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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

Excessive yawning

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.

Common CausesHome Care

Follow the treatment for the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if
  • You experience unexplained and excessive yawning.
  • The yawning is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.
What to expect at your health care provider's office

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

Medical history questions may include:

  • When did the excessive yawning begin?
  • How many times do you yawn 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 the 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 present?
  • What medications are you taking?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include sleep studies.

References

Hermanowicz N. Cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 13.

LeWinter MM. Pencardial diseases. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 70.

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14y ago

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Continue Learning about Zoology

Why a man got yawning by seeing a person who yawns?

Yawning is associated with tiredness, stress, overwork, lack of stimulation, or boredom. Yawning can also be a powerful non-verbal message with several possible meanings, depending on the circumstances. In humans, yawning has an infectious quality, i.e. seeing a person yawning, or just thinking of yawning, can trigger yawning which is a typical example of positive feedback. Infectious yawning has also been noted in chimpanzees. The primary reason behind yawning is to control brain temperature. It cools off your brain, much like a fan cools off the inside of a computer. The claim that yawning is caused by lack of oxygen has not been substantiated scientifically. Some claim that yawning is not caused by lack of oxygen, for the reason that yawning allegedly reduces oxygen intake compared to normal respiration. Another speculated reason for yawning is nervousness and is also claimed to help increase the state of alertness of a person-paratroopers have been noted to yawn in the moments before they exit the aircraft.


Why can't you hear as well while you're yawning?

Some studies say that yawning occurs when your brain is overheated. Maybe your hearing decreases because of this heat? Yawning is still a mystery.


Can you stop yawning?

no, you can't stop yawning because if you try hold it in it will automatically come out yours nose holes.


Why do you yawn too much at work?

It isn't because you are tired, it is because your blood lacks oxygen. When you've been idle too long and suddenly move, you can find yourself yawning later on. That's why a person yawns after waking up in the morning. Yawning adds oxygen to the blood. If it bothers you, try deep breathing.


Why do you yawn when you see someone else yawning?

Yawning when you see someone else yawn is thought to be a form of social bonding or empathy. It may be an unconscious response triggered by seeing someone you are connected to engage in a behavior, leading to a contagious yawning effect.

Related Questions

What causes excessive yawning?

When you look at someone while yawning you will probably yawn.Some people think it's contagious.


What is the cause of excessive yawning?

Excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction. A vasovagal reaction is caused by the action of a nerve on the blood vessels. This nerve is called the vagus nerve. It may indicate a heart problem.


Is Excessive yawning a symptom of Mitral valve problems?

Excessive yawning can be a symptom associated with various conditions, but it is not a direct symptom of mitral valve problems. Mitral valve issues, such as mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation, may lead to symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. However, if excessive yawning occurs, it may be related to factors like fatigue, anxiety, or changes in oxygen levels rather than directly indicating a mitral valve disorder. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you have concerns.


Is constant yawning a symptom?

You are very tired, have agood sleep before you die of the following : Excessive yawning (1-4 yawns/minute) is associated with a variety of conditions. The majority of these are disorders of the central nervous system, and include epilepsy, encephalitis, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and progressive supranuclear palsy. Excessive yawning is also associated with opiate withdrawl and the consumption of a variety of drugs that affect neurotransmitters, such as drugs prescribed for Parkinson's disease or depression. You are very tired, have agood sleep before you die of the following : Excessive yawning (1-4 yawns/minute) is associated with a variety of conditions. The majority of these are disorders of the central nervous system, and include epilepsy, encephalitis, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and progressive supranuclear palsy. Excessive yawning is also associated with opiate withdrawl and the consumption of a variety of drugs that affect neurotransmitters, such as drugs prescribed for Parkinson's disease or depression.


Why is yawning not contagious to people with autism?

Yawning is not a disease.


Is yawning rude?

if rude and yawning are defined as such i don't see any reason why the act of yawning be rude. yawning is physiologic. would urinating and defecating be rude also?


What is the spelling of the yawning sound?

The spelling of the yawning sound is "yawn."


When one student is yawning why do all the others start yawning?

The cause in not know.


Can yawning make you sick?

Yawning too much can prove to be fatal. My aunt didn't sleep for a week, kept yawning, and died. You're in trouble


What is the benefit in yawning?

Yawning is actually putting out (?) the stress in your body, so it is a good thang...


Why a man got yawning by seeing a person who yawns?

Yawning is associated with tiredness, stress, overwork, lack of stimulation, or boredom. Yawning can also be a powerful non-verbal message with several possible meanings, depending on the circumstances. In humans, yawning has an infectious quality, i.e. seeing a person yawning, or just thinking of yawning, can trigger yawning which is a typical example of positive feedback. Infectious yawning has also been noted in chimpanzees. The primary reason behind yawning is to control brain temperature. It cools off your brain, much like a fan cools off the inside of a computer. The claim that yawning is caused by lack of oxygen has not been substantiated scientifically. Some claim that yawning is not caused by lack of oxygen, for the reason that yawning allegedly reduces oxygen intake compared to normal respiration. Another speculated reason for yawning is nervousness and is also claimed to help increase the state of alertness of a person-paratroopers have been noted to yawn in the moments before they exit the aircraft.


What does Rob Prospect say before he snores?

"I'm yawning. I'm yawning some more."