From the Guidelines
The treatment for excessive yawning should focus on addressing its underlying cause, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and other psychological interventions can be beneficial in managing related sleep disorders 1. When considering the management of excessive yawning, it's crucial to identify the root cause, which could range from fatigue, stress, medication side effects, to neurological conditions.
- If yawning is due to fatigue, improving sleep habits by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly is recommended, as supported by guidelines for managing insomnia disorder 1.
- For stress-related yawning, stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga may help, aligning with recommendations for psychological and behavioral interventions for insomnia 1.
- When excessive yawning stems from medication side effects, consulting with a healthcare provider about adjusting dosages or switching medications is important, considering the role of pharmacologic therapy in insomnia treatment 1.
- For neurological causes, specific treatments targeting the underlying condition are necessary, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive medical evaluation. In some cases, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) might be prescribed if the yawning is related to anxiety or depression, reflecting the intersection of psychiatric conditions and sleep disorders 1. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining proper oxygen levels through regular physical activity can also help reduce excessive yawning, underscoring the importance of lifestyle factors in managing sleep and related issues. If yawning persists despite these measures or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical evaluation is essential to rule out serious underlying conditions, highlighting the need for a thorough diagnostic approach 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Excessive Yawning
Excessive yawning can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including neurological, psychiatric, infectious, gastrointestinal, or metabolic diseases 2. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 3, 2, 4, 5.
Causes of Excessive Yawning
Some possible causes of excessive yawning include:
- Neurological disorders
- Psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Infectious diseases
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Metabolic diseases
- Side effects of certain medications, such as SSRIs
Treatment Options
Treatment for excessive yawning depends on the underlying cause. If excessive yawning is a side effect of SSRI treatment, reducing the dosage or discontinuing the medication may help alleviate the symptom 4. In some cases, excessive yawning may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as cardiac tamponade, and treatment of the underlying condition may resolve the yawning 6.
Key Considerations
When diagnosing and treating excessive yawning, it is essential to consider the following:
- Medical history and current medications
- Presence of any underlying medical conditions
- Severity and frequency of yawning
- Impact of yawning on daily life and socio-occupational functioning
Relevant Studies
Studies have reported cases of excessive yawning associated with SSRI treatment 3, 2, 4, 5 and other medical conditions 6. These studies highlight the importance of awareness and recognition of excessive yawning as a potential symptom of underlying medical conditions or medication side effects.