Yawning Too Much? It Might Be More Dangerous Than You Think, Experts Warn

Do you find yourself yawning constantly? Or maybe that third or fourth cup of coffee is becoming a must-have just to get through the afternoon? While these may seem like typical signs of sleepiness, experts are now sounding the alarm about how a persistent lack of sleep can be much more than just a minor inconvenience—it can seriously affect your health and safety.

According to a recent position paper from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), feeling constantly tired could be a sign of a dangerous sleep deficit that can have wide-ranging consequences. From impaired performance at work to deadly drowsy driving, the risks are real.

“Sleepiness is a serious health concern with far-reaching consequences,” said Dr. Eric Olson, president of the AASM and a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “From car crashes caused by drowsy driving to workplace errors and long-term health problems, the effects of sleep deprivation touch everyone.”

Dr. Olson emphasized the critical need for proper sleep, noting that sleep deprivation is linked to a host of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even stroke. A good night’s sleep—ideally seven to eight hours—is essential for your health.

In the U.S., about one-third of adults report excessive daytime sleepiness. Experts stress that identifying and treating sleep problems is crucial, not just for your well-being but for the safety of those around you.

It’s easy to dismiss signs of sleepiness—like dozing off during a meeting or feeling sluggish in the afternoon—as no big deal. But sleep specialists say this could be your body signaling that something more serious is at play.

Dr. Kristen Knutson, a sleep expert at Northwestern University in Chicago, points out that if you’re constantly nodding off during meetings, it’s a red flag. “Someone who’s well-rested won’t fall asleep in a meeting, no matter how dull it is,” she says.

If you’re regularly feeling excessively sleepy, Dr. Knutson advises you talk to your doctor. Excessive daytime sleepiness can impact your performance and may be a sign of underlying sleep disorders or other health issues.

The body’s response to ongoing sleep deprivation is not always obvious. You may think you’re functioning normally, but in reality, your brain is struggling.

Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, a board member of the AASM and sleep medicine professor, explains that with chronic sleep deprivation, we lose the ability to assess our own impairment accurately. “You may feel fine, but your brain is actually making mistakes. It’s a scary situation,” she says.

A dangerous phenomenon known as microsleep occurs when your brain takes brief, unconscious naps lasting just a few seconds. You may not even notice these tiny breaks in consciousness, but if you’re driving or operating machinery, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Drowsy driving is a serious problem—100,000 car accidents every year are linked to sleepiness behind the wheel. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake while driving, that’s a clear sign you’re not safe on the road.

You can measure your level of sleepiness using tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This test asks you to rate how likely you are to fall asleep during everyday activities, like sitting quietly after lunch or riding as a passenger in a car.

A score above 10 is considered clinically significant, signaling that your sleepiness may require intervention. The higher the score, the greater the risk of severe impairment.

As sleep deprivation continues, physical symptoms become more pronounced. You may notice droopy eyelids, difficulty staying upright, or even vertigo—feeling like the room is spinning.

In more severe cases, people can experience impulsive or reckless behavior, feeling detached from their usual cautious self.

Many factors contribute to sleepiness, from medical conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia to lifestyle choices. Dr. Gurubhagavatula suggests that chronic pain, certain medications, and even poor sleep hygiene (like sleeping in a noisy or uncomfortable room) can all play a part.

Be mindful of what’s affecting your sleep. Excessive caffeine or alcohol before bed can disrupt your rest, as can using substances like marijuana. Though some believe alcohol helps them sleep, it often disrupts sleep cycles, leaving you more tired the next day.

Dr. Gurubhagavatula says eliminating a nightly drink or using marijuana less often can improve your sleep quality, leading to better rest and higher energy levels throughout the day.

Yawning might seem like a harmless, routine act, but it could be signaling something more serious. Chronic sleep deprivation not only puts your health at risk but also jeopardizes the safety of everyone around you. If you’re constantly feeling sleepy or struggling to stay awake, it’s time to take action and seek help from a sleep specialist.

As Dr. Olson reminds us, sleepiness is not something to ignore—it’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be dismissed. So, next time you find yourself yawning more than usual, consider it a sign to prioritize rest and take your health seriously.