What Might Cause Sudden Drooling During Sleep?

During sleep, it's normal for your muscles, including those around your mouth, to relax. This can slow down your swallowing, allowing saliva to build up and sometimes leak out suddenly. In some cases, sudden drooling may also be a side effect of certain medications that make your body produce more saliva. For example, some drugs can stimulate your salivary glands, leading to a condition called drug-induced sialorrhea. Additionally, conditions like burning mouth syndrome may change how your saliva is produced, potentially contributing to drooling at night. Research shows that oromotor movements—tiny muscle actions in the mouth during sleep—help move saliva, and if these movements are disrupted, saliva can accumulate. So if you suddenly notice more drooling during sleep, it might be due to a combination of relaxed swallowing, medication effects, or even an underlying oral condition. If this change in drooling continues to be bothersome or is accompanied by other symptoms, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and to explore possible treatments.