Ever woken up feeling like you’ve spent the night chewing cotton wool? You’re not alone. Morning dry mouth (or xerostomia, if we’re being fancy) is incredibly common — and it can leave you feeling groggy, thirsty, and a little less than ready to face the day (1).
But don’t panic. We’ve rounded up some simple, soothing ways to prevent dry mouth while sleeping, so you can wake up feeling fresh, hydrated, and ready to take on your morning from the comfort of your eve bed.
1. hydrate before you hibernate
It might sound obvious, but one of the biggest causes of dry mouth at night is dehydration. Your body loses water while you sleep, and if you’re not topping up before bed, you’ll feel it in the morning.
Try sipping a glass of water before you drift off, and keep another within reach for those middle-of-the-night moments. And yes — your 2 a.m. trip to the bathroom will be worth it.
Pro tip: For extra hydration, add a pinch of salt or an electrolyte tablet. It helps your body hold onto water while you snooze.
2. breathe through your nose (not your mouth)
If you wake up with a dry throat or cracked lips, you might be breathing through your mouth while you sleep. This dries out your saliva and can make your mouth feel like sandpaper by sunrise.
Try:
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom air
- Taking a steamy shower before bed to clear your sinuses
Your nose was made for breathing — your mouth deserves the night off.
3. rethink that nightcap (sorry!)
We hate to ruin the fun, but alcohol and caffeine are two of the biggest dry mouth culprits. Both act as diuretics, which means they dehydrate you while you sleep (2).
If you’re serious about stopping dry mouth at night, swap your evening espresso or glass of wine for herbal tea or warm water with lemon. It’s not as rock ’n’ roll, but your morning self will absolutely thank you.
4. moisturise from the inside out
Your lips aren’t the only things that get dry overnight. To keep your mouth moist while sleeping, try:
- Chewing sugar-free gum before bed to stimulate saliva
- Using an overnight mouth gel or rinse designed for dry mouth
- Keeping lip balm handy — no one likes waking up with cracked lips
Think of it as skincare for your smile.
5. make your bedroom a hydration haven
If your heating’s on full blast or your air feels stuffy, it could be drying you out. Try turning the temperature down a little, or use a humidifier to keep the air in your bedroom balanced and comfortable.
And don’t forget your bedding. Breathable sheets, comfy pillows, and a supportive eve mattress all help you sleep deeper (and drool less — just saying).
6. know when to get checked out
If dry mouth every morning is becoming your norm, it might be worth checking in with your GP or dentist. Some medications and health conditions can affect saliva production, and getting the right advice can make all the difference (3).
wake up refreshed, not parched
With a few smart switcheroos to your bedtime routine including hydrating better, keeping the air in your bedroom as clean as possible, and maybe one less nightcap, you can prevent dry mouth while sleeping and start your mornings feeling rested and replenished.
Because nothing beats waking up well. Especially when your bed feels this good. Until next time, eve Sleep.
