People say lack of oxygen, because you’re tired, and some even say it’s contagious. So, what’s up with yawning?
Causes of yawning, even if you’re not tired
The most scientifically backed theory about why we yawn is brain temperature regulation. A 2014 study published in Physiology & Behaviour looked at the yawning habits of 120 people and found that yawning occurred less during the winter. If the brain’s temperature gets too far outside of the norm, inhaling air can help cool it down.
You yawn when you’re
tired – because your brain is slowing down, causing its temperature to drop
bored – because your brain isn’t feeling stimulated and starts to slow down causing a temperature drop
seeing someone else yawn – when you’re in the same environment as them, you’re exposed to the same temperature
You may also find yourself yawning more if you get migraines. During a migraine, your blood clots in your brain. Yawning helps to cool your brain down from that clotting. Another reason you may yawn is because the body wants to wake itself up. The motion helps stretch the lungs and their tissues, and it allows the body to flex its muscles and joints. It may also force blood toward your face and brain to increase alertness.
The link below shows yawning is very much contagious, and even in some cases, watching videos of other people yawning can even trigger it!
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/230387337172832289/
(Even though the photo is to stop vomiting, it should also make you yawn!).
