You probably think you yawn because you are bored or sleepy. But scientists believe your brain actually needs to cool down, like a computer fan turning on when the processor gets hot.
The Heat Problem
Your brain is a busy factory that generates heat. When it gets too warm, things start to slow down and get fuzzy. Yawning acts as an emergency cooling system.
How It Cools You
When you take a big breath, air rushes past your sinuses and cools the blood. At the same time, you swallow extra saliva which helps move heat away from your head. The pressure change in your inner ear also helps equalize things. This combination drops the temperature of the blood flowing to your brain.
Why It Is Contagious
You might see someone else yawn and feel your own jaw click open. This is because mirror neurons in our brains help us sync with others, keeping our group alert and mentally cool together.
Examples
- You yawn before bed because your body is winding down and cooling off.
- Seeing a dog yawn makes you want to yawn too.
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See also
- What is Biological Psychology?
- What is reinforce?
- Why Do People Get Bored?
- Why does yawning feel contagious to other people?
- Why Do We Yawn? The Mystery of the Universal Stretch