Can joggling make you yawn?

Perhaps my head is too hot. At least that’s the suggestion of researchers of University at Albany on why I’m yawning so much.

Let me explain.

You see, a few weeks ago I noticed that I was frequently yawning. First, I thought it was just tiredness since I’ve only been getting about 5-6 hours of sleep a night. But then I noticed it even on days when I had 7 or 8 hours of sleep.  Conclusion: It’s not tiredness.

Coincidentally, I had a problem with my ear (too much wax) and when I told my doctor about the yawning thing he suggested it was probably related to the ear issue. He cleaned out my ears and the yawning thing seemed to go away for a bit. Unfortunately, a few days later it was happening again.  Conclusion: It’s not because of wax in my ear.

So, I posed the question to other runners at the Cool Running runners forum. There I received a variety of responses.

Maybe it is anxiety?  No, I don’t feel anxious.
Shallow breathing?  I don’t know why my breathing would’ve changed for no reason.
Related to one’s period?  Well, I don’t menstruate so that doesn’t really work.
Asthma?  I don’t think so. It’s not like I can’t catch my breath.

Having eliminated most of those reasonable suggestions, I have nothing else. The other possibility in the article cited above is that excessive yawning is a symptom of MS. But according to this article about MS, my symptoms don’t really link up.  Conclusion:  I don’t have MS.

So, I find this article at MedlinePlus about excessive yawning.   It suggests that it could be related to a heart problem.  Yikes!  But this sounds ridiculous.  My blood pressure is good (106/60 on Monday) and my resting pulse is low (<60 bpm).

For now, it’s a mystery. A little more research is in order. It’s probably related to not getting enough sleep but who knows.  Here is a list of questions a doctor might ask.  Perhaps I’ll figure out the answers in case I’m asked.

• When did the excessive yawning begin?
• How many yawns per hour or day?
• Is the yawning the same throughout the day?
• Is it worse in the morning, after lunch, or during exercise?
• Is it worse in certain areas or certain rooms?
• Does yawning interfere with normal activities?
• Is the increased yawning related to amount of sleep you get?
• Is it related to use of medications?
• Is it related to activity level?
• Is it related to boredom?
• What helps it?
• Does rest help?
• Does breathing deeply help?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• What medications are you taking?

My lovely wife is encouraging me to return to the doctor, but I don’t really think it’s necessary just yet. Maybe if it persists for another month or so.Anyone else ever heard of this problem?

Really, I’m not yawning around you because I’m bored or that I’d rather be joggling.