You should have known this sooner.

Drooling during sleep is something many people experience occasionally. While it’s often harmless, frequent or excessive drooling may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Below are six possible medical causes of nighttime drooling.

1. Sleep Position

One of the most common and harmless reasons for drooling during sleep is your sleeping position. When you sleep on your stomach or side, gravity pulls saliva toward the edge of your mouth, causing it to leak out. Adjusting your position to lie on your back can help reduce this issue.

2. Nasal Congestion

When your nose is blocked due to a cold, allergies, or sinus infection, you’re forced to breathe through your mouth. This can cause saliva to accumulate and eventually escape while you sleep. Treating the congestion with appropriate medications or nasal sprays can reduce drooling.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a digestive disorder where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate your throat and increase saliva production. When lying down, this excess saliva may lead to drooling. Managing GERD with dietary changes and prescribed medications may help control this symptom.

4. Neurological Disorders

Certain neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or the aftermath of a stroke can interfere with the body’s ability to control facial muscles and swallowing. As a result, saliva may build up and lead to drooling during sleep. Treatment for the underlying neurological condition is necessary in these cases.

5. Medication Side Effects

Some medications—particularly sedatives, antipsychotics, and drugs that affect the nervous system—can either increase saliva production or reduce the ability to swallow it properly. If you suspect your medication is causing this, consult your healthcare provider for alternatives.

6. Liver Disease (Hepatic Encephalopathy)

In advanced stages of liver disease, the liver cannot effectively filter toxins from the blood. This leads to a condition called hepatic encephalopathy, which affects brain function. Symptoms include confusion, poor coordination, altered consciousness, and weakened muscle control. These neurological effects can contribute to drooling during sleep. Monitoring and treating liver function is essential to avoid complications like this.

How to Prevent or Reduce Nighttime Drooling

• Sleep on your back: Prevent saliva from collecting and leaking by changing your sleeping position.
• Treat nasal blockages: Use antihistamines, decongestants, or saline sprays to breathe comfortably through your nose.
• Manage GERD: Avoid eating close to bedtime, sleep with your head elevated, and consult your doctor about appropriate treatment.
• Check medications: Talk to your doctor if you believe your medication is contributing to drooling.
• Support neurological health: Work with a specialist to manage neurological conditions and minimize symptoms.
• Maintain liver health: Regular checkups and early treatment can prevent liver complications and related issues like drooling.

If drooling during sleep is becoming frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, fatigue, or digestive problems, it’s important to speak with a medical professional to rule out serious conditions.