Are you tired of waking up with your face in a wet spot on your pillow? If you’re embarrassed by drooling, the cause might surprise you. Believe it or not, there’s a link between sleep apnea and drooling. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing while sleeping. Mouth breathing is a common sign of the sleep disorder, which is known to cause drooling. Here’s how you can breathe better and stop saliva from spilling out your mouth at night.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common condition that can cause hundreds of breathing disturbances throughout the night. It’s most often caused by an obstruction in the upper airway that’s created by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or the tongue.
As the tissues relax while you’re sleeping, they can block the airway, causing you to stop breathing. Each event can last for potentially a minute or longer. Every time you stop breathing, your body is depleted of oxygen and it interrupts your sleep cycle. With no treatment, it can have serious consequences for your general health and quality of life.
Link Between Drooling and Sleep Apnea
You might not expect sleep apnea to be a cause of drooling, but there’s a clear connection. Sleep apnea sufferers often breathe through their mouths and snore loudly. Snoring is associated with sleep apnea because it results from vibrations as air passes over the soft tissues. Sleeping with your mouth open and snoring can cause saliva to leak from the sides of your lips.
Managing Your Sleep Apnea
You can stop snoring and drooling while improving your health by treating your sleep apnea. You have many options to choose from, including:
- CPAP: CPAP is the most traditional method of treating sleep apnea. A mask is worn over your mouth or nose to deliver gentle pressurized air using a machine to stop breathing disturbances.
- Oral Appliance: An oral appliance is a custom-fit device that positions your tongue and jaw to keep your airway open. It can be used alone or along with a CPAP.
Your sleep specialist will create the personalized plan you need to breathe better. You’ll get a good night’s rest to support your wellness. You’ll feel your best and won’t have to worry about snoring or drooling anymore.
About Dr. Pamela West
Dr. West earned her dental degree from the University of Southern California Dental School and has regularly pursued continuing education to provide up-to-date services. She specializes in dental sleep medicine. Dr. West is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Association of Sleep Medicine and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Request an appointment online or call (702) 602-4000.