is often a sign of thriving sleep, not failing etiquette.
The Science of Surrender: Why Drooling Happens
During deep sleep—especially in the dream-rich REM stage—your brain initiates a protective state called atonia. This temporary muscle paralysis prevents you from physically acting out your dreams (imagine sleep-walking through a nightmare!). It’s your brain’s elegant safety mechanism.
But here’s the gentle side effect: as your jaw, tongue, and throat muscles relax into this protective stillness:
→ Your mouth may part slightly
→ Your swallowing reflex slows to a gentle rhythm
→ Saliva that would normally
