8 Reasons We Yawn

Spread the love

November 23, 2021 l by Tara E.

Did you know that when you yawn, it signals to your brain that it’s time for bed? If you are tired, your body is letting you know in the only way possible… by opening up your mouth and releasing a big ole yawn. Whether or not this actually helps us go to sleep at night, there are other reasons why we yawn besides being tired. Some of these include but are not limited to stress relief, boredom elimination, anxiety reduction, and more! Today I am going to share with all of my readers eight reasons why we yawn so get ready because here they come!

Your Body’s Alert System

You probably already knew this, but we yawn because we are sleepy, and sometimes yawning is your body’s way of telling you to get ready for sleep.

Your Lungs Demand Attention!

One of the reasons our bodies give way to the roar of a yawn is lung inflation. Yawning serves as a protective reflex that maintains proper lung inflation. It helps to keep those tiny air sacs in the lungs inflated, allowing for good health.

Subtle Warning to Those Entertaining You

Whether purposeful or involuntary, yawning is a cue to those attempting to entertain you or engage you in conversation to move things along. Let’s face it; people can be wordy or boring. Yawning is the unspoken cue to keep it moving.

Yawning and Your Health

Some conditions reportedly may cause you to yawn more frequently than a healthier individual, such as depression or epilepsy. Medications can also increase your yawn factor as a side effect. Nonetheless, if you find yourself yawning more than usual, you may want to follow up with your physician.

Yawning Relaxes You

Simply put, the deep intake of air and exhale helps our bodies and minds to relax while allowing us to become a bit more alert and conscious of what’s happening around us.

Yawning is Contagious!

Isn’t it obvious? Another reason we yawn is that it is contagious! Multiple studies have shown that yawning is contagious. In a study of 328 individuals, ages 18 to 83, participants took tests measuring empathetic traits, such as feeling distressed over another’s misfortune and easily identifying with fictional characters. Participants then watched a three-minute video showing many people — from babies to old folks of various races and genders — yawning their heads off. They were required to click a button each time they yawned as well. 69% of those in the study yawned while watching the video.

Yawning…A Social Bonding Moment

Yawning can be an unexpected bonding moment\. What does that mean? Some people yawn to reflect on what others are doing and feeling about the moment.

Yawning Regulates the Body Temperature?

One study revealed that elevated body temperatures could lead to yawning, which is the body’s way of trying to cool itself –thus the reason why we yawn the most upon waking and just before bedtime. Your body’s temperature is often highest just before bed and upon waking.

It’s a good thing we yawn because it helps us stay healthy and happy. Yawning is just one of the many ways that our bodies take care of themselves without any input from us. If you’re feeling tired or stressed out, try taking some deep breaths to make yourself feel better. There are also plenty of other things you can do to help your body maintain its wellness.