What causes dry mouth while sleeping?

Causes of dry mouth include diet, prescription or over-the-counter drugs, aging, and other health conditions. Having a dry mouth while sleeping is is caused by insufficient saliva in the throat and mouth.

Alcoholic beverages or drinks with caffeine, such as tea, coffee or soda, can cause dry mouth. Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes can cause decreased saliva production, which can lead to dry mouth and dehydration. Drugs such as pain relievers, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and blood pressure medications can all cause dry mouth. Some health conditions that can also cause dry mouth include mumps, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and anemia.