What causes waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. with a dry mouth and throat?

Generally, waking up around 3 or 4 a.m. with a dry mouth and sore throat may be caused by environmental factors, improper diet, rhinitis, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and other conditions. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

Dry indoor environments, such as those caused by using heating systems or air conditioning during winter, can reduce air humidity, leading to a dry mouth and sore throat upon waking in the middle of the night. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as dry skin and nasal dryness. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity and drink adequate water to replenish bodily fluids.

2. Improper Diet

If dinner includes excessive intake of high-salt, spicy, or irritating foods, it can cause rapid fluid loss in the body, resulting in waking up at night with a dry mouth and sore throat. This may be accompanied by thirst and throat discomfort. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits by eating light meals for dinner and drinking sufficient water to maintain the body’s fluid balance.

3. Rhinitis

Colds may lead to rhinitis, which causes nasal congestion. As a result, patients may breathe through their mouths during sleep due to blocked nasal passages, accelerating moisture evaporation in the oral cavity and causing dry mouth and sore throat upon waking. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing and headaches. It is recommended to use medications such as budesonide nasal spray, loratadine tablets, and Tongqiao Biyan granules under medical guidance.

4. Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the salivary and lacrimal glands, reducing saliva and tear production. This leads to dry mouth and sore throat upon waking at night, and may also include symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and joint pain. Treatment under medical supervision may include urea ointment, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, and total glucosides of paeony capsules.

5. Diabetes

Long-term consumption of high-sugar foods may lead to diabetes. In a state of high blood glucose, the kidneys attempt to excrete excess sugar through urine, which can cause dehydration and dry mouth, resulting in a sensation of dryness and sore throat upon waking at night. This is commonly accompanied by fatigue and blurred vision. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as acarbose tablets, miglitol tablets, or voglibose dispersible tablets.

In daily diet, it is advisable to avoid spicy, raw, and cold foods to prevent bodily discomfort.