Yawning 3 times within 15 minutes is considered abnormally frequent, as per a 2018 study. Yawning 20-28 times a day is normal, but excessive yawning is spontaneous and compulsive.
2
Sleep debt
Sleep debt can cause excessive yawning and sleepiness, and may also be a symptom of sleep disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
3
Medication side effects
Medications like SSRIs used to treat depression and anxiety, can cause excessive yawning as a side effect. Other medications like sedatives and narcotics can also induce it.
4
Neurological disorders
In epilepsy, the brain makes you yawn to mellow the harmful effects of seizures. The frequency of yawning could also increase due to many neurological disorders.
5
Caffeine withdrawal
Caffeine withdrawal can increase tiredness, thereby causing frequent yawning. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin about 12-24 hours after staying away from caffeine.