Yawning may be more dangerous than you think, experts say

If you find yourself yawning all day or dozing off during meetings, it could be a sign of something more serious than just boredom. A new paper from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine warns that excessive sleepiness is a serious health issue. Experts say that chronic poor sleep can lead to long-term health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even increase your risk of car crashes due to drowsy driving.

One of the more troubling findings is that people often don’t realize how tired they really are. When you’re sleep-deprived, your brain can start taking short “microsleeps” without your awareness, which can be dangerous, especially when driving or operating machinery. The body may show signs like drooping eyelids or trouble staying upright, yet people continue thinking they’re fine. Tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale can help identify when sleepiness becomes a clinical concern.

Experts recommend talking to your doctor if daytime drowsiness is constant. Sleep disorders, medications, alcohol, marijuana, and poor sleep environments can all play a role. Improving sleep hygiene and avoiding substances that disrupt rest may help. The bottom line: Don’t ignore your body’s signals. If you’re always tired, it might be time to take sleep more seriously for your long-term health and safety.