Little flap and dry mouth?

[richardl2010]

while sleeping I am awakened with dry mouth and also a feeling that a little flap closes in my throat......  any ideas?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

You are probably breathing through your mouth instead of your nose when you are sleeping (you are probably snoring too).  This can cause you to have a really dry mouth when you wake up.  The little flap closing feeling could be the soft palate at the back of your mouth or the uvula vibrating back and forth when you are breathing in your sleep.  If this is very bothersome, you could try seeing an ENT for this.  Snoring can be a sign of a sleep disorder, so if you do snore and are worried, get this checked out.  Some people I know swear by those Breathe right nasal strips that stick to the outside of the nose.  These claim to open up the nasal passages and promote nasal breathing.  This could be something you try and might be an easy fix.  The strips are available in most pharmacies.  Good luck.

Bridget

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

A sleep study would definitely be beneficial (of course, a sleep study in a CLEAN establishment- I too would find the place you described unacceptable).  Try the ENT and see how that goes.  Good luck.

Bridget

[richardl2010]

Thank you very much for the reply.....  I will schedule an appointment with ENT.  My heart Dr. has been trying to get me to do a sleep study.....  went there......  the place was filthy!!!  Really :-(    Spyder webs,  dust on all the furniture..  anyway.
Thank you
Richard