I seem to have a problem where if I am conscious or thinking about swallowing, I start to swallow every minute. If I forget about swallowing, get distracted and think about something else, then I don't consiously swallow or notice any swallowing. It's a pain during sleep time, or when I'm actually trying to relax and not be distracted. I doubt I have GERD since I eat a healthy low fat diet. I thought it might be excessive saliva or post nasal drip. Or it could be anxiety, which I've had.

I've read somewhere that we swallow hundreds of times a day. Is that unconsiously, like a reflex? If so, I don't notice it. And if so, it seems that if I am conscious of my swallowing, my body doesn't seem to reflex swallow anymore, as if I can't swallow unless I do it consciously.

I don't have any difficulties or pain swallowing; I have no problems swallowing food or drinks.