For Xiao Liang, a 25-year-old programmer from China, drooling during sleep started as an embarrassing habit. But when it persisted, he decided to see a doctor. A CT scan revealed early signs of cerebral blood vessel blockage, a condition that could have led to a stroke if not caught in time. His story highlights the importance of paying attention to seemingly minor symptoms, as they can sometimes point to more serious health issues.
Drooling is an involuntary action controlled by the autonomic nervous system. It can occur for various reasons, such as mouth breathing, stress, fatigue, or even the way you sleep. In children, drooling is normal because their oral muscles are still developing. However, in adults, frequent drooling might indicate an underlying health problem.
Some potential causes of persistent drooling in adults include oral diseases, facial paralysis, gastroesophageal reflux, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral thrombosis, or arteriosclerosis. These conditions can interfere with the nerves or muscles responsible for swallowing, leading to excess saliva production or difficulty managing it during sleep.
If you’re dealing with frequent drooling, there are steps you can take to address it. Adjusting your sleeping position, maintaining good oral hygiene, and consulting a doctor—especially if you’re on medications—can make a difference. While drooling might seem like a small issue, it’s worth investigating to ensure there’s nothing more serious going on.
