The pattern of swallowing during sleep was investigated by means of a study in 10 normal subjects. Sleep was staged by means of EEG, EOG and EMG, and swallowing was monitored by means of an external sensing device attached to the neck. It was found that during sleep, swallowing is episodic, with long swallow-free periods. Swallows occur almost exculusively in association with movement arousals which are most frequent during Stages REM, 1 and 2 of sleep.