Why Yawning Before Migraine Start Could Be Your Early Warning Sign

There’s something oddly specific about the way migraines announce their arrival. You’re sitting there, maybe reading, watching TV, or just zoning out—and then it hits you. Not the migraine itself, not yet. But the yawning. The endless yawning that just won’t quit. I used to think I was just tired, but after years of dealing with migraines, I’ve come to recognize yawning as one of the earliest signs that a storm is brewing in my head. It’s not just me—many people who live with migraines experience the exact same thing. So, what’s the deal with yawning before a migraine?

Understanding the Yawning-Migraine Connection

Yawning might seem like an innocent, everyday behavior, but in the world of neurology, it plays a surprising role. It turns out that excessive yawning can be one of the earliest premonitory symptoms of a migraine. This means it shows up during the phase that comes before the actual migraine pain hits.

Researchers believe it’s linked to changes in brain chemistry—specifically involving dopamine. Some studies even suggest that the hypothalamus, a part of the brain involved in controlling fatigue, appetite, and body temperature, is deeply involved in migraine onset. And guess what else it regulates? Yawning.

While I’m no neuroscientist, I can confirm from personal experience that my yawning fits start hours before the headache. It’s my brain’s weird little heads-up that I need to prep myself—hydration, quiet, maybe canceling plans. I’ve even learned to use it as a warning system.

What the Science Says

Several studies have documented this early warning symptom. According to neurologists, up to 36% of migraine sufferers report premonitory symptoms like yawning. These episodes can occur as early as 24 to 48 hours before the migraine kicks in. That’s a decent window to take preventive action.

• Yawning may be your brain’s way of coping with a chemical shift.
• It may reflect reduced blood flow or a drop in dopamine.
• It’s not linked to fatigue—most migraineurs say they’re not tired when it starts.

Yawning and Other Migraine Warning Signs

Yawning is rarely alone. It usually shows up alongside a handful of other warning signs. Some of the ones I see in my own cycle include:

1. Light sensitivity ramping up
2. Neck stiffness or slight pressure
3. Mood changes—irritability or sudden low energy
4. Food cravings (hello, salty chips)
5. Frequent urination or bloating

Not everyone gets the same combination, but yawning is consistently one of the earliest signs. I’ve learned that when I start yawning for no reason, it’s not fatigue. It’s the start of something much less welcome. If you want to get a clearer picture of your own patterns, consider keeping a journal or using one of the top migraine tracking apps to catch your cues early.

Is Yawning a Reliable Predictor?

Short answer: it depends. For some people—myself included—it’s one of the most reliable flags that a migraine is inbound. For others, it’s inconsistent. That’s the thing with migraine symptoms—they’re unpredictable and unique to each person. Still, there’s enough evidence linking yawning to migraine onset that it’s worth tracking in your own experience.

The key is pattern recognition. If yawning keeps popping up before your attacks, it could be your personal warning sign. That’s gold when you’re trying to manage or even prevent a full-blown episode.

How to Respond When the Yawning Starts

Here’s what I do when the yawns come rolling in out of nowhere:

• Hydrate immediately. I keep a big glass of water within arm’s reach.
• Take a moment to breathe and assess—am I also feeling other early signs?
• If it’s daytime and I’m able, I’ll step away from screens and dim the lights.
• Sometimes I go ahead and take my prescribed meds preemptively—especially if other signs like food cravings or neck stiffness are joining the party.

If you’re someone who experiences migraines with aura, yawning may even precede the more classic visual disturbances. You can explore more on migraine with aura symptoms to see how that connects.

Why It’s Worth Paying Attention to the Yawning

Yawning doesn’t get enough credit. We think of it as harmless and ordinary, which it usually is—unless it becomes part of your migraine equation. The more you notice and respond to early warning signs, the more control you have over your migraine routine. This isn’t about overanalyzing every yawn but about being mindful of the context. A random yawn? No big deal. But five in a row, paired with a salty snack craving and light sensitivity? That’s worth noting.

If you’re just beginning to understand your migraine pattern, I’d recommend reading our guide on migraine warning signs and exploring how they line up with your own experience.

For more about the biological and psychological triggers that lead into migraine phases like this one, check out our comprehensive coverage on migraine triggers. It’s one of the key pillar resources we’ve built to help people pinpoint what’s really going on beneath the surface.

And if you’re looking for a broader understanding of migraines in general—from phases to prevention strategies—start with the main overview on migraines and headaches.

Managing the Yawning Phase Before a Migraine

When the yawning starts, that’s your cue to take action—not panic, just prepare. After dealing with migraines for over a decade, I’ve learned that this window—sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes 6 hours—is incredibly valuable. It’s not just a passive signal; it’s a chance to intervene. Some people can even halt an attack in its tracks during this early phase.

For me, catching the yawning early and adjusting my environment makes a massive difference. I’ve found that dimming the lights, taking a break from devices, and using targeted tools during this phase helps delay or even reduce the intensity of what’s coming.

Tips That Actually Work for Me (and Others)

• Magnesium supplement: There’s solid science behind this. Taking magnesium glycinate during pre-migraine symptoms like yawning helps calm the nervous system. More on that here.
• Keep caffeine consistent: If I’ve had caffeine that day, I’ll sip a small coffee to avoid withdrawal headaches. But if I haven’t, I don’t start—caffeine inconsistency can be a trigger.
• Use wearable tech: Devices like Cefaly and Nerivio aren’t miracle workers, but during the yawning phase, I’ve found them especially useful. Timing matters. See our review of Nerivio.
• Silence and darkness: Even if I don’t feel pain yet, I’ll step into a darker, quieter space. Think of it as giving your brain a reset button before the cascade starts.

Could You Stop a Migraine During the Yawning Phase?

Some migraine meds work best before the pain phase begins. That means if you’re yawning uncontrollably and feel that creeping neck stiffness, it might be your best shot to take action. This is where prescription options like OTC medications or triptans come in—used early, they can reduce the duration or intensity significantly.

I learned this the hard way. I used to wait until the pain kicked in before I took anything. Now, I act during the yawning phase, and the difference is night and day. Still, always talk with a doctor before changing how you medicate. You can also explore what neurologists recommend in our migraine consultation guide.

Other Therapies You Might Try

For those who want to go beyond medication, there’s a whole spectrum of tools available. I’ve tried most of them at least once—here are the ones I keep coming back to:

• Biofeedback: Helps with stress management. It trains you to control physiological functions, which can help prevent attacks. Learn more in our section on biofeedback therapy.
• Acupressure or daith piercing: These are more controversial but some swear by them. I tried daith piercing once—didn’t help me much, but others have found relief. If you’re curious, check out this guide.
• Essential oils and aromatherapy: Especially peppermint oil rubbed gently on the temples. Not a cure, but sometimes the cooling effect helps when the yawns hit.

When Yawning Means Something More

Occasional yawning isn’t alarming. But if it’s persistent, frequent, or accompanied by neurological red flags—weakness, visual issues, numbness—it’s time to get a proper evaluation. Rarely, excessive yawning is associated with more serious neurological conditions, including brainstem disturbances.

If you’re ever unsure whether it’s “just” a migraine or something more complex, don’t self-diagnose. It’s worth learning about the difference between various headache types in our post on migraine vs. tension headaches.

Why Tracking Matters More Than You Think

I can’t stress this enough—track your symptoms. That’s how I finally connected the dots between my random yawning spells and the migraines that followed. You don’t need anything fancy. A notebook, a spreadsheet, or one of those free apps all do the job.

Here’s what I personally track:

• Time and intensity of yawning
• Other early signs: cravings, mood changes, fatigue
• Weather or hormonal shifts that might be relevant
• Response to any actions taken (rest, caffeine, medication, etc.)

This tracking has helped me reduce my attacks from 3-4 per week to 1-2 per month. No exaggeration. It’s not about perfection—it’s about becoming more aware of your own rhythms. You can even explore how sleep patterns impact migraines and how your bedtime routine could be amplifying your risk.

Resources That Help When Yawning Is Your Cue

If yawning is your early warning sign, you’ve got an edge. Use that knowledge. Build a migraine plan. Stock up on your essentials, know your triggers, and explore proven strategies. The more prepared you are during that window, the less power the migraine has over your day.

Check out our full breakdown of migraine prevention techniques for long-term strategies. Prevention is the end game here, especially when your body gives you clues that the pain is coming.

And don’t forget to explore the full collection of educational resources on migraines and headaches—your main hub for expert-approved content, personal stories, tools, and support.

Bianca Nala

Bianca Nala is a compassionate Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in primary and respiratory care. As a health writer for Healthusias.com, she combines her clinical expertise with a talent for clear, relatable storytelling to help readers better understand their health. Bianca focuses on topics like asthma, COPD, chronic cough, and overall lung health, aiming to simplify complex medical topics without losing accuracy. Whether she’s treating patients or writing articles, Bianca is driven by a single goal: making quality healthcare knowledge accessible to everyone.