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Published on: 8/20/2026
Yes, sweating and drooling during sleep can be connected, as both are regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like temperature regulation and saliva production.
Why it happens: During deep sleep (especially REM), your body relaxes muscles—including those around the mouth—which can cause drool. At the same time, the autonomic system may trigger night sweats due to hormonal shifts, sleep position, room temperature, or underlying conditions like sleep apnea, GERD, infections, or anxiety.
When to be concerned: Occasional drooling and sweating are usually harmless. However, if both occur frequently together, they may signal an issue such as obstructive sleep apnea, acid reflux, a nervous system disorder, or a medication side effect worth investigating.
Because symptoms like these can stem from many possible causes—some minor, some requiring medical attention—guessing isn't your best move. A free, instant, online symptom check uses AI-driven questions based on your specific symptoms to help you understand what might be going on and what steps to take next. It takes just a few minutes, costs nothing, and gives you clearer direction before booking a doctor's visit—saving you time, worry, and unnecessary uncertainty.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
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When you sleep, your body makes adjustments to saliva and sweat production through signals from the autonomic nervous system. This system helps control many functions without you even thinking about them.
Research shows that your body's response to stresses — for example, if your room is warm or you're under stress — can cause both sweating and increased saliva production. Additionally, during sleep, the muscles around your mouth may relax, which sometimes lets extra saliva drip out.
In some neurological conditions, like Parkinson's disease, the control over these functions can be affected on both sides, leading to noticeable drooling and possibly even changes in sweating patterns. So, while the sweat glands and salivary glands are different, they are both influenced by similar hormonal and nervous system signals.
If you find that excessive sweating and drooling while sleeping are causing discomfort or disrupting your sleep, it may be helpful to check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening and determine whether you should talk with a healthcare provider about managing these concerns.
(References)
Pearlmutter P, DeRose G, Samson C, Linehan N, Cen Y, Begdache L, Won D, Koh A. Sweat and saliva cortisol response to stress and nutrition factors. Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 4;10(1):19050. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-75871-3. PMID: 33149196; PMCID: PMC7643128.
Thie NM, Kato T, Bader G, Montplaisir JY, Lavigne GJ. The significance of saliva during sleep and the relevance of oromotor movements. Sleep Med Rev. 2002 Jun;6(3):213-27. doi: 10.1053/smrv.2001.0183. PMID: 12531122.
Kalf JG, Bloem BR, Munneke M. Diurnal and nocturnal drooling in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol. 2012 Jan;259(1):119-23. doi: 10.1007/s00415-011-6138-2. Epub 2011 Jun 23. PMID: 21698387; PMCID: PMC3251785.
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