Excessive Saliva Production: Causes and Solutions for Sleep Disruption

Excessive salivary secretion from the sublingual gland?

This issue leads to difficulty sleeping, as saliva quickly accumulates and then flows into the throat, requiring swallowing.
Upon waking, I can feel my stomach bloated, and I'm unsure if it's due to the continuous saliva flow.
Additionally, I wake up with a bad taste in my mouth, and I feel like saliva keeps accumulating while speaking.
Initially, I found information online suggesting it might be a gastric issue, so I visited a gastroenterologist and took gastric medication, but it didn't seem effective.
I then consulted both large and small hospitals for ENT issues.
Today, the doctor found no problems but prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and medication to reduce saliva production.
I would like to ask if it's normal for saliva to continuously flow out during sleep without any swallowing action.
Do the sublingual salivary glands not have a valve function? Does saliva flow out continuously in proportion to how much is produced?

O Sheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/27

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if it is confirmed that there are no issues with the gastroenterology and otolaryngology departments, it is recommended to first consult with the immunology and neurology departments for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/09/27

More Info

Excessive saliva production, also known as hypersalivation, can indeed disrupt sleep and lead to various discomforts, including the sensations you described. It is important to understand the underlying causes of this condition and explore potential solutions.

Causes of Excessive Saliva Production
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): One common cause of increased saliva production is GERD, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva as a protective mechanism against the acid.

2. Medications: Certain medications, including some used for anxiety, depression, or other conditions, can lead to hypersalivation as a side effect. If you are taking medications, it is worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether they could be contributing to this issue.

3. Neurological Conditions: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, can disrupt the normal control of salivation.

4. Oral Health Issues: Dental problems, infections, or oral lesions can also lead to increased saliva production. It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene and consult a dentist if you suspect any dental issues.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can also play a role. Anxiety can lead to increased salivation, which may be exacerbated during sleep when swallowing reflexes are diminished.

Solutions and Management
1. Consultation with Specialists: Since you have already seen both a gastroenterologist and an ENT specialist, it may be beneficial to consult a neurologist or a dentist specializing in oral medicine. They can provide further insights into whether there are underlying neurological or dental issues contributing to your symptoms.

2. Medication Review: If you are currently on medications, discuss with your doctor the possibility of side effects related to excessive salivation. They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that does not have this side effect.

3. Dietary Changes: Avoiding acidic or spicy foods, especially close to bedtime, can help reduce the likelihood of GERD symptoms, which may, in turn, decrease saliva production. Additionally, avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help improve overall sleep quality.

4. Sleep Position: Sleeping on your side rather than your back may help reduce the flow of saliva into your throat and minimize the discomfort associated with swallowing excess saliva during the night.

5. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene can help mitigate the unpleasant taste and odor you experience upon waking. Regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean and reduce bacteria that contribute to bad breath.

6. Saliva-Reducing Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically designed to reduce saliva production. These can include anticholinergic drugs, which inhibit the salivary glands.

7. Behavioral Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety and stress, which may contribute to your symptoms.

Conclusion
Excessive saliva production during sleep is not considered normal and can significantly impact your quality of life. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare providers to identify the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options. By addressing the root causes and implementing lifestyle changes, you may find relief from the discomfort and improve your sleep quality. If symptoms persist, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

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