Hey Nightflare, that's a very nice dapper Derpy you have there. Welcome to DV!

It's okay to swallow, it won't ruin your WILD. If it really bothers you, try propping your head up a little higher with pillows. Heck, if you want to drool, that's okay too. The point is to fall asleep, but if you're preventing yourself from swallowing, that's pretty distracting, and that becomes what you focus on instead of sleep.

HatsuneMiku is correct in that WILDs are tough not only for beginners, but can also be difficult for experienced LDers. However, most LD induction techniques will take a while to succeed. Be ready to spend at least a few weeks using the techniques, and learning what works for you and what doesn't. Here's a WILD guide I like, and here's some more in-depth lessons on how to WILD.

Good luck, let us know if you have any more questions.