You open your eyes, still a little groggy, and there… surprise: your pillow is damp, as is your cheek. A bit embarrassing, isn’t it? Yet, this minor nighttime inconvenience is more common—and more revealing—than you might think. What if, far from being a problem, it was actually a positive signal sent by your body? Let’s take a closer look at this natural and intriguing phenomenon.
Drooling while sleeping: a sign of deep sleep?
It might be hard to believe, but yes: drooling at night can be proof that you’re sleeping… soundly! When we enter the most restorative phases of sleep, our body relaxes completely, including the facial muscles. As a result, saliva no longer flows naturally down the throat and can end up on the pillow. Reassuring, isn’t it? It’s as if your body is telling you: “You’re finally getting the rest you deserve!”
A story of position (and gravity)
Do you sleep on your stomach or side? It’s the ideal position… for drooling. Gravity plays a very simple role here: it pulls saliva outwards. Conversely, sleeping on your back often prevents this effect, because you unconsciously swallow more easily.
Changing your sleep habits isn’t easy, but trying to fall asleep on your back—with a suitable pillow—can be enough to reduce nighttime leaks. A little extra tip: an ergonomic pillow can greatly help you adopt this new position.
A stuffy nose? There’s the culprit!
Another common—and less pleasant—cause of nighttime drooling is simply mouth breathing due to a blocked nose. Whether it’s a passing cold, allergic rhinitis, or a minor sinus infection, when air can no longer pass through the nose, the mouth takes over. And an open mouth means unchecked saliva… Here
are a few simple steps to avoid this:
A seawater-based nasal spray before bed;
steam inhalations or nasal washes;
an air humidifier to prevent drying of the mucous membranes;
a clear nose often means a dry pillow upon waking!
Too much saliva? Yes, it’s possible…
Some people naturally produce more saliva than others. But this excessive saliva production can also be caused by:
Certain medications (such as antihistamines or antidepressants)
, gastroesophageal reflux (often subtle),
and meals that are too rich or too late can all
trigger this. If you notice that this happens frequently, it might be helpful to consult a healthcare professional. There’s nothing to worry about, but it’s best to understand what your body is telling you (or “expressing” in this specific case).
When should you consult a doctor?
In rare cases, excessive salivation during sleep can be linked to more serious conditions, such as sleep apnea or certain neuromuscular disorders. Some warning signs:
Do you still feel tired when you wake up?
Do you snore loudly?
Do you have restless sleep with frequent micro-awakenings?
Do you wake up with difficulty breathing?
In these situations, it’s best to consult a doctor and consider a sleep study. This simple examination can make a real difference to your quality of life.
How to limit nighttime drooling? Our simple tips.
Want to keep your sheets nice and dry? Here are a few things you can do starting tonight:
Sleep on your back, or try to gradually return to this position.
Drink plenty of water during the day.
Lighten your evening meals.
Clean your nose regularly.
Check with your doctor if certain treatments can promote hypersalivation.
Because sometimes, even a simple trace of saliva can be a reflection of a body… that is working at full capacity.
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