How to Stop Drooling in Your Sleep?

Ever woke up with a damp pillow and wondered, ‘Did I turn into a water fountain overnight?’

Here are the secrets to bid farewell to the dreaded sleep drool.

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How To Stop Drooling in Your Sleep?

Here are a few ways that can help you prevent excessive drooling:

1. Sleeping Positions Matter

The way you sleep can significantly influence the likelihood of waking up to a damp pillow.

For instance, sleeping on your back tends to be more drool-friendly, as gravity encourages saliva to pool in the mouth.

On the flip side, side sleeping can be a hero in this battle, minimizing the chance of saliva escape.

You might find yourself drooling more when you sleep in one position versus another. It could help to experiment with different sleeping positions to figure out which position works best for you, Dr. Jing Zhang recommends.

By understanding the dynamics of various sleep positions, you can make informed choices to combat nighttime drooling.

If you’re prone to drooling, consider experimenting with side sleeping, a position that naturally encourages saliva drainage away from your mouth.

For those committed to back sleeping, a supportive pillow that cradles your head and neck can help maintain a more saliva-resistant position.

Finding your ideal sleep pose might take a bit of trial and error, but the quest for a dry night is well worth the effort.

2. Hydration Habits

The relationship between hydration and drooling may seem counterintuitive, but it’s a key player in the nighttime moisture game.

When adequately hydrated, our bodies maintain a natural balance of saliva production.

However, excessive hydration, especially right before bedtime, can tip the scales, leading to increased saliva flow and a higher chance of drooling.

Understanding this link allows us to navigate our water intake strategically for a drier sleep experience.

Hydrate throughout the day to maintain overall health, but consider tapering off in the evening.

This ensures your body isn’t in hydration overdrive when you hit the hay.

Experiment with adjusting your water intake timing to find the sweet spot that keeps you comfortably hydrated without turning your pillow into a moisture hotspot.

3. Evening Rituals for a Dry Morning

Start by brushing your teeth thoroughly, not only for dental hygiene but also to signal to your body that sleep is imminent.

Consider a gentle tongue exercise—yes, it’s a thing—to strengthen the muscles that play a role in drooling.

And for the adventurous, a pre-sleep facial yoga routine might just be the quirky secret weapon to keep those drool woes at bay.

These rituals, when woven into your evening routine, act as proactive measures for a morning free of unwelcome damp surprises.

4. Elevate Your Head, Elevate Your Sleep

Elevating your head during sleep isn’t just for royalty—it’s a game-changer in the battle against nighttime drooling.

By keeping your head slightly elevated, you encourage better alignment of your airways and reduce the likelihood of saliva pooling in your mouth.

This elevation can also assist in preventing acid reflux, snoring, and, yes, you guessed it, drooling.

Embrace the benefits of an elevated head, and you’ll be waking up to drier, more comfortable mornings.

Achieving the perfect head elevation doesn’t require a fancy bed or complicated gadgets.

Simple adjustments, like using an extra pillow or investing in a wedge-shaped pillow, can make all the difference.

Experiment with different heights to find what suits you best—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

5. Foods to Avoid Before Bed

Here are a few diet changes you can incorporate in your day-to-day lives to stop drooling in your sleep:

A. Foods that Contribute to Increased Saliva Production:

Certain foods amp up saliva production, making them prime suspects for nighttime drooling.

Citrus fruits, spicy dishes, and excessive dairy are common contributors.

Even that seemingly innocent bedtime snack of juicy watermelon or a fiery bowl of curry might be behind the scenes, encouraging a watery surprise.

By being mindful of these culprits, you can take control of your nighttime saliva production and bid farewell to unintentional drooling.

B. Alternative Nighttime Snacks:

Opt for snacks with a lower water content and milder flavors, such as bananas, almonds, or whole-grain crackers.

These choices not only minimize saliva production but also contribute to a more comfortable digestion process, promoting a restful night’s sleep.

Swap your usual suspects for these drool-friendly alternatives, and you’ll be munching your way to a drier, more satisfying slumber.

6. Mandibular Devices

Mandibular devices, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw during sleep, helping to prevent mouth breathing and reduce drooling.

Using a mandibular device can promote proper tongue and jaw positioning, potentially minimizing drooling associated with specific sleep positions.

This device is meant to be worn in your mouth during your sleep to keep your lips closed and jaw in place. According to Dr. Zhang, it is often used to treat snoring and sleep apnea, but it’s useful for reducing drooling as well.

7. Breathing Issues and CPAP Machines:

Breathing through the mouth due to respiratory issues can lead to increased saliva production and drooling.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are commonly used to treat sleep apnea and may affect breathing patterns.

Proper adjustment and use of a CPAP machine can help maintain consistent breathing patterns, potentially reducing drooling associated with mouth breathing during sleep.

8. Excessive Saliva Production and Botox Injections:

Overactive salivary glands can contribute to excessive saliva production and drooling.

Botox injections, when strategically administered, can temporarily paralyze the salivary glands, reducing saliva flow.

Botox injections into the salivary glands can be a targeted approach to managing drooling caused by hyperactivity of the glands.

9. Neurological Conditions and Surgery:

Neurological conditions that affect muscle control, such as Parkinson’s disease, may contribute to drooling.

In some cases, surgery may be considered as a more invasive intervention.

Surgical options, such as salivary gland duct ligation or rerouting, may be explored in severe cases to redirect saliva flow and reduce drooling.

Why Does Sleep Drooling Really Happen?

Sleep drooling occurs due to the relaxation of facial muscles during sleep, allowing saliva to escape the mouth.

Factors such as sleep position, tongue placement, and overall muscle tone play a role.

When we enter deeper sleep stages, our bodies become more relaxed, contributing to the likelihood of drooling.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to preventing sleep drooling!

Armed with these simple yet effective tips, you’re now equipped to conquer the night without leaving a watery trail.

Sweet dreams, dry pillows, and may your nights be drool-free wonders.

Sleep tight and stay dry!