Nighttime drooling is more common than most people admit. A damp pillow in the morning might seem alarming at first, but what does it actually mean for your health? Occasional drooling is usually harmless, but frequent or excessive salivation could indicate a more serious health problem.

Why do we drool while sleeping?

During sleep, the facial muscles and the swallowing reflex relax. As a result, saliva accumulates in the mouth, and if you lie on your side or stomach, gravity allows the saliva to drain. In short, it’s a normal process that happens to everyone from time to time.

However, waking up every morning with clearly visible damp patches on your pillow may mean that your body is producing too much saliva or that your muscles and nerves are not working as efficiently as they should.

Common causes of excessive salivation

Several factors can increase nighttime salivation: