Do you yawn too much? You could be suffering from an iron deficiency | Health News

Yawning is often associated with sleepiness or boredom, and it helps your brain to keep your body awake. But if you’re yawning day and night, over and over, it may be a sign of many health issues.
Excessive yawning could indicate many health problems such as heart issues or even mental health issues, experts say. But when does this become a cause for concern?
“A precise count of ‘too much’ is subjective and can vary from person to person,” said Dr Divya Gopal, Consultant – Internal Medicine at Sir HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai.
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But essentially if the yawning is frequent and persent and accompanied other symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness, then you should consult a healthcare professional. It mostly occurs suddenly and without an apparent reason.
What kind of deficiencies and bodily issues can excessive yawning indicate?
Dr Gopal said that excessive yawning can signal underlying issues such as:
-Sleep deprivation: Lack of quality sleep can lead to increased yawning.
–Boredom or fatigue: Mental exhaustion can trigger frequent yawning.
-Heart issues: Excessive yawning can also be linked to the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the heart and stomach.Story continues below this ad
-Neurological issues: In some cases, increased yawning could also be linked to neurological issues like epilepsy.
-Brain problems: Although extremely rare, excessive yawning could also indicate brain tumor in some people.
Is it also linked with iron deficiency and low oxygen levels?
“Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. When iron levels are low, the body may experience reduced oxygen delivery, leading to increased yawning as a compensatory mechanism. The body yawns to increase oxygen intake and improve alertness.” said Dr Gopal.
Conditions like sleep apnea or chronic lung diseases can lead to low oxygen levels and frequent yawning.Story continues below this ad
Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. When iron levels are low, the body may experience reduced oxygen delivery, leading to increased yawning as a compensatory mechanism. (Source: Freepik)

How can we fix this with at home-based remedies?
Some potential home-based remedies include:
-Improving sleep hygiene: Ensure regular sleep patterns and a comfortable sleep environment.
-Increasing iron intake: Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach and and fruits like apple and berries into your diet.
-Staying hydrated: Dehydration and iron-deficiency have very similar symptoms.
-Regular exercise: Physical activity can help with oxygen levels and overall well-being.Story continues below this ad
While at-home remedies might help alleviate mild cases, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for persent excessive yawning.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.