You wake up, reach for a glass of water and realise your mouth feels completely dry.

Maybe it happens occasionally. Maybe it happens almost every morning. Either way, it can leave you wondering: why is my mouth so dry when I wake up?

There are several possible reasons for waking up with a dry mouth, and one of them may be the way you're breathing while you sleep.

Your mouth isn't supposed to be doing all the work

Breathing is something we normally don't have to think about. It happens automatically throughout the day and night.

While sleeping, however, your breathing pattern can change. If you breathe through your mouth for extended periods, the airflow can contribute to that dry feeling when you wake up.

Mouth breathing can happen for a number of reasons, including nasal congestion, allergies, individual anatomy or habitual breathing patterns.

And sometimes, you may not even realise you're doing it.

Signs you might be mouth breathing at night

A dry mouth isn't necessarily caused by mouth breathing. However, there are a few things you might notice alongside it.

• Waking up with a dry or sticky mouth
• Feeling unusually thirsty when you wake up
• Waking with a dry throat
• A blocked or stuffy nose
• Your partner noticing that you sleep with your mouth open
• Feeling as though your mouth has been open during the night

There can be many explanations for these symptoms, so it's important not to assume that mouth breathing is automatically the cause.

Why does nasal breathing matter?

Your nose does much more than simply provide a route for air to enter your body.

The nasal passages help filter, warm and humidify the air you breathe.

When your nose is clear and comfortable, breathing through it is a natural part of normal respiration.

That's why creating an environment that makes comfortable nasal breathing easier can be a useful part of a nighttime routine.

And what about mouth tape?

Mouth tape works differently.

It is designed to encourage the mouth to remain closed during sleep, which may encourage nasal breathing for suitable users.

But this is important: mouth tape isn't for everyone.

You should be able to breathe comfortably through your nose before considering mouth tape. It should not be used when mouth breathing is necessary or when nasal breathing is difficult.

If you're unsure whether mouth tape is appropriate for you, speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before using it.

A better nighttime routine doesn't need to be complicated

You don't need a complicated sleep routine with fifteen different steps.

Start small.

1. Put your phone on DND.
2. Dim the lights.
3. Give yourself time to wind down.
4. Keep your bedroom comfortable.
5. Pay attention to your breathing.
6. Create a routine you can actually stick to.

Because consistency matters more than complexity.

If you're waking up with a dry mouth

Pay attention to the bigger picture.

Are you sleeping with your mouth open?

Is your nose frequently blocked?

Is your bedroom particularly dry?

Are you drinking enough fluids during the day?

Are you taking any medications that could contribute to dry mouth?

If the problem is persistent, severe or accompanied by other symptoms, speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional to help identify the cause.