If your mouth feels dry at night, here are 8 reasons why


Waking up with a parched, sticky mouth isn’t just uncomfortable—it can affect your sleep, oral health, and even your voice. While occasional dry mouth is normal, chronic nighttime dryness often points to an underlying cause you can address.
Here are 8 likely culprits—and what to do about them.

🌙 1. Mouth Breathing (Especially During Sleep)

Why: Nasal congestion (from allergies, colds, or deviated septum) forces you to breathe through your mouth, drying out saliva.
✅ Fix:
  • Use a saline nasal spray before bed
  • Try a humidifier in your bedroom
  • Consider nasal strips if snoring is an issue

💊 2. Medications (Very Common Cause!)

Over 400+ medications list dry mouth as a side effect, including:
  • Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl)
  • Decongestants
  • Antidepressants (SSRIs, tricyclics)
  • Blood pressure drugs (diuretics, beta-blockers)
  • Muscle relaxants
    ✅ Fix:
  • Ask your doctor about alternatives
  • Sip water before bed
  • Use a prescription saliva substitute if needed

😴 3. Sleep Apnea