Yawning is an involuntary reflex involving opening the mouth wide, taking a deep breath, and then exhaling. It is commonly triggered by tiredness, boredom, waking up, or stress. Seeing or hearing others yawn can also induce yawning

. The exact cause of yawning is not fully understood, but it is often viewed as a natural response to sleepiness or fatigue. It may also serve to increase alertness or regulate brain temperature

. Excessive yawning can be caused by:

• Sleep-related factors: sleep deprivation, sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy, and general fatigue

• Emotional causes: anxiety and stress can increase yawning frequency

• Medications: certain drugs, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for depression and anxiety, can cause excessive yawning

• Neurological or medical conditions: multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, migraines, heart attack, or brain tumors may cause frequent yawning

• Physical triggers: stimulation of the vagus nerve, changes in body temperature, or vasovagal reactions (which involve drops in heart rate and blood pressure) can also lead to yawning

In summary, yawning primarily occurs due to tiredness, boredom, or the body's need to increase alertness or regulate brain temperature, but excessive yawning can indicate underlying health issues or medication effects and may warrant medical attention if persistent