Sleep Position
The position in which a person sleeps plays a crucial role in saliva production and flow during the night. Positions such as sleeping on one’s side or stomach can increase the likelihood of drooling due to the effects of gravity. This is particularly true for individuals with narrowed sinus passages or those who breathe through their mouths.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing significantly exacerbates the issue of drooling during sleep. Individuals suffering from nasal congestion due to colds, infections, or chronic sinus obstruction often resort to breathing through their mouths, which can contribute to excessive saliva flow.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another condition that can lead to increased saliva production during sleep. GERD can cause difficulty swallowing and a sensation of throat swelling. It occurs when stomach acids and fluids flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and potential damage.
Side Effects of Medications
Certain medications can have side effects that result in increased saliva secretion. Notably, antipsychotic drugs and Alzheimer’s medications are known for this effect. Some antibiotics have also been associated with heightened saliva production.
Other Causes
Drooling or excessive saliva during sleep may be a side effect of infections or certain neurological conditions. Some of the notable medical conditions that can lead to drooling include:
- Brain injury.
- Stroke.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Epiglottitis.
- Bells palsy.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Down syndrome.
- Gum disease.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Rabies.
- Teething.
- Tonsillitis.