How To Stop Drooling In Your Sleep? Know The Tips And Techniques!

Hello readers! How many of you have experienced drooling from mouth while sleeping? Well, you may have noticed the involuntary flow of saliva from the mouth during sleep. This condition is scientifically known as “Nocturnal sialorrhea”. It is caused by various factors, including sleeping position, nasal congestion, sinus infections, or conditions that affect the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing and saliva control.

While typically harmless, persistent or excessive drooling may indicate underlying health issues such as sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or neurological disorders. To cope with this, it is essential to know how to stop drooling in your sleep. Read on to learn more about it!

Table of Contents

1. How To Stop Drooling In Your Sleep?

2. Expert's Advice

3. The Final Say

4. FAQs

5. References

How To Stop Drooling In Your Sleep?

Drooling in your sleep can be an indication of serious health problems. Therefore, here are the possible measures that you can take to prevent slobbering in your sleep:

1. Change Your Sleeping Position

The first thing that can help you with drooling while sleeping is to change your sleeping position. Gravity can cause saliva to pool and escape from your mouth when you sleep on your side or stomach. By switching to sleeping on your back, you can use gravity to your advantage, keeping saliva in your mouth and reducing drooling. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can also help, as it further prevents saliva from pooling.

Also Read: Sleep Better: Everything You Need To Know About Sleep

2. Keep Your Nasal Passage Clear

This condition can lead to mouth breathing, which in turn can increase drooling. So. it is best to keep your nasal passages clear with saline nasal sprays, decongestants, or a humidifier that promotes nasal breathing and reduces the likelihood of drooling. Treating underlying conditions like allergies or sinus infections also helps maintain clear nasal passages.

3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene prevents infections and inflammation in the mouth, which can increase saliva production. Maintain a habit of regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, as it will help your mouth stay healthy and less prone to excessive saliva production.

4. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to thickened saliva, increasing the likelihood of drooling as the body tries to compensate by producing more saliva. Try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated. It also helps to maintain a healthy balance of saliva production and consistency.

Also Read: Boost Your Melatonin Levels With These Top 7 Foods For Better Sleep

5. Treat Underlying Medical Conditions

Conditions like sleep apnea, GERD, or neurological disorders can affect saliva production and control. For instance, sleep apnea can cause mouth breathing, leading to drooling. Treating these conditions through lifestyle changes, medications, or medical devices like CPAP machines can significantly reduce drooling.

6. Use Oral Devices

Dental appliances or mouthguards prescribed by a dentist can help keep your mouth closed while you sleep, preventing drooling. These devices can also help with proper jaw alignment, reducing the risk of drooling.

7. Practice Swallowing Exercises

Strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing can improve your ability to control saliva. Speech or occupational therapists can provide exercises that target these muscles, helping to reduce drooling by enhancing muscle tone and coordination.

8. Follow Medications

Certain medications, such as anticholinergics, can reduce saliva production. These medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates saliva production. However, they should always consult a registered healthcare provider to reduce any chances of side effects.

Expert's Advice

As an expert, I recommend good oral hygiene and trying out the tips and techniques mentioned to get rid of drooling in your sleep. In addition, eat balanced meals and avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods before bed to reduce sleep drooling. Stay hydrated to prevent thickened saliva, and include nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to support muscle control. These changes can help manage and minimise drooling during sleep.

Dt. Aditi Upadhayay

The Final Say

While drooling in your sleep is usually harmless, it can indicate underlying health issues. You can prevent it by changing your sleep position, clearing your nasal passage, maintaining good oral hygiene, and much more. For persistent cases, treating related conditions, using oral devices, or considering medical treatments may be necessary. Seeking professional advice can significantly improve this issue, improving sleep and overall well-being.

FAQs

1.  Is drooling in your sleep a sign of diabetes?

Drooling during sleep is usually not directly linked to diabetes. However, diabetes-related complications like neuropathy might affect nerve control, potentially contributing to drooling.

2. What is the cause of drooling while sleeping?

Causes of drooling during sleep are:

• Sleeping position

• Nasal congestion

• Mouth breathing

• Conditions affecting saliva control

References

• 'Why Do I Drool When I Sleep?': Causes and Remedies (health.com)

• How to Stop Drooling: 6 Ways and Causes (healthline.com)

• Why Do You Drool In Your Sleep? Causes and Remedies Explained (sleepfoundation.org)

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