What Is the Science Behind Why We Yawn?

Yawning is like stretching for your brain. When you yawn, it helps wake up your brain and get more oxygen into your blood. Sometimes people see someone else yawn, and that makes them want to yawn too, kind of like a brain hiccup.

Take the quiz →

Examples

When you're tired and see someone else yawn, it makes you feel like you want to yawn too.
Yawning is like taking a big breath when you're sleepy.
Your brain uses yawning to wake up or get ready for sleep.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Psychology · yawning· contagious behavior· brain function· social psychology· neuroscience