Sleep Apnea and Drooling: What’s the Connection?

Do you frequently wake up with a wet spot on your pillow? Everyone drools occasionally, but if it’s an ongoing problem, it could be a symptom of sleep apnea. Although the two may not seem related, they often go hand in hand. Here’s what you need to know to determine if you’re experiencing signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of the breathing disorder. It causes several breathing disturbances while sleeping from an obstruction in the upper airway. The blockage is created by the soft tissues in the back of your mouth or tongue collapsing as they relax. This can result in potentially hundreds of pauses in breathing throughout the night.

Is Drooling a Symptom of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can cause a variety of symptoms that you might attribute to something else, like drooling. Snoring is also a common symptom of the disorder. The sound is caused by air vibrations passing over the tissues in the back of your mouth. 

Everyone snores from time to time, but loud chronic snoring is a frequent sign of sleep apnea. Snoring causes you to breathe through your mouth, which can result in drooling. Your saliva will pool on the sides of your mouth and eventually spill out through your lips, leaving a little puddle on your pillow.

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Drooling and snoring aren’t the only complications of sleep apnea. Each breathing disruption depletes your body of oxygen. Over time, this can increase your risk of several health issues, including heart disease, diabetic complications, and sleep deprivation. Every time you stop breathing, your brain jolts you awake, which interrupts your sleep cycle. With no treatment, this can affect your cognitive abilities, mental health, and overall wellness.

Treating Sleep Apnea and Drooling

There are multiple options to treat sleep apnea, which can also improve snoring and drooling, too. Your sleep specialist will determine which solution is right for you, like:

• CPAP: A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the mouth or nose to stop breathing disturbances.
• Oral Appliance: An oral appliance is a custom-fit device that positions your tongue and jaw to prevent your soft tissues from creating a blockage. It’s a comfortable and convenient alternative to a CPAP when used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. However, it can also be used along with a CPAP machine.

More restful nights are possible with sleep apnea therapy. You’ll wake up feeling alert and well-rested. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re promoting your health and wellness. Drooling will be the last thing on your mind.

About Dr. Robert Dernick

Dr. Dernick is a reputable sleep specialist in The Woodlands. After earning his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch, he has regularly continued his education in many specialties, including sleep dentistry. Dr. Dernick strives to improve his patients’ quality of life using the latest solutions for sleep apnea therapy. Request an appointment through his website or call (281) 612-6316.