Why do I have a dry mouth when I awake during the night?

Question

Does it have something to do with age? I am 72. Does it have to do with air pollution? I live in Houston with high levels of ozone and other pollutants.

Could it be related to my daily swimming in a chlorinated pool?

I have been told that older people do not feel thirsty, although they may be dehydrated. Anyone with some ideas? I think I am in pretty good health, I feel great after swimming for 45 minutes daily. I believe I drink enough liquids, but I have not been counting the ounces.

Answer 1

CONSUMING CAFFEINE IN ANY FORM WILL PULL WATER FROM YOUR BODY AND CAUSE DEHYDRATION.

AT NIGHT THERE IS A GENERAL DECREASE IN SALIVARY FLOW FOR ALL, WHICH EXPLAINS WHY PEOPLE FEEL THEY HAVE A DRY MOUTH IN THE MORNING.

Answer 2

It can be caused from sleeping with your mouth open. Happens to me.

Answer 3

Do you Snore?? that could be the problem

Answer 4

Are you sleeping with your mouth open or are you snoring? If thats the case it could be a sinus issue.

Answer 5

O.K. this one is easy. You drool. Stop denying it. That use to happen to me until i shut my mouth when i sleep. This is pretty obvious. To stop it try to close your mouth before bed or if your willing to try suck on your thumb. maybe drink some water before bed. try all of these soulutions.  good luck!

Answer 6

I used to have that problem til i bought a humidifier.Turns out my house is dry.And thats why I was so thirsty.

Answer 7

I think open  mouth breathing causes dry mouth.

Answer 8

You may be breathing through your mouth at night: not that uncommon really and is probably the leading cause for dry mouth in the morning other than certain medications. ( which can also cause this to occur)

Alot of people sleep with their mouths open due to nasal congestion.

If you feel good overall and are not waking at night feeling like you're needing more air (as in people with sleep apnea), I wouldn't worry about it.

If you think the chlorine might be irritating you, you may want to check with your doc for suggestions.

    

Answer 9

I don't think it has to do with age, because i'm 21 and have the same problem

Answer 10

i sometimes feel the same way..  in the evening, about 2 hours before i go to sleep, i drink a glass or 2 of water now and I feel much better.  That way you can go to the toilet before bed and you are still hydrated.

try it.  perhaps you only thought you drank enough fluids during the day..

Answer 11

possibilities:

- dehydration. it's good that you cut down on the coffee, but if you drink soda or eat a lot of salty foods it could be making you retain more water and still be/feel thirsty.

- the air in your home might be too dry. i used to have that problem when i was younger, i had a really dry mouth when i woke up and sometimes even got nosebleeds. you can buy small household humidifiers that will essentially 'hydrate' your air.

Answer 12

Its because you dont have water or  humididty in your mouth so its dry,.Drink some water or keep a glass beside yor bed

Answer 13

With the amount exercise that you do regularly, you should be drinking about 3 quarts of water a day. Depending on the condition of your bladder and prostate, assuming that you are male, it could make you have to urinate a lot more frequently. So your first thought about dehydration is probably the major cause. Of course allergies, such as to chlorine could be a factor, but in Houston spring is usually the worst for everybody allergic to trees, grasses and pollen. You could be breathing through your mouth while sleeping, which would cause dry mouth. If you are running your AC a lot it could contribute to dry air, but unless you get the RH below 30%, which in Houston is doubtful, that should not be a problem.

There are also possible degenerative diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes. By all means, try the water first.