What Is Yawning | The Reasons We Yawn

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Let's learn a bit more about yawning. Here we're look at what yawning is, why we do it, and why it can't usually be helped!

Yawning is something we all do, but how often do we stop to think about why it happens? Whether it’s because we’re tired, bored, or just feel like it, yawning is something we all share, both humans and animals alike. But what’s actually going on when we yawn? Let’s dive into this little mystery.

how yawning works

A yawn is actually pretty simple when you break it down:

You open your mouth wide.
You take a deep breath in.
Then you exhale slowly.

Even though it sounds easy, yawning uses a bunch of muscles in your face, throat, and diaphragm (1). And it’s often followed by stretching or sighing, which might help your body relax or get back on track.

so, why do we yawn?

There are a few theories floating around about why we yawn. No one really knows for sure, but here are some of the most popular ideas:

yawning to cool our brain down

One idea is that yawning helps to cool down your brain. When you yawn, the deep breath and extra blood flow could bring in cooler air, lowering the brain’s temperature and helping you focus better (2).

yawning to get more oxygen

It used to be thought that yawning was all about getting more oxygen or getting rid of extra carbon dioxide. Though recent research has questioned this, it could still play a small role in why we yawn (3).

waking up or shifting focus

Yawning often happens when we’re switching between different states, like waking up, getting sleepy, or zoning out. It might just be a way to "reset" your alertness and get you ready for the next thing (4).

bonding with others

Yawns are contagious—just seeing someone yawn (or even thinking about yawning) can make you do it too. This might be tied to social bonding, with contagious yawns helping people (and animals) connect and sync up (5).

do animals yawn?

Yep, we’re not the only ones who yawn. Animals like dogs, cats, birds, and even reptiles do it too. For some animals, yawning can signal stress, dominance, or getting ready to take action. For example, lions often yawn before they go hunting, and some primates use yawns to communicate with each other (6).

when yawning could be a red flag

Yawning now and then is totally normal, but if you’re yawning all the time, it might be a sign of something else going on. Some possible causes could include:

Sleep problems like insomnia or sleep apnea
Stress or anxiety, which can mess with your breathing and alertness
Health issues like heart problems, strokes, or neurological conditions

If yawning is taking over your day, it might be worth chatting with a doctor.

fun facts about yawning

You can’t fake a yawn: Unlike smiling or frowning, yawning is something your body does involuntarily, so you can’t just do it on command (7).
Babies yawn before they’re born: Foetuses actually start yawning as early as 11 weeks into pregnancy (8). We still don’t fully know why, though.
You yawn more around close friends: Turns out, yawning is more contagious among people who are close to each other (9). So if your bestie yawns, you might be next.

wrapping it up

Yawning might seem like a small thing, but it has a lot of purposes. From cooling your brain to helping you stay connected with your friends and family, there are several theories for why we yawn. Next time you yawn, take a second to appreciate it — and maybe try not to set off a chain reaction!

Until next time, eve sleep.