Believe it or not, stress and exhaustion can cause deeper sleep phases once you finally fall asleep. When the brain enters these phases quickly, the muscles relax more than usual, and drooling can happen.
After long work hours, emotional stress, or physical fatigue, many people notice increased drooling.
6. Your Tongue and Jaw Relax More Than Normal
When the brain signals the body to relax, the tongue falls forward or sideways. If the jaw also drops slightly open, saliva escapes easily. This is why some people drool only when sleeping extremely comfortably.
When Drooling Is Normal
Drooling is usually harmless when:
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It happens once in a while
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It happens when you nap deeply
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It happens more when you’re very tired
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It is connected to sleeping on your side or stomach
In fact, some sleep experts consider drooling a sign of high-quality sleep, because your body entered a deep, restorative phase.
When Drooling Might Indicate a Problem
Although it’s normally harmless, constant or excessive drooling can sometimes indicate:
1. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid in the throat makes the body produce extra saliva to protect the esophagus.
2. Obstructed Breathing
Anything that forces mouth breathing can increase drool.
3. Sleep Apnea
People with sleep apnea breathe irregularly at night, which may cause drooling or waking up with a wet pillow.
4. Dental Issues
Problems with teeth alignment or bite can affect how the mouth closes during sleep.
5. Certain Medications
Some medications increase saliva.
If drooling is excessive, persistent, or accompanied by coughing, choking, or breathing problems, a doctor should be consulted. But for most people, drooling is simply the body relaxing deeply.
How to Reduce Nighttime Drooling (If You Want To)
If the drooling bothers you, here are gentle ways to reduce it:
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Sleep on your back instead of your side
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Treat nasal congestion
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Avoid very spicy or acidic foods before bed
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Stay hydrated during the day
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Use pillows that support the head and keep the mouth closed
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Improve sleep hygiene to avoid extreme exhaustion
Again, drooling is usually natural and not something to worry about.
Conclusion
Drooling while sleeping is something humans have done since ancient times. It is mostly triggered by deep relaxation, which is controlled by the brain as it shifts into the deepest stages of rest. Whether caused by sleep position, nasal congestion, or simply being very tired, it’s usually nothing to be embarrassed about. In many cases, drooling is actually a sign that your brain is letting the body rest fully and peacefully.
