What causes drooling during sleep at night?

Sep 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Drooling during sleep at night may be related to sleeping posture. For example, when lying on your side or stomach, pressure around the mouth may cause it to open, which can lead to snoring and drooling. Secondly, it could be associated with oral diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, or infectious lesions in the mouth, which may increase saliva production. Especially at night, saliva may overflow if not swallowed promptly.

Many people drool while sleeping in daily life. This condition may be closely related to pathological changes in the body. Therefore, we should pay attention to drooling during sleep. Many people are unaware of what causes it. So, what exactly causes drooling during sleep?

What Causes Drooling During Sleep at Night?

Drooling during nighttime sleep may be related to sleeping posture. For example, when lying on your side or stomach, pressure around the mouth may cause you to open your mouth, which can lead to drooling. Secondly, it could be associated with oral diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, or infectious lesions in the mouth, which increase saliva production. Especially at night, saliva may not be swallowed in time and thus leak out. It may also be linked to certain medical conditions, such as central facial paralysis in stroke patients.

Drooling during sleep might also result from spleen deficiency and dampness according to traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM theory, the spleen governs the transportation of bodily fluids. If the spleen function is impaired, fluid metabolism becomes disrupted. Damp-heat accumulates in the spleen and overflows during sleep, leading to drooling. The best approach for treating nocturnal drooling is to strengthen the spleen and stomach and promote diuresis to eliminate dampness. Shenling Jianpi Liwet Granules can be taken—one packet at a time, three times daily—for a treatment course of half a month.

In addition, excessive fatigue—especially from overuse of the brain—can also lead to drooling during sleep. Poor oral hygiene may cause bacterial infections, and dental abnormalities such as protruding teeth can also contribute to drooling. Drooling during sleep should not be ignored and requires active treatment. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and a happy life.

Related Articles

View All