Am I Yawning So Much Because of Anxiety? Causes of Excessive Yawning

Excessive yawning could mean more than tiredness—it could be a sign of anxiety. Read on to learn more and know when to seek help.

Yawning is a natural reflex often triggered by fatigue, boredom, or lack of sleep. But if you find yourself yawning more frequently than usual throughout the day, it might be more than just tiredness. Frequent yawning could signal an underlying health issue that may need attention—including mental health conditions like anxiety, which can affect your breathing patterns and overall energy levels. In this article, we’ll explore what causes excessive yawning, including its connection to anxiety and other health conditions, and how to know when to seek professional help.

Is yawning a sign of anxiety?

In short, yes, it can be. Anxiety doesn’t just affect your thoughts—it can also impact your body. During periods of heightened anxiety, your body may enter a constant state of alertness or hyperarousal. Anxiety often leads to rapid, shallow breathing—sometimes called over-breathing or hyperventilation, which is your body’s attempt to regulate breathing or calm itself. This can create the sensation that you can’t take a full breath, leading to repeated yawning in an attempt to “reset” your breathing. This is especially common in people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or health anxiety. Yawning may also be a physical response to stress as part of the body’s vagus nerve response.

When to see a doctor about excessive yawning

Yawning occasionally is normal, especially when you’re tired or bored. But if you notice a sudden spike in how often you yawn—and there’s no clear reason—it’s best to see a healthcare provider. Frequent yawning can be a sign of fatigue or sleep deprivation, but it can also be linked to sleep disorders (like narcolepsy or sleep apnea), medication side effects, anxiety disorders, heart conditions, or neurological issues such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.

Contact a doctor if you:

• Yawn excessively despite getting enough sleep
• Notice other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or memory issues
• Recently started a new medication and feel more fatigued or drowsy
• Have a history of heart, brain, or liver conditions
• Have ongoing stress or anxiety that seems to be affecting your daily life

Prepare for your appointment by noting when the excessive yawning began, how often it occurs, and any other changes you’ve noticed. Bringing a list of current medications can also be helpful.

How excessive yawning is diagnosed

If you’re yawning far more than usual and tiredness isn’t the clear cause, it’s time to consult a doctor. Diagnosing the root cause of excessive yawning usually begins with a thorough review of your medical history, current medications, and sleep habits. A doctor may ask about how much restful sleep you get, any lifestyle changes, and whether you’ve recently experienced additional symptoms like dizziness, memory issues, or shortness of breath. They will also inquire about any signs of anxiety or stress, as mental health issues like anxiety can contribute to yawning.

If sleep problems and anxiety-related causes are ruled out, further diagnostic testing may be needed. Common tests include an electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help your doctor rule out serious conditions and pinpoint what’s triggering your excessive yawning.

Frequently asked questions about excessive yawning

Here are some other commonly asked questions about excessive yawning: 

1. Can dehydration cause excessive yawning?

Not directly, but it might contribute. Dehydration can make you feel tired, sluggish, or mentally foggy, which in turn might increase yawning. It’s not a direct cause, but staying hydrated can help reduce overall fatigue and improve alertness.

2. Why do I feel the urge to yawn to get a deep breath?

This sensation may indicate a problem with your breathing pattern, commonly linked to anxiety or stress. When you’re anxious, your breathing can become shallow or irregular. Yawning may act as a way for your body to attempt a deeper breath. However, persistent symptoms could also suggest asthma, COPD, or heart-related issues, so be sure to consult a doctor.

3. What if I start yawning more after starting a new medication?

Yawning is a known side effect of some medications—particularly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) used to treat anxiety and depression. This type of yawning is often unrelated to sleepiness and may occur even when you’re well-rested. If this becomes bothersome, speak with your doctor about adjusting your medication.

Treatment options for excessive yawning

Treatment for excessive yawning depends on its underlying cause. Once a diagnosis is made, your healthcare provider may recommend:

1. Medication adjustments

If antidepressants or other drugs are responsible, your doctor may lower your dose or switch you to a different medication. Never change or stop medication without professional guidance.

2. Improved sleep habits

If fatigue or sleep disorders are the issue, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes like:

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
• Avoiding screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bedtime
• Creating a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment
• Trying supplements like melatonin or other sleep aids if recommended

3. Managing anxiety

If your excessive yawning is linked to anxiety, treatment may focus on managing stress and anxiety through methods such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that trigger anxiety.
• Relaxation techniques: Practices like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation may help calm the body and reduce hyperventilation, which can lead to yawning.
• Medication for anxiety: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help manage anxiety symptoms, which could help reduce the frequency of yawning.

4. Treatment of underlying conditions

If yawning is linked to a medical issue like sleep apnea, liver disease, or heart problems, addressing that condition directly should reduce the yawning. In all cases, the goal is to treat the root cause—not just the symptom.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including anxiety, childhood trauma, and more. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into person counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing yawning due to anxiety and other mental health concerns is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.