Waking up to a wet pillow is more common than most people think. Drooling during sleep is a natural bodily function that affects nearly everyone at some point, and in most cases, it’s harmless. Still, it can be awkward or embarrassing, especially if it happens while staying at a friend’s home, on a plane, or worse, on your in-law’s pristine couch. While usually nothing to worry about, persistent or excessive drooling can sometimes signal underlying health issues worth exploring with a doctor.
One of the simplest reasons for drooling is sleep position. When you rest, your facial and jaw muscles relax, and if you lie on your stomach or side, gravity encourages saliva to escape from the corners of your mouth. Nasal congestion can make the problem worse. Blocked airways force you to breathe through your mouth, often leading to more drool. Many people notice drooling spikes during colds or allergy flare-ups, but the issue often disappears once normal breathing resumes.