What Is The Purpose Of A Yawn?

Yawns are like brain refreshers. When you yawn, it helps your brain get more oxygen and cool down a little. It also might help people around you want to yawn too, that’s how we share feelings when we’re tired or sleepy.

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Examples

When you're sitting in class and suddenly start yawning, your friend might yawn too, that’s social contagion in action!
A baby yawns when it's sleepy; this helps its brain cool down and get ready for sleep.
You see a dog yawn at the park and then you feel like yawning too, it's contagious!

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Categories: Psychology · yawning· brain function· social behavior· sleep cycles