Sometimes, after waking up, you may notice a wet spot on your pillow. In most cases, this phenomenon is normal and is related to muscle relaxation during sleep. However, if excessive salivation occurs frequently, it is worth understanding the causes.

Why does this happen?

Saliva is produced by the salivary glands – sublingual, parotid and submandibular. It is essential for maintaining moisture in the oral cavity, for the digestive process and for protection against bacteria. Saliva production is regulated by the nervous system, and an excess of saliva can have various explanations.

Common causes:

Sleep position. Saliva may flow more easily if you sleep on your side or stomach, as your facial muscles are relaxed. Sleeping on your back can help.
Mouth breathing. If your nose is stuffy due to allergies or a cold, mouth breathing can lead to excessive drooling.
Stress and fatigue. Sometimes the nervous system reacts to stress by stimulating the salivary glands.
When can it indicate a problem?

Excess saliva is known as hypersalivation. Possible causes include:

Stomach conditions (gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, pancreatitis).
Inflammation of the salivary glands or problems in the oral cavity.
Nervous system disorders.
Parasitic infections.

In some cases, saliva production is normal, but difficulty swallowing due to muscle problems in the throat can lead to hypersalivation.

What should be done if the problem persists?

If it happens occasionally, it is not a cause for concern. However, if the problem occurs frequently, it is recommended to consult a doctor. A general practitioner (or pediatrician, in the case of children) can assess the situation and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist – a dentist, gastroenterologist, neurologist or ENT doctor.

Tips for reducing excessive salivation:

Try sleeping on your back.

If the skin around your mouth becomes irritated, apply a moisturizer.

Avoid carbonated drinks, sweets and heavy soups before bed.

Treatment depends on the cause – in some cases, changes in diet and lifestyle are sufficient, while in others, medication or, in rare cases, surgery may be necessary.