Nightime Dry Mouth--serious Problem Or No Big Deal?

[haybilly]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

[Who, me ?]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

Do you take viagra or somethimg similar ?

[haybilly]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

Do you take viagra or somethimg similar ?

No, but thanks for the interest. I do take pain medication--for a back problem, which could be responsible, however the lack of saliva is a recent problem whereas the medication I have been on for many years.

[taxexile]

saliva production decreases whilst sleeping and if you breathe through your mouth , i.e. sleep with your mouth open , then your mouth will dry up.

certain medications can cause a dry mouth too.

[Who, me ?]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

Do you take viagra or somethimg similar ?

No, but thanks for the interest. I do take pain medication--for a back problem, which could be responsible, however the lack of saliva is a recent problem whereas the medication I have been on for many years.

I also take pain medication for back problem. Celebrex. Did not notice any dry mouth.

Some diet pills also bring dry mouth

[haybilly]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

Do you take viagra or somethimg similar ?

No, but thanks for the interest. I do take pain medication--for a back problem, which could be responsible, however the lack of saliva is a recent problem whereas the medication I have been on for many years.

I also take pain medication for back problem. Celebrex. Did not notice any dry mouth.

Some diet pills also bring dry mouth

I also used 'celebrex' but there was a scare associated with it about 3 years back, for those with heart probs or close family with [ genetic disposition] and I changed--like I say these meds are known to have this sort of side effect but I am confused as to why my symptom should develop after quite a long period of use--maybe just another side effect of old age--aarrghhh!

[JohnC]

I have suffered from this since living in LOs but put it down to the a/c being on all night plus I do sleep more deeply than I used to and I do snore which results in sore throat along with dried mouth occasionely!

[gunnyd]

You have said that you have been to the doctor on several occasions, and you are only having the problem at night so I wouldn't worry about it being a serious problem. Review your medications, if you haven't already. And if you sleep with your mouth open running the aircon it could be the culprit. The only think to watch out for is your dental health. I take numerous medications that cause dry mouth and that caused problems with my gums. Under the advice of my dentist I started using Biotene toothpaste, and artificial saliva. It took care of the problem. I am not sure if it available in LOS, but you should be able to find something similar. Ask a local dentist.

Gunnyd

[Upcountry]

Maybe you've already done this, but make sure you are searching more generally on the web for an answer to this. Oftentimes, you will find hints out there. Sounds like your problem is not due to Thailand specifically.

Maybe it's worth getting "second opinions" from local doctors, or asking friends back home to take the question to their doctor.

UC

[haybilly]

Maybe you've already done this, but make sure you are searching more generally on the web for an answer to this. Oftentimes, you will find hints out there. Sounds like your problem is not due to Thailand specifically.

Maybe it's worth getting "second opinions" from local doctors, or asking friends back home to take the question to their doctor.

UC

Many thanks to all who have posted--it's nice to know that people really do 'give a s..t' and can be bothered to post suggestions--I will take note--all the best.

[moldy]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

No big deal most likely. Still think the air con is most likely cause - these probs. don't go away overnight so a trip back to Farangland wouldn,t just solve it . All the more true if you are a mouth breather. Yes, there's the fags, the booze (especially), and coffee, but if you keep yourself topped up with water this shouldn't be too big a problem.

Not sure what to advise as air con is a lesser of 2 evils. Perhaps humidify your room. This can be done simply by wetting a large sheet or towel and hanging it up at night b4 bed. Or buy a fish tank, or perhaps some plants. You can buy special machines.

[TerryLH]

Dry mouth is also one of the symtoms of diabetes. A glucose test should answer that possibility.

[Sheryl]

Medications -- prescription or otherwise -- are the usual culprit for this. What exactly do you take?

[FRM-BKK]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

Hi Haybilly,

As mentioned by a previous poster, these symptons could indicate diabetes. I had the same problems. I had all the tests done and was diagnosed with diabetes type 2. My diabetes, although serious, is not severe and I now manage with diet, exercise and a small amount of medicine (metformin).

As soon as the diabetes was under control, the symptons went away.

I hope that your complaints are more innocent but do have it checked out.

Best of luck.

FRM-UK now Bangkok

[geriatrickid]

I doubt it is diabetes as other symptoms would present. (That being said, this is something your doctor will test for when you have your physical, so at least discuss with doctor asap.) As other posters have stated, it is mostly likely attributable to breathing through the mouth while sleeping. I have the same problem. My nose gets blocked something awful and according to observers, I snore loudly. If you have allergies like me that are made worse by having a cat that is in charge of the bed, your breathing is screwed up.

[suegha]

You've already alluded to it, however, keep yourself hydrated. Take water to bed and have a good gulp before you go to sleep, when you wake up have another good gulp. I don't think this is a serious problem. Sure, have the diabetes test as well.

[za9]

I have been experiencing a very dry mouth during the night--it generally starts to appear around the time that I am falling asleep and has become so uncomfortable that it wakes me up and I need to sip water at several times throughout the night--I have asked several doctors over the past year or 2, which is approx how long it has been happening, but have not found any solution--it's not something related to sleeping with A/C on as it occurs with or without, even on trips back to UK though possibly to a slightly lesser degree; it is not a 24 hr thing as my saliva flows normally during the day. Needless to say it is beginning to worry me-coffee drinking, alchohol consumption, smoking are all possible culprits as are prescription medications-anyone got any other suggestions--serious ones preferably.

[za9]

You are in Thailand, one major cause of dry mouth is the use of MSG in all food,

too much garlic can also be the cause.