Why Is Your Pillow Wet in the Morning? Here’s What Nighttime Drooling Could Mean

Waking up to find your pillow damp with saliva might feel a bit embarrassing, but it’s far more common than you’d think—and usually nothing serious. Drooling during sleep happens because your body enters a deeply relaxed state, especially during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. During this phase, the muscles in your jaw and face relax significantly, often causing the mouth to fall open slightly. As a result, saliva may slip out instead of being swallowed.

Your sleeping position plays a major role, too. Side and stomach sleepers are more prone to drooling since gravity encourages saliva to drain from an open mouth. Conversely, those who sleep on their backs typically have less of an issue, as they’re more likely to swallow naturally.

Another culprit behind nighttime drooling is nasal congestion. Whether due to allergies, a cold, or sinus issues, blocked nasal passages can force you to breathe through your mouth during sleep. This often leads to increased saliva flow and, in turn, drooling.

In some instances, chronic or excessive drooling may point to a deeper issue. Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, or certain neurological disorders can interfere with your ability to manage saliva or swallow properly while asleep.

Oral health matters, too. Poor dental hygiene or untreated dental conditions can contribute to excessive saliva production, especially overnight. If you’re consistently waking up drooling—and also experiencing sleep disturbances, coughing, or choking sensations—it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.

For most people, though, occasional drooling is a normal and harmless part of the sleep cycle. Often, minor tweaks like switching sleeping positions, treating allergies, or clearing nasal passages before bed can greatly reduce the problem.

But if it’s becoming a nightly nuisance or you’re concerned about other symptoms, professional evaluation can help rule out any underlying conditions and offer targeted solutions.