Drooling during sleep could be a sign of illness
Many people think only children drool, but adults can too. Normally, adults don't drool in their sleep. If it happens, it could be a sign of certain illnesses. This year, 60-year-old Mr. Gao went to the hospital for a check-up because he was drooling in his sleep, only to discover it was a precursor to a stroke.
The reasons for adults drooling in their sleep can be broadly divided into the following categories.
Oral Inflammation Oral inflammation can increase saliva production and cause pain, leading to drooling. This issue will resolve on its own after treatment.
Overworking the Brain Overworking the brain, extreme fatigue, or taking certain medications can disrupt the autonomic nervous system. This may cause abnormal excitement of the parasympathetic nerve during sleep, leading the brain to send incorrect signals and result in drooling.
Facial Nerve Inflammation After exposure to cold wind, getting chilled, or catching a cold, one might drool in their sleep. These patients often also experience symptoms such as difficulty closing their eyes or a crooked mouth.
Stroke Precursor If you suddenly start drooling in your sleep, try smiling at yourself in the mirror upon waking. If accompanied by a crooked mouth or headaches, the likelihood of a stroke is very high. It is recommended to go to the hospital for immediate examination.
Arteriosclerosis Arteriosclerosis can cause ischemia and hypoxia in the brain and muscles, leading to facial muscle relaxation. Coupled with a weakened swallowing ability in the elderly, this can cause drooling during sleep. If an elderly person frequently drools in their sleep, even without symptoms like a crooked mouth or difficulty closing their eyes, they should still see a doctor. The focus should be on checking for the "three highs": high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar.