No one wants to admit they drool in their sleep, after all how embarrassing to wake up on a wet pillow!
There are many reasons you might find yourself drooling at night, some more serious than others. Keep reading to learn more about stopping night time drooling and find out what might be making your pillow wet every morning!
How to Stop Drooling at Night
- Change your sleeping position
- Watch out for allergies and sinus infections
- Keep your nose clear
- Try a different pillow
- Listen to a
- Listen to a guided meditation before bed
How to Stop Drooling at Night
The most common reason reason people drool in their sleep is relaxed facial muscles allowing saliva to drain out of your mouth. Waking up to a little bit of drool is no big deal and a little drool is normal!
Your saliva producing glands are not as active at night and the saliva they do produce drains down your throat when sleeping on your side or back. However if you are a stomach sleeper don’t be surprised to wake up to some swallowed drool!
What does it mean?
When you wake up with drool on your pillow you might be wonder what it means. Most of the time drooling at night is not a sign of a medical condition but if you notice blood, lumps or other discoloration you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you do start to notice drool in your sleep keep an eye out for a possible sinus infection or other problems with allergies. Infections, colds and other respiratory illnesses can make it hard to swallow and cause excess drool to leak out your mouth at night or just while taking a nap.
What makes you Drool in your Sleep?
You might be drooling in your sleep for a few reasons. The most common reasons for drool on your pillow case are:
- Sleeping on your stomach – Laying flat on your stomach causes gravity to work against you – especially if you sleep with your mouth open – making it easier for drool to fall from your mouth while sleeping.
- Seasonal allergies – Allergies can send your sinuses into overdrive – producing extra drool plus a runny nose. If this sounds like you try some over the counter allergies medicine and see a doctor if things get worse.
- Acid reflux and heartburn – Acid reflux is never fun – especially if it causes you to wake up with a wet pillow. Acid reflux flare ups and heartburn are common causes of nighttime drooling.
- Respiratory infections – Upper respiratory infections are another common cause of drool. If you are suffering from an upper respiratory infection or other sinus problem don’t be surprised if you wake up with some drool on your pillow or shirt.
Make sure to keep an eye out for these problems!
Excessive Drooling in Adults
Drooling is more common in babies due to their lack of motor control but adults that are heavy sleepers still might drool at night. While excessive drooling is a symptom of many other medical disorder usually a little wet spot on your pillow in the morning is nothing to worry about. If wet spots are becoming a problem for you try some easy fixes like changing your sleeping position or eating a different diet.
Does Drooling Cause Pimples
If you have acne breakouts on your lower lip and chin and also drool at night the two might be related. Your drool could be falling off your face then drying on your pillow where you rest your face all night. This dirt and bacteria in your spit then proceeds to irritate and cause pimples and acne on your chin.
To prevent pimples from forming if you drool at night try the following tips to keep your skin clear.
How to Prevent Acne While Drooling
- Sleep with a clean pillow case
- Clean your lips, chin and beard before bed
- Brush your teeth and use mouthwash
- Try different sleeping positions
Drool and Sleeping with a CPAP
CPAP masks are never comfortable and getting used to one can take a few weeks. While you are adjusting to your new mask you may experience a number of side effects like drooling at night. After a few weeks you should get used to the airflow and the amount of drooling should decrease – just make sure to clean your mask on a regular basis.
If you continue to have problems with excessive drooling while wearing a CPAP mask you can try a mask with a liner to absorb excess moisture. Other effective options include breathing out of your nose or trying a different chin strap.
Marie Seska
Marie Seska is one of the most trusted sources on the net for sleep information. She searches the web - as well as the latest medical journals to bring her readers the latest news and information.
