Finding drool on your pillow in the morning may seem embarrassing, but it is usually completely normal. As you enter deeper sleep, many muscles relax, including those that control your jaw, mouth, and swallowing. Your mouth may open slightly, while swallowing becomes less frequent. Saliva continues to be produced, so when it builds up, some can escape and reach your pillow.

Your sleeping position can also affect how much you drool. Sleeping on your stomach or side may make drooling more likely because gravity allows saliva to move toward the edge of your mouth. Sleeping on your back may reduce it because saliva is more likely to remain inside your mouth.

Mouth breathing is another common cause. A blocked nose from allergies, a cold, or congestion can force you to breathe through your mouth while sleeping. This can keep your mouth open and make drooling more noticeable.

Certain conditions can also increase saliva production. For example, acid reflux may cause the body to produce extra saliva to protect and lubricate the throat, potentially leading to more drooling during the night.

Occasional drooling is generally nothing to worry about. However, if it suddenly becomes frequent or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, choking during sleep, or other unusual symptoms, it may be worth speaking with a doctor. Otherwise, waking up with some drool is often simply a normal result of your body relaxing during sleep.