Why do we drool in our sleep?

General
1

While we sleep, our body relaxes, including the muscles involved in swallowing. As a result, saliva may collect in the mouth and sometimes come out through the lips. But why does this happen to some people more than others?

:fast_forward_button:Why does drooling happen during sleep?

  • Relaxed swallowing muscles.
  • Sleeping on your side or stomach can make saliva more likely to run out of your mouth because of gravity.
  • Mouth breathing due to a blocked nose, allergies, sinus, cold.
  • Excess saliva production in some conditions or medications.

Drooling is a normal consequence of being asleep. If excessive drooling persists or is accompanied by swallowing, breathing, or other unusual symptoms, it is good to seek medical advice.

:thought_balloon:Have you ever wondered why you drool more on some nights than the other?

MBH/PS

2 Likes
2

I always thought drooling during sleep was simply because of deep sleep, but the role of sleeping position and mouth breathing makes it much clearer. Small changes in our sleep habits can sometimes explain these differences.

3

Interesting. I never think about drooling this way. I often wondered why it happens. Thanks for sharing the biology behind it.

4

Light but genuinely interesting. Nice everyday physiology explainer.

5

Never thought about drooling and the physiology behind it. So, people should not judge anyone in this.

6

I never thought of drooling as a normal mechanism. I always thought drooling occurs when we had a deep undisturbed sleep. Thanks for sharing the facts being it.