Uncovering the health risks behind nighttime drooling
If you notice traces of saliva on your pillow upon waking, it’s better not to ignore it. Excessive drooling might be linked to conditions that are best diagnosed early.
Why does our body produce excessive amounts of saliva at night? There are several reasons, as noted by family physician Dr Neal H. Patel, whose comments were cited by Business Insider.
When do we discuss excessive drooling? Health Guide lists several signs, such as visible traces of saliva on the pillow after waking, discomfort during sleep, unpleasant mouth odour, the frequent need to wipe the mouth, difficulties with clear speech, and a feeling of fullness in the oral cavity.
Excessive saliva production - an important signal from the body
We are capable of producing up to half a gallon of saliva daily, necessary for proper digestion and oral protection. Its production significantly reduces at night. Therefore, if we notice signs of excessive drooling, we should consider the possible causes.
Dr Neal Patel points out that excessive saliva production occurs in individuals who do not properly hydrate themselves during the day. In such cases, the body, to cope with unpleasant dryness in the mouth, increases saliva production.
However, this is not the only cause. Drooling also occurs in individuals suffering from acid reflux. It often arises when people decide to consume a large meal before bed – the increased amount of stomach acids causes the salivary glands to be more active to neutralise the acid. In this case, it's important to address changes in eating habits.
Excessive saliva production at night may also be a symptom of sleep apnoea. It’s crucial to consult a doctor and properly treat this condition.
Drooling can also be associated with seasonal allergies, as well as upper respiratory tract infections, as informed by Dr Thomas Michael Kilkenny, mentioned by the Health Guide portal. To rule out conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, should we notice excessive saliva production at night, we should definitely see a general practitioner.
