What causes excessive yawning? 10 possible
conditions
Yawning is a mostly involuntary
process and is usually triggered by sleepiness or fatigue. It is a very natural
response to being tired.
Yawning is the involuntary process of
opening the mouth and inhaling deeply, filling the lungs with air. Some yawns
are short, and some last for several seconds before an open-mouthed exhale.
Watery eyes, tears, runny rose, stretching, or audible sighs may accompany
yawning.
The reason
humans yawn is unknown, but common triggers include fatigue and boredom. Yawns
sometimes occur when you see or hear someone else yawn or simply talk about
yawning. Scientists now believe contagious yawning may have something to do
with social communication (Brynie, 2011).
In addition, new research suggests that yawning
helps cool the temperature of the brain.
Excessive yawning means that you yawn
often, even when you are not tired. If frequent yawning is negatively affecting
your personal or professional life, it may be considered excessive.
The following conditions may cause
excessive yawning:
·
drowsiness, tiredness, or fatigue
·
disorders that cause sleepiness
during the daytime such as narcolepsy
·
sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
(when you stop breathing for short periods during sleep)
·
side effects of medications such as
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are used to treat
depression or anxiety
·
vasovagal reactions (problems with
the function of your vagus nerve) due to bleeding in or around the aorta or, in
severe cases, a heart attack
Although less common, excessive
yawning could also indicate:
·
epilepsy
·
a brain tumor or stroke
·
multiple sclerosis
·
liver failure
Diagnosing
Excessive Yawning
To identify the cause of excessive
yawning, your doctor may first discuss your sleep habits. He or she will want
to ensure you are getting adequate, restful sleep. This helps rule out
excessive yawning resulting from being overtired or having a sleep disorder.
After ruling out sleep issues, your
doctor may do other tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or MRI. An EEG
is used to monitor the activity of your brain. It can help diagnose brain
tumors, sleep disorders, and diseases of the brain.
MRI scans are used to visualize and
assess bodily structures. They are often used to diagnose spinal cord and brain
issues, such as a stroke, tumors, and aneurysms. MRI scans are also beneficial
for assessing the function of the heart. Your doctor will use these tests to
ensure that you are not suffering from heart or brain disorders.
If
medications such as SSRIs are causing excessive yawning, your doctor may recommend
a lower dosage. Research suggests that lowering the dosage may help reduce
excessive yawning, while still producing the desired effects of the medication (Gutiérrez-Alvarez, 2007). Be sure to discuss this with your doctor and refrain
from making any changes to your medications without his or her approval.
If excessive yawning is caused by a
sleep disorder, your doctor may recommend sleep-aid medications or techniques
for getting more restful sleep. For example, if you have sleep apnea, you
doctor may recommend wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
machine when you sleep to help keep your airways open.
If epilepsy, heart problems, stroke,
tumors, or liver failure is causing excessive yawning, the underlying condition
must be addressed.
