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Published on: 3/17/2025

Is There a Connection between Sweating and Drooling While Sleeping?

Yes, there can be a connection between sweating and drooling during sleep because both are controlled by your body's autonomic system.

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Explanation

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 talk with a healthcare provider. They can assess your overall health and suggest ways to manage these symptoms.

(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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