There can be many reason why you are having this problem. It would be best handled by first seeking the attention of a medical doctor and also seeing a psychologist. There are numerous things that can be done to help you stop this if is is psychological as it probably if it only happens at bedtime and is related to thoughts and fears of it happening. Cognitive behavioral techniques, thought stopping techniques, relaxation techniques, hypnosis are but a few that may help you.

We recommend a through exam by your physical doctor to eliminate any physical causes for the symptoms you mention. A psychotherapist/psychologist can help you explore the recurrent memory. We recommend you write it down in as much detail as possible and that the account with you to your session. Also take a list of all drugs and medications you are currently taking as well as over the counter medications. Choose a psychotherapist trained in family systems and substance abuse issues as well. Dr. Phyllis Davis

As a therapist I would assume something , possibly traumatic happened a round the time you were 7. I'd suggest therapy and a possible visit to your Doctor to make sure it is not health related.

Mark Wagemaker LPC

Carrollton GA

Trying not to remember, makes you remember. I can make you a hypnosis recording to deal with this issue so that it lies at the back of your mind. There maybe many layers of history over this memory that also need to be placed at the back of your mind. You can write to me drmargaretrvc@gmail.com and tell me the issue and we can go from there. I charge $75 for making the recording which will be unique to you.

Dr Margaret

I agree with Dr. Peters. This seems to be a conditioned response, a hold over from earlier years...then you get stuck on it. One thing some people experience is acid reflux when they sleep. You can check if this is happening by chewing a couple of Tums at bedtime and see if that helps during the night. Don't expect miracles...it may take a week to break the cycle...if it is acid reflux. It also may help to elevate the head of your bed a couple of inches.

I agree with Dr. Peters, It could be that you are obsessing and obsessing about obsessing. OK, so meds. could make you less anxious and slow down the obsessing. Also, you might try managing the anxiety with some self-awareness and self-talk. You could become more familiar with that part of your obsessing psyche and not let it scare you (whatever Psyche is :0).

Hello Sally Salivation, or, in your case, Drooling Donald. Are you visiting me again and making sure I take my next swallow! Thank you for your help but it's an innate reflex and I think I've got it. We can visit for a while if you need some reassurance. When you, Sally or Don, feel more confident I know you will leave, so let me show you how well I can swallow. No Big Deal! Just reassure that Sally, Don, Gertrude, or whoever is in you needing reassurance. Accept, talk to, and comfort that part of you.

That would be an example of the internal self-talk you would have while the obsessive concern surfaces and re-surfaces in your life.

Some people become fearful of taking their next breath. That can really get scary.

It seems crazy to become mentally familiar and even endeared with a thought process that scares you but it works. It gives a person power over obsessions. They won't worry /scare you as much.

P.S. Don't forget to consider meds so that you can take even greater control of thought repetitions.

Shirley Willis, PhD

Psychologist, Arlington, TX

It seems like something significant was happening around that time when you were 7 or 8, which is why the memory keeps coming up. Generally, we don't remember things that are insignificant, but rather we remember things because they have a special meaning to us. I encourage you to consider what you might be gaining by going back to this memory. I mean this objectively. For example, I wonder if it gives you a sense of comfort or safety to go back to that time. As humans, we engage in patterns because doing so gives us some benefit. Once you can openly and honestly identify how you benefit from this, I think the more likely you are to be in a position to effectively do something about it.

The mind is a powerful thing. When memory becomes so clear that the mind thinks that it is real in the present, then the body will respond in kind. I do not have enough information to know if there was any kind of an event that brought on the first memories. I would tell though that through self-exploration a therapist can help you to get to the root cause and possibly help you to find a suitable solution for this problem.

Like Pavlov's dogs which salivated when he rang a bell, you have a conditioned response which can be reversed by CBT.

Your memories set off a conditioned response and the problem repeats itself over and over. Therapies of any kind might be helpful . I might encourage you to focus less on drooling and more on allowing yourself to feel sleepy and relaxed. Give yourself permission to droll. It's of no real consequence unless it is so excessive that you must change pillow cases and bedding . If that's the case then medication to help induce dry mouth may be indicated. I dont think drooling is the problem but rather your tendency to obsess on it.