Each of us sometimes wakes up to find drool on the pillow. This is called drooling, and it’s quite normal if it happens to you occasionally and in moderate amounts. However, if this happens regularly, it’s worth paying attention to.
When we sleep our facial muscles, as well as our swallowing reflexes, are totally relaxed. Since saliva gets accumulated in the mouth while we sleep, it can slowly start dripping because the relaxed facial muscles may lead to a slightly open mouth. Therefore, we end up having a wet pillow that’s not very comfortable to sleep on.
Excess drooling or hypersalivation can be a sign of a neurological disease or the result of nasal congestion. Also, people who already had issues with health, like a stroke, tend to drool more often and more excessively.
One of the main reasons for drooling is a blocked nose, which makes a person breathe through their mouth and may lead to drooling. Cleaning and unblocking nasal sinuses could be a good way out of having a wet pillow every night. Here are some ways that can help unclog your sinuses:
- A hot shower will clear the nose and allow normal breathing at night.
- Essential oils, especially ones containing eucalyptus, will help you breathe more freely and also help you get better.
Also, make sure you treat any nasal infection once it appears. Otherwise, you may end up getting various complications such as an eternally clogged nose, for example.
Keeping your head on a higher pillow while you’re sleeping can reduce drooling. So remember to fluff your pillow up before you go to bed and make sure you feel comfortable lying on it.
