Tulo-Laway Habang Natutulog? Here’s What It Means

Waking up with a wet spot on your pillow can be embarrassing, especially when someone else notices it before you do. But “tulo-laway” is usually harmless until it happens frequently. That could be your body’s way of telling you something needs attention.

Why Do We Experience “Tulo-Laway”?

Drooling happens when saliva escapes from your mouth, often because your mouth opens while you’re asleep or you have difficulty swallowing normally.

Several factors can contribute to this, including:

• Sleeping position: People who sleep on their sides or stomachs are more likely to drool because gravity allows aliva to escape from their mouths.
• Mouth breathing: Nasal congestion, allergies, colds, or structural issues in the nose can make breathing through the mouth more comfortable.
• Acid reflux: Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can trigger increased saliva production as the body tries to neutralize the acid.
• Dental problems: Teeth grinding or misaligned teeth can affect how your mouth closes while sleeping.

In most cases, these causes aren’t particularly concerning. However, persistent “tulo-laway” may sometimes be associated with an underlying health condition.

When Should You Be Concerned?

One possible cause is sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Here, people may breathe through their mouths to get more air, increasing the chances of drooling.

Here are symptoms to watch out for: loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Difficulty swallowing can also contribute to excessive drooling. In some cases, it may be associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, particularly when accompanied by other changes in movement or facial expressions.

What Can You Do?

Frequent or newly developed drooling deserves medical attention, especially if it comes with other symptoms. A doctor, particularly an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can help identify possible causes and determine whether you need further tests, such as a sleep study.

And before anything else, think twice about mouth taping. Experts warn that sealing your mouth while sleeping can be dangerous, especially if you have nasal congestion or an undiagnosed breathing condition.

READ: Bad Sleep Ages Your Brain Faster Than You Think

While not necessarily a cause for concern, “tulo-laway” can sometimes be more than a sleepy quirk. If it keeps happening, don’t just brush it off. Consult your doctor because your body may be trying to tell you something, and it’s better to listen early.