AI Generated Image
Is drooling during sleep a problem? Experts say it depends
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- Drooling during sleep is common and usually harmless, often caused by mouth-breathing and the natural activity of salivary glands during sleep, according to experts Matthew Walker and Michael Perlis.
- Occasional drooling is normal, but new, heavy, or persistent drooling accompanied by symptoms like loud snoring, gasping, daytime exhaustion, facial weakness, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing may indicate underlying health issues such as sleep apnea or neurological problems.
- Excessive drooling can also result from chronic mouth-breathing due to nasal congestion, acid reflux, or certain medications, signaling the need to address these conditions.
- To reduce drooling, experts recommend treating nasal congestion, managing allergies and reflux, staying hydrated, and adjusting sleeping positions, noting that back sleeping reduces drooling more than side or stomach sleeping.
- Additional aids like mouth guards and chin straps can help keep the mouth closed during sleep and minimize drooling.
