If You Drool While Sleeping Often, Check for These 6 Diseases

Drooling while sleeping is common and usually harmless, but if it happens frequently or excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Many people ignore this symptom, thinking it’s just a minor inconvenience. However, persistent drooling can indicate serious medical conditions affecting the nervous system, digestion, or respiratory health.

If you wake up with a wet pillow regularly, you might want to check for these 6 possible health conditions.

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1. Sleep Apnea – Interrupted Breathing During Sleep

Excessive drooling can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

✔ Why It Causes Drooling:

• Sleep apnea forces you to breathe through your mouth, leading to saliva leakage.
• The muscles in your throat and tongue relax too much, causing airflow blockage and saliva buildup.

🚨 Other Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

• Loud snoring and gasping for air at night.
• Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep.
• Frequent headaches and dry mouth in the morning.

💡 What to Do:

• Try sleeping on your side instead of your back.
• Lose weight and avoid alcohol before bed.
• If severe, consult a doctor for a CPAP machine to improve airflow.

2. Acid Reflux (GERD) – Stomach Acid Rising to the Throat

If you drool excessively and wake up with a sour taste, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

✔ Why It Causes Drooling:

• Stomach acid irritates the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.
• The body produces more saliva to neutralize acid.
• Acid can enter the throat, causing a burning sensation and drooling.

🚨 Other Symptoms of GERD:

• Heartburn or burning in the chest.
• Bad breath and frequent burping.
• Sore throat or cough after waking up.

💡 What to Do:

• Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods before bed.
• Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent acid reflux.
• Drink warm water with lemon to balance stomach acid.

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3. Allergies or Sinus Infections – Blocked Nasal Passages

If your nose is constantly blocked, your body naturally switches to mouth breathing, leading to drooling.

✔ Why It Causes Drooling:

• Swollen sinuses block airflow, forcing you to breathe through your mouth.
• Excess mucus buildup leads to more saliva production.

🚨 Other Symptoms of Sinus Issues:

• Runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
• Postnasal drip (mucus running down the throat).
• Sinus pressure and headaches.

💡 What to Do:

• Use a humidifier in your room to keep airways clear.
• Try steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil before bed.
• Take antihistamines or allergy medications if needed.