If You Drool While Sleeping Often, Check for These 6 Serious Conditions

In some cases, it’s a warning sign of underlying neurological, vascular, or systemic disease.

Take the case of Xiao Liang, a 25-year-old programmer in China: chronic fatigue, poor sleep posture, and one-sided drooling led to a shocking discovery—early signs of cerebral blood vessel blockage. Thanks to prompt medical attention, he avoided a stroke.

Here are 6 conditions that can cause adult-onset drooling during sleep—and when to seek help.

⚠️ 6 Medical Conditions Linked to Sleep Drooling

1. Oral & Dental Issues

Gingivitis, tonsillitis, or oral infections can irritate salivary glands, increasing saliva production.

Misaligned teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or recent orthodontics may prevent lips from sealing properly.

✅ Fix: Dental checkup, improved oral hygiene, or appliance adjustment.

2. Facial Nerve Palsy (Bell’s Palsy)

Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles (often on one side) makes it hard to close the mouth or control saliva.

Key signs: Crooked smile, inability to close one eye, loss of forehead wrinkles.

🚨 Act fast: Seek care within 72 hours—steroids can improve recovery.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Stomach acid irritates the esophagus, triggering a reflexive increase in saliva (called “water brash”) to neutralize acid.

Often worse when lying flat at night.

✅ Manage: Elevate head while sleeping, avoid late meals, use antacids or prescribed meds.

4. Parkinson’s Disease: