When we yawn, we involuntarily open our mouths and take a deep breath to fill our lungs with air. Yawning is the body's natural response to drowsiness or fatigue. Some yawns are brief, while others last several seconds. The intense stretching of the jaw increases blood flow to the face, head, and neck, while deep breathing moves cerebrospinal fluid and blood downward from the brain. Cool air drawn in through the mouth cools these fluids, circulating warm blood out of the brain and cooler blood into the lungs, thus maintaining the brain's temperature. This is why we tend to yawn more in cool weather, as cold air cools the brain better than warm air.

Yawning more than once per minute may indicate drowsiness or boredom but can also signal an underlying health issue.

The vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the throat and into the abdomen, can sometimes trigger a vasovagal response, leading to excessive yawning. During a vasovagal response, vagus nerve activity increases, significantly lowering heart rate and blood pressure. This reaction often indicates sleep disorders or serious heart conditions.

While the exact cause of yawning remains unclear, it is typically linked to fatigue or boredom. Sometimes, even talking about yawning or observing someone else yawn can make us yawn.

What Causes Excessive Yawning?

The exact cause of excessive yawning is unknown, but it can occur due to:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy
• Side effects of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, such as SSRIs
• Bleeding in or around the heart

Excessive yawning can sometimes indicate a brain tumor, heart attack , epilepsy, multiple sclerosis , liver failure, or the body's inability to regulate temperature.

If you yawn frequently without a clear reason, only a doctor can determine the exact cause.

How Is Excessive Yawning Diagnosed?

The doctor will first check your sleep habits to ensure you are getting restful sleep and rule out fatigue or sleep disorders as the cause of excessive yawning. Diagnostic tests are then conducted to identify potential causes.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is one such test, measuring electrical activity in the brain to detect conditions like epilepsy. Additionally, the doctor may recommend an MRI to examine the brain and spinal cord for disorders such as tumors or multiple sclerosis. Heart function and potential heart problems may also be evaluated.

How to Prevent Yawning?

1. Deep Breathing
Performing deep breathing exercises through the nose can help reduce yawning by bringing more oxygen into the body.

2. Move Around
Sitting or standing still can increase the likelihood of yawning, but moving or changing body position stimulates the brain and prevents yawning.

3. Limit Caffeine Intake
Reducing caffeine consumption improves sleep quality, reduces drowsiness, and ultimately decreases yawning.

How Is Excessive Yawning Treated?

If certain medications cause excessive yawning, the doctor may prescribe a lower dose. However, never reduce or stop taking medication without consulting a doctor.

If excessive yawning is due to a sleep disorder, treatments such as medication, breathing devices, stress-reducing exercises, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can improve sleep quality.

Excessive yawning may signal a serious condition like epilepsy or liver failure. If you feel you yawn more than usual and it interferes with daily activities, consult a doctor.

Sources:
healthline.com, webmd.com