Not only a health aspect, but also a cultural, psychological and evolutionary aspect of salivation
1. Cultural perceptions and taboos
Embarrassment or comedy: In many cultures, drooling during sleep is mildly embarrassing or amusing – often used as a joke in sitcoms and cartoons.
Sign of deep sleep: In some places, it is taken as an indicator that a person has slept deeply and relaxed.
Norms of Decency: In more conservative societies, any “lack of control” over bodily functions is considered indecent, especially in public or shared places.
2. Evolutionary angle
Primal instincts: Saliva protects teeth, aids digestion, and signals readiness to eat. Its overflow during deep sleep may indicate that the body feels completely safe.
Animal behavior: Many animals also funny when they are sleeping, hungry, or relaxed – humans have probably retained this as a side effect of muscle relaxation.
3. Psychological interpretations
In dream symbolism, salivation can metaphorically reflect:
Desire or longing (“mouth-watering”)
Lack of control
