What causes excessive yawning?

Jan 28,  2025

Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to fatigue, making your body trigger yawning as a way to stay alert or increase oxygen levels in the brain.

Sleep Deprivation

High levels of stress or anxiety can overstimulate the vagus nerve, which may lead to frequent yawning.

Stress or Anxiety

Certain medications, such as antidepressants or antihistamines, can cause drowsiness or fatigue, leading to excessive yawning as a side effect.

Medications

Yawning helps cool the brain. If you're overheating or your brain is fatigued, your body may yawn more frequently as a cooling mechanism.

Thermoregulation

Disorders like sleep apnea, epilepsy, or even heart conditions may cause excessive yawning due to their effects on oxygen levels, fatigue, or neurological responses.

Medical Conditions