system, digestion, or respiratory health.
If you wake up with a wet pillow regularly, you might want to check for these 6 possible health conditions.
1. Sleep Apnea – Interrupted Breathing During Sleep
Excessive drooling can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
✔ Why It Causes Drooling:
- Sleep apnea forces you to breathe through your mouth, leading to saliva leakage.
- The muscles in your throat and tongue relax too much, causing airflow blockage and saliva buildup.
🚨 Other Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Loud snoring and gasping for air at night.
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep.
- Frequent headaches and dry mouth in the morning.
💡 What to Do:
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- Try sleeping on your side instead of your back.
- Lose weight and avoid alcohol before bed.
- If severe, consult a doctor for a CPAP machine to improve airflow.
2. Acid Reflux (GERD) – Stomach Acid Rising to the Throat
If you drool excessively and wake up with a sour taste, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
✔ Why It Causes Drooling:
- Stomach acid irritates the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.
- The body produces more saliva to neutralize acid.
- Acid can enter the throat, causing a burning sensation and drooling.
🚨 Other Symptoms of GERD:
- Heartburn or burning in the chest.
- Bad breath and frequent burping.
- Sore throat or cough after waking up.
💡 What to Do:
-
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods before bed.
- Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent acid reflux.
- Drink warm water with lemon to balance stomach acid.
3. Allergies or Sinus Infections – Blocked Nasal Passages
If your nose is constantly blocked, your body naturally switches to mouth breathing, leading to drooling.
✔ Why It Causes Drooling:
- Swollen sinuses block airflow, forcing you to breathe through your mouth.
- Excess mucus buildup leads to more saliva production.
🚨 Other Symptoms of Sinus Issues:
-
- Runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
- Postnasal drip (mucus running down the throat).
- Sinus pressure and headaches.
💡 What to Do:
-
- Use a humidifier in your room to keep airways clear.
- Try steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil before bed.
- Take antihistamines or allergy medications if needed.
