Yawning is one of the most common reflexes in our body. It is usually harmless and mostly indicates tiredness or fatigue. However, excessive yawning can be concerning. When you yawn too much, it could even be an indication of an underlying health condition ranging from a heart problem to a neurological disorder, according to Dr S A Rehman, General Physician, NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, Noida.
Also Read: Why Do We Yawn? Expert Reveals It Could Be a Cry for Help
The Science Behind Why We Yawn
Most of us yawn a few times a day, especially when we’re tired or winding down. “It is a normal physiological response to tiredness, boredom, or even changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels,” Dr Rehman explains. However, if a person yawns more than several times per hour without feeling sleepy or notices it persisting throughout the day, it may be considered excessive and worth medical evaluation.
Excessive yawning is generally defined as yawning that happens more frequently than normal, particularly if it's persistent and unexplained. When it begins to interfere with daily activities or comes on suddenly, it's worth paying attention.
While the most common triggers are fatigue, drowsiness, or boredom, yawning can also be tied to more serious underlying issues. Some potential causes include:
Heart conditions: In rare cases, excessive yawning may be associated with heart problems such as a heart attack or aortic dissection. This may be due to stimulation of the vagus nerve.
Neurological disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or even brain tumours can affect brain signalling, leading to abnormal yawning patterns.
Sleep disorders: Sleep apnoea or narcolepsy may cause frequent yawning as the body struggles with poor quality sleep or sudden sleepiness during the day.
Metabolic or liver issues: Liver failure or disturbances in the body’s metabolism may also cause abnormal fatigue and yawning.
Mental health concerns: Anxiety or stress can also lead to repetitive yawning, as the body reacts to emotional distress.
When to Be Concerned: Red Flag Symptoms
Yawning on its own may not seem serious. But if it’s accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- Chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
- Weakness, numbness, or sudden loss of balance
- Trouble staying awake or falling asleep at unusual times
- Blurred vision, confusion, or slurred speech
- Severe headache or fainting
These symptoms, when combined with yawning, could point to conditions like stroke, heart issues, or neurological events that need urgent care.
Also Read: Ever Wondered Why Yawning Is Contagious? Here's The Reason
Medications May Also Play a Role
Did you know certain medicines can cause frequent yawning? Medications like SSRIs (used for depression or anxiety), dopamine-affecting drugs, or pain relievers can increase yawning as a side effect. If you’ve recently started a new medication and notice increased yawning, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
How Is the Cause Diagnosed?
To understand what’s behind persistent yawning, doctors typically begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Depending on the findings, further tests may include:
- Blood tests: To identify metabolic imbalances or liver function issues
- Sleep study: If sleep apnoea or other disorders are suspected
- Neurological scans (MRI or CT): To detect possible brain-related causes
- Cardiac evaluations, such as ECG or echocardiogram, if heart symptoms are present
Conclusion
Excessive yawning isn’t always harmless. While it’s often just a sign of being tired, in some cases, it could be linked to more serious health issues. If you notice that you’re yawning more than usual, especially if it’s happening without fatigue or comes with other unusual symptoms, don’t ignore it. A timely checkup can help rule out underlying concerns and ensure overall health.