Yawning, excessive

Alternative names:

excessive yawning

Home care:

Follow prescribed treatment for dealing with the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is any unexplained and excessive yawning.
• the yawning is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting excessive yawning in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the excessive yawning begin?
  • How many yawns per hour or day?
  • Is the yawning consistent throughout the day?
  • Is it worse in the morning, after lunch, or during exercise?
  • Is it worse in certain areas or certain rooms?

• quality
  • Does yawning interfere with normal activities?

• aggravating factors
  • Is the increased yawning related to amount of sleep received?
  • Is it related to use of medications?
  • Is it related to activity level?
  • Is it related to boredom?

• relieving factors
  • What helps it?
  • Does rest help?
  • Does breathing deeply help?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • What medications are being taken?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed may include sleep studies.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to excessive yawning, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.