Excessive Yawning: Know About Its Causes And Diagnosis

Excessive yawning can be worrisome and may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as anaemia, thyroid problems, or sleep deprivation. If you are yawning excessively, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out any potential medical issues. Additionally, making healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels, can help to reduce excessive yawning.

What Causes Excessive Yawning 

Excessive yawning is described as yawning more frequently than the normal number of times per day. This could indicate anxiousness, exhaustion, boredom, or a medical problem. It can also indicate the presence of some neurological conditions.

Following are the causes of excessive yawning:

• Boredom
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Low oxygen levels
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Brain stimulation
• A natural reflex
• Mirroring the behaviour of others

How To Diagnose Excessive Yawning 

Excessive yawning can be a symptom of many different medical conditions and can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. It is important to first speak with a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

In order to properly diagnose excessive yawning, a doctor will typically ask questions about the patient's medical history, lifestyle, diet, and any other symptoms that may be present. They may also perform physical and neurological examinations to check for any underlying medical conditions. The doctor may also conduct tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, and electroencephalogram(EEGs) to rule out any serious medical conditions.

Once any underlying medical conditions have been ruled out, the doctor may consider other possible causes such as stress, lack of sleep, boredom, or anxiety. They may suggest lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep to reduce the symptoms of excessive yawning. Medications such as antidepressants or antihistamines may also be prescribed to help reduce the symptoms. 

Also read: What Is Sleep Hygiene and Why It Is Important

Treatment Of Excessive Yawning

Excessive yawning is usually caused by a medical condition or a side effect of certain medications. To treat excessive yawning, the underlying cause must be identified and addressed. 

If the underlying cause is a medical condition, such as sleep apnea or anaemia, it should be treated as soon as possible. If the cause is a medication, speak to your doctor about changing your dosage or switching to a different medication. 

In some cases, lifestyle changes may help reduce excessive yawning. These may include getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers such as caffeine and nicotine. Exercise, yoga, and mindfulness meditation can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

If the underlying cause of your excessive yawning can't be identified or addressed, your doctor may recommend taking a mild stimulant, such as caffeine to reduce yawning.

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