Dangers of excessive yawning: It could be more dangerous

Dangers of excessive yawning: Daytime yawning may not be as innocent as it seems. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), it could be a red flag of a serious sleep problem.

Sleepiness Signals Deeper Issues

Feeling tired all day or nodding off during meetings may indicate sleep deprivation. Experts say even one-third of U.S. adults experience excessive daytime sleepiness. This condition can increase your risk of chronic illness and accidents.

“Sleepiness is a serious health concern with wide-reaching consequences,” said Dr. Eric Olson, AASM president.

Danger on the Roads and at Work

Drowsy driving leads to about 100,000 accidents a year. Microsleeps—brief lapses in attention lasting seconds—can happen without warning. These moments are especially dangerous while driving or handling machinery.

“You may not even realize it’s happening,” said Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, a sleep medicine expert.

Your Brain May Trick You

People who are sleep-deprived often don’t realize how impaired they are. Tests show they make more mistakes even though they feel fine. This disconnect can put lives at risk.

“You think you’re OK, but you’re really not,” Gurubhagavatula explained.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Severe sleepiness can cause droopy eyelids, poor posture, vertigo, or even impulsive behavior. If you’re slumping or shaking, it’s time to take sleep seriously.

Experts recommend using tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to self-evaluate. Scores over 10 may mean a sleep disorder is present.

What Else Could Be Causing It?

Sleepiness isn’t always from lack of sleep. Disorders like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can play a role. Some medications and medical conditions also interfere with quality rest.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re feeling unusually tired.

Lifestyle Habits That Worsen Sleep

Too much caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, and poor sleep hygiene can hurt your rest. Experts recommend avoiding alcohol before bed. It may help you fall asleep but disrupts sleep later.

Removing just one nightly drink has improved sleep in many patients, Gurubhagavatula noted.

Marijuana can also lower sleep quality and leave users feeling groggy the next day.

The Bottom Line

If you’re yawning often during the day, don’t brush it off. It could be a sign your body is begging for rest. Experts say to listen to those signals before it’s too late.

Source: CNN