Ask the Doctor

Excessive yawning

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I yawn always usually followed by drop of tears from my eyes even though I don’t have any problem with my sight. Kindly let me know the cause.

Gertrude  (by SMS)

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A common cause of excessive yawning is drowsiness. Feeling abnormally sleepy or tired during the day is commonly known as drowsiness. A variety of things may cause drowsiness. These can range from mental states and lifestyle choices to serious medical conditions.

Drowsiness can also be a result of your mental, emotional, or psychological state. Depression can greatly increase drowsiness, as can high levels of stress or anxiety. Boredom is another known cause of drowsiness.

If you’re experiencing any of these mental conditions, you’re also likely to feel fatigued and apathetic. Some medical conditions can cause drowsiness. One of the most common of these is diabetes. Other conditions that may lead to drowsiness include those that cause chronic pain or affect your metabolism or mental state, such as hypothyroidism or hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia is when the level of sodium in your blood is too low. Treatment of your drowsiness and by extension, excessive yawning will depend on its cause. Some drowsiness can be treated at home, especially if it’s the result of life choices, such as working longer hours, or a mental state such as stress.

You should seek medical attention if you begin to feel drowsy after you start a new medication, take an overdose of medication, sustain a head injury or become exposed to the cold.

A regular amount of sleep each night can often prevent drowsiness.

Most adults require about eight hours of sleep to feel fully refreshed. Some people may need more, especially those with medical conditions or a particularly active lifestyle.

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