What causes drooling during sleep?
Sep 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, drooling refers to saliva. Excessive salivation during sleep may be caused by factors such as extreme fatigue, improper sleeping posture, poor oral hygiene, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or periodontitis. It is advisable to adopt a supine sleeping position whenever possible and avoid lying on the side or stomach to reduce pressure on the salivary glands and prevent breathing difficulties. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
Under normal circumstances, "drooling" refers to saliva. Drooling during sleep may be caused by excessive fatigue, improper sleeping posture, poor oral hygiene, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), periodontitis, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Excessive Fatigue
Excessive fatigue may lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in increased salivary secretion during sleep. It is important to maintain adequate sleep duration and avoid overexertion to support normal regulation of the autonomic nervous system.
2. Improper Sleeping Posture
Side or prone sleeping positions may compress the face, making it difficult to swallow saliva and causing it to leak out. Adjusting to a supine (back) sleeping position and using an appropriate pillow to support the head can help reduce facial pressure.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate oral hygiene allows food residues or sugars to accumulate, promoting bacterial growth, which may stimulate increased salivary secretion and result in drooling during sleep. Regular tooth brushing and maintaining good oral cleanliness can help minimize bacterial proliferation.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Unhealthy habits such as overeating, smoking, and alcohol consumption may contribute to GERD. Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus can stimulate receptors in the esophagus and mouth, leading to increased saliva production during sleep. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as belching and nausea. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.
5. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is commonly associated with food impaction, dental plaque accumulation, and crowded teeth. The inflammatory response may stimulate the salivary glands, causing saliva leakage during sleep. Symptoms often include gum pain and bad breath. Treatment may include medications such as metronidazole tablets, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, and azithromycin capsules, used under a doctor's supervision.
In daily life, it is advisable to adopt a supine sleeping position whenever possible and avoid side or stomach sleeping to reduce pressure on the parotid glands and prevent breathing difficulties.
