Drooling While Sleeping: What It Means and Why It Happens

Drooling in your sleep is usually a sign that your body is deeply relaxed, not broken. As you drift into deeper stages of sleep, the muscles that keep your jaw closed and your swallowing reflex active loosen their grip. Your mouth may fall slightly open, swallowing slows, and saliva—still being produced—has fewer chances to be cleared. If you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity simply helps it spill out onto the pillow.