Why Does a Person Yawn Continuously

— Written By Healthgrades Editorial Staff

Updated on July 21, 2022

Excessive yawning is when yawns occur frequently or in close succession. Yawning is the body's response to fatigue, but excessive yawning could indicate a sleep disorder or another health condition. It may be a medication side effect, too. Excessive yawning may mean yawning more often than usual, generally more than a few times per minute. Talk with your doctor if you yawn excessively, as it could be a symptom of a serious condition.

Read on to learn more about what causes excessive yawning and how to treat it.

What are the causes of excessive yawning?

A woman yawning
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A variety of conditions can cause excessive yawning.

Heart conditions

Excessive yawning may occur in the presence of a heart condition. One indicator of a heart condition is a vasovagal reaction. This occurs when the vagus nerve — which regulates bodily functions such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and digestion — overreacts and slows your heart rate.

In some cases, a heart attack may cause excessive yawning due to the heart's inability to move blood through the body.

Neurological disorders

A 2015 study showed that excessive yawning is a common symptom of certain neurological disorders. For example, people with multiple sclerosis typically experience severe fatigue, which can lead to excessive yawning. Additionally, people who experience seizures may yawn excessively.

Thyroid conditions

If you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, you may feel drowsy during waking hours, which could trigger excessive yawning.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness.

Learn more about hypothyroidism here.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease, is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when your immune system interferes with your thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism. People with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can experience fatigue and a slower heart rate.

Learn more about Hashimoto's thyroiditis here.

Sleep disruptions or disorders

Excessive yawning may indicate a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, that results in a lack of restorative sleep. Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing stops for brief periods while you sleep. This breathing interruption can cause atypical blood oxygen levels and fatigue.

Yawning excessively may also be your body's reaction to a change in daily habits or work hours, such as taking on a different shift at your job or working longer hours.

Medication side effects

Some medications — such as those used to treat depression, anxiety, or allergies — can cause excessive yawning. For example, people taking antidepressants may experience insomnia or drowsiness, leading to more yawning than usual.

Emotional or psychological causes

Yawning excessively can also result from emotional or psychological disturbances, including:

  • boredom
  • depression
  • stress

These conditions can affect your heart, breathing, and energy levels, causing you to yawn.

Other causes

Other conditions that may cause excessive yawning include:

  • electrolyte imbalances
  • chronic venous insufficiency, or low blood flow through the veins
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can cause breathing difficulties

What are the treatments for excessive yawning?

Treatment for excessive yawning will depend on the underlying cause.

Serious underlying conditions — such as heart, thyroid, and neurological disorders — will require medical treatment from a professional. Treatment may include medications, surgery, or dietary modifications.

You may be able to treat sleep disorders with lifestyle changes such as weight management or sleeping in a certain position. In some cases, you may need a breathing device to help keep your airways open and ensure proper airflow.

If a medication causes excessive yawning, your doctor may recommend an alternative medication or therapy. Taking steps to manage stress may also be beneficial.

What other symptoms might occur with excessive yawning?

Excessive yawning may occur with other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying condition.

Physical symptoms

Excessive yawning may accompany other symptoms affecting the body, including:

  • abdominal pain or cramping
  • balance issues, difficulty walking, and falls
  • dizziness or vertigo
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • sleep disturbances
  • weakness or loss of strength

Emotional symptoms

Yawning excessively may accompany symptoms related to emotional or psychological changes, including:

  • anxiety
  • changes in mood, personality, or behavior
  • depression
  • irritability and mood changes

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life threatening condition

In some cases, excessive yawning may be one symptom of a life threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation in an emergency setting. Get immediate medical care by having someone call 911 if you experience excessive yawning with other serious symptoms, including:

  • confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • rapid breathing
  • dizziness or vertigo
  • changes in consciousness, such as fainting
  • lethargy
  • seizures
  • slurred speech
  • sudden difficulty with memory or comprehension

What are the potential complications of yawning excessively?

Because excessive yawning can result from serious underlying conditions, lacking treatment can cause severe complications and permanent damage. Once your doctor identifies the underlying cause, it is important for you to follow their treatment plan to reduce the risk of potential complications. These may include:

  • absenteeism from work or school
  • difficulty performing daily tasks and participating in your usual activities
  • progression of symptoms
  • anxiety or depression

Frequently asked questions

These are a few other commonly asked questions about excessive yawning. Dr. Deborah Weatherspoon reviewed the answers.

When should I worry about excessive yawning?

If you notice an increase in how frequently you yawn, talk with your doctor. While excessive yawning may be a result of a mild condition, it could also be a symptom of something more serious.

Does yawning indicate a lack of oxygen?

In some cases, yawning can mean that an underlying condition causes low oxygen levels. For example, disorders that cause slowed or interrupted breathing — such as sleep apnea — can lower your oxygen levels. This may lead to fatigue and yawning.

Summary

Excessive yawning can result from various underlying conditions. Some causes, such as boredom or a change in your working hours, are mild and easily treatable through lifestyle changes.

Other causes can be more serious and will require a medical professional's evaluation. These causes may include heart conditions, neurological disorders, or thyroid diseases.

Talk with your doctor if you yawn excessively. They can help you determine the cause and the best treatment plan.

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Source: https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/symptoms-and-conditions/excessive-yawning

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