Waking up with a dry mouth might seem harmless, but it can signal deeper health issues. As the article says, “Waking up with your mouth feeling like parched paper isn’t just a matter of discomfort, it can signal that something might be wrong.”

One common cause is digestive issues. Eating greasy, spicy, or salty foods before bed “irritate your digestive system and make it harder for the body to process meals while you’re sleeping,” which can pull fluids from other areas and cause dryness.

Liver problems can also be to blame. The liver filters toxins, and “when it becomes inflamed or doesn’t work properly, toxins can accumulate,” leading to nighttime dry mouth.

Dehydration is another frequent reason. Even while sleeping, “your body still uses and loses water via respiration,” so not drinking enough water during the day can cause dryness.

Poor oral hygiene and diseases like gingivitis or cavities can worsen the problem. Bacteria build up overnight, causing inflammation and dryness.

Finally, conditions like diabetes, bile reflux, fever, and hyperthyroidism can all trigger dry mouth due to dehydration or increased metabolism. If it persists, it’s best to “consult a doctor to see if there are any underlying medical conditions.”