Excessive yawning may signal poor sleep, neurological disorders, heart issues or stress. Experts explain when yawning becomes a medical warning and when to see a doctor. (Image: Pexels)
Yawning is an instinctive behaviour often associated with fatigue, tedium, or insufficient sleep. Most people yawn several times a day without thinking much about it. But if you’re yawning all the time, even though you’ve slept well and gotten enough rest, it might be a sign that something more serious is happening inside your body. Doctors say a large number of yawns may be associated with issues pertaining to sleep quality, brain function, heart health or even your state of mind.
With the fast-paced modern lifestyle that many people live today, everyone seems to have an excuse why they are constantly tired and yawning — from inconsistent sleep patterns, screen time and stress. While there are those factors, doctors warn against dismissing persistent yawning as “normal.” The body yawns to regulate the temperature and oxygen levels of the brain. When balance is frequently disrupted, it can be indicative of underlying health problems that need to be diagnosed and treated.
Excessive yawning could be a potential warning sign of some severe neurological, cardiovascular or sleep conditions, said Dr Anirudh Malhotra, consultant neurologist at the Institute of Neuro Sciences (INS).
This symptom is frequently underreported by patients, until it begins to disrupt their normal routine, he said. “Yawning all day every day, especially if it isn’t because you are sleep deprived, is something that deserves attention from a medical perspective,” he says.
Sleep Disorders
Conditions such as sleep apnea in which breathing is interrupted, or insomnia and restless leg syndrome, can prevent people from getting deep restorative sleep. Chronic sleep loss taxes the brain and is believed to see us impacting our concentration, memory.
Brain and Neurological Issues
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Experiencing too many yawns can mean that you have migraines, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and sometimes even brain tumours. It can be caused by brain signalling or temperature dysfunction. Sudden alterations in yawning habits, particularly with a headache or dizziness, warrant urgent assessment.
Heart and Blood Pressure Problems
Occasionally, yawning can be associated with heart-related problems or changes in blood pressure. Frequent yawning may be a condition where not enough blood is flow or oxygen circulated to the brain. Excessive yawning has been documented as a prelude to cardiac events in certain rare cases; so, it is a symptom that should not be overlooked.
Psychiatric and Adverse Medication Effects
If you’re feeling stressed, yawning too much could be your brain’s way of dealing with chemical changes like those that come from anxiety or depression. Also, some medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have yawning as a common side effect. Discussing medications with a doctor may help zero in on the cause.
Also Read: Tired all the time? It might be more than just poor sleep
When to See a doctor
When a yawn is prolonged or excessive, lasting for weeks or sudden in onset (or when it’s associated with alarming symptoms such as chest pain, vision disturbance, confusion and extreme fatigue), you should seek medical advice without delay. Timely identification can facilitate appropriate treatment of severe diseases and reduce complications.
FAQs on Hidden Health Risks of Frequent Yawning
1. Can frequent yawning be a sign of a serious health issue?
Yes, frequent yawning can indicate underlying health problems such as neurological, cardiovascular, or sleep disorders.
2. What sleep disorders are associated with excessive yawning?
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome can lead to excessive yawning due to interrupted or poor quality sleep.
3. How can brain issues trigger excessive yawning?
Conditions like migraines, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumours can cause excessive yawning due to brain signalling or temperature dysfunction.
4. Is there a connection between heart problems and frequent yawning?
Yes, insufficient blood flow or oxygen circulation to the brain due to heart-related issues can cause frequent yawning.
5. Can stress or medications cause excessive yawning?
Stress and certain medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can lead to excessive yawning due to chemical changes in the brain.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.