Gravity opens the mouth slightly → saliva leaks out
Most common cause — especially if only one side of the pillow is wet
✅ Fix: Try sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow to keep airways open and jaw closed.
2. Nasal Congestion or Breathing Issues
Allergies, colds, deviated septum, or sleep apnea force mouth breathing
Dry mouth leads to increased salivation as a protective response
🩺 If you snore or wake up gasping, talk to a doctor about possible obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
3. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Stomach acid rising at night irritates the esophagus
Triggers excess saliva production (“water brash”) to neutralize acid
📌 Often comes with heartburn, bitter taste, or chronic cough.
4. Medications & Supplements
Some drugs increase saliva production or relax facial muscles:
Antipsychotics
Certain antidepressants
Seizure medications
Cholinesterase inhibitors (used in dementia)
💊 Always consult your doctor before changing meds.
5. Dental Issues
Ill-fitting retainers, braces, or dentures
Gum disease or tooth infections
TMJ disorder (jaw misalignment)
🦷 See a dentist if drooling started after dental work.
🧠 Could Mental Health Play a Role?
While you don’t drool because you’re stressed, there are indirect connections between emotional well-being and nighttime saliva leakage.
✅
Stress & Anxiety
Can disrupt sleep quality → lighter, fragmented sleep where swallowing reflex is less active
✅
Poor Sleep Hygiene
Late-night screen use, irregular schedule → affects muscle control and breathing patterns
✅
Depression
Some cases linked to altered sleep architecture and medication side effects
✅
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Often tied to stress; jaw tension can affect mouth closure during sleep
