Why You Wake Up with Drool on Your Pillow

A little nighttime drooling might feel like nothing more than a soggy inconvenience. But if you're waking up to a drenched pillow more often than not, your body could be signaling something deeper than just deep sleep.

While drooling in your sleep is common, especially when you're in a deep state of relaxation, excessive drooling can be a red flag for underlying health issues from nasal blockages to sleep apnea. Here’s what the experts want you to know about those midnight dribbles, and when it might be time to take action.

1. You Might Have a Nasal Obstruction

That stuffy nose you’ve been brushing off could be the real reason behind your drool. “When your nose is blocked, you breathe through your mouth during sleep, which increases the chances of drooling,” explains Shawn Nasseri, MD, a board-certified ear, nose, and throat surgeon.

Common causes of nasal obstruction include:

• Seasonal colds

• Sinus infections

• Deviated septum

• Nasal polyps

• Enlarged adenoids

If your congestion is frequent and paired with mouth breathing, consider speaking with an ENT to rule out any structural issues or chronic sinus inflammation.

2. Allergies Could Be to Blame

If you’re sensitive to pollen, dust, or pet dander, those allergens can cause congestion that makes breathing through your nose difficult. That pressure buildup and nasal swelling tend to worsen at night due to increased blood flow to your head, Dr. Nasseri says.

The result? A dry mouth and an open jaw while sleeping which makes it easier for saliva to sneak out. Keep an eye out for other telltale signs like itchy eyes, sneezing, or a dry cough.

3. You Might Have an Infection

Sinus infections and throat conditions like strep can mess with your body’s ability to swallow normally, which allows saliva to pool and eventually spill out while you sleep. “The swelling in your throat impairs swallowing, and excess saliva results in drooling,” Dr. Nasseri explains.

Infections to watch for include:

• Sinusitis, with symptoms like green nasal discharge, facial pain, and fatigue

• Strep throat, often accompanied by red, swollen tonsils, fever, and difficulty swallowing

• Mono, which can cause persistent sore throat and fatigue

If drooling comes with pain, fever, or foul breath, it’s time to get checked out.

4. It Could Be GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) doesn’t just bring the burn. It can also create excess saliva. When acid backs up into your throat, your body tries to neutralize it by producing more spit sometimes too much to swallow while you’re asleep.

Other GERD symptoms include:

• A sour or burning taste in your mouth

• Morning hoarseness

• Burping or bloating

• Persistent sore throat

GERD can be managed with diet changes, medications, and by avoiding heavy meals before bed.

5. Sleep Apnea Could Be Interfering With Your Breathing

Sleep apnea causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night, which not only robs you of restful sleep but may also interfere with how your muscles and nerves function while you snooze.

“Apnea can block the signals between your brain and throat muscles, leading to poor swallowing and increased saliva production,” Dr. Nasseri explains.

Other signs to look out for:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Waking with a dry mouth

• Daytime sleepiness

• Trouble concentrating

Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. If this sounds familiar, speak with your doctor about getting a sleep study.

6. Your Medications Might Be a Factor

Some medications list drooling as a side effect especially those that increase saliva production or make swallowing more difficult. These may include:

• Antipsychotics

• Certain antidepressants

• Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s medications

If you suspect your meds are making you drool, talk to your doctor before stopping or switching anything.

7. Aging Can Naturally Affect Saliva Control

As we get older, facial muscle tone can decline, which may make it harder to keep saliva contained at night. “Loss of tone around the lips and mouth can make it more difficult to control secretions,” says Andrew Ordon, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon. Dentures can also be a contributing factor.

So, When Should You Be Concerned?

Occasional drooling is nothing to lose sleep over, especially if you’re extra tired or battling a short-term illness. But if your drooling is frequent, excessive, or accompanied by other symptoms like snoring, sore throat, or nasal congestion, it’s time to dig deeper.

A doctor or sleep specialist can help you uncover the root cause whether it’s a nasal issue, a reflux disorder, or something else entirely and guide you toward appropriate treatment.

Want more health insights like this? Subscribe to our newsletter for expert-backed tips, straight to your inbox.