Excessive yawning

Alternative names

Yawning - excessive

Definition

Yawning involves opening the mouth involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation of air, as from drowsiness or weariness.

Considerations

Yawning is a normal response to fatigue and drowsiness, but excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction and may indicate a heart problem.

Normal yawning may be induced when the brain or lungs are not getting enough oxygen (or when someone else yawns).

Common Causes

• Drowsiness or weariness
  
• Disorders associated with excessive daytime sleepiness
  
• Vasovagal reaction
  o Heart attack
  o Aortic dissection
  

Home Care
Follow prescribed treatment for dealing with the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if

• There is any unexplained and excessive yawning.
  
• The yawning is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.
  

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting excessive yawning in detail may include the following:

• Time pattern
  o When did the excessive yawning begin?
  o How many yawns per hour or day?
  o Is the yawning consistent throughout the day?
  o Is it worse in the morning, after lunch, or during exercise?
  o Is it worse in certain areas or certain rooms?
  
• Does yawning interfere with normal activities?
  
• Aggravating factors
  o Is the increased yawning related to amount of sleep received?
  o Is it related to use of medications?
  o Is it related to activity level?
  o Is it related to boredom?
  
• Relieving factors
  o What helps it?
  o Does rest help?
  o Does breathing deeply help?
  
• Other
  o What other symptoms are also present?
  o What medications are being taken?
  

Diagnostic tests that may be performed may include sleep studies.