ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Yawning - excessive

Definition

Yawning involves opening the mouth involuntarily while taking a long, deep breath of air. This is usually done as a result of drowsiness or weariness. Excessive yawning is yawning that happens more often than would be expected, even if drowsiness or weariness is present.

Alternative Names

Considerations

Yawning is a normal response to fatigue and drowsiness, but excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction. This reaction is caused by the action of a nerve, called the vagus nerve, on the blood vessels. It may indicate a heart problem.

Normal yawning may happen when someone else yawns.

Causes

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

Home Care

Follow the treatment for the underlying cause.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

• You experience unexplained and excessive yawning.
• The yawning is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

The health care provider will get your medical history and do a physical examination.

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

• When did the excessive yawning begin?
• How many yawns per hour or day?
• Is the yawning the same throughout the day?
• Is it worse in the morning, after lunch, or during exercise?
• Is it worse in certain areas or certain rooms?
• Does yawning interfere with normal activities?
• Is the increased yawning related to amount of sleep you get?
• Is it related to use of medications?
• Is it related to activity level?
• Is it related to boredom?
• What helps it?
• Does rest help?
• Does breathing deeply help?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• What medications are you taking?