Why Do We Yawn? | WebMD?

We yawn because our bodies want to wake up or relax more easily, and it helps us all feel better together.

Yawning is when we open our mouths wide and take a big breath, kind of like stretching your arms way up in the morning. When you see someone else yawn, sometimes you start yawning too! It’s like when one kid on the bus starts laughing, and soon everyone is laughing together.

Why Yawning Happens

When we yawn, our brain gets more oxygen, the air we breathe in that helps us think clearly. It also sends a signal to our body: “Hey, it's time to wake up or get ready for rest!”

Sometimes, when you’re tired or bored, your brain says, “I need more oxygen and energy,” so you yawn to help it out.

Yawning Spreads Like a Game

Yawning can spread from person to person, like passing around a toy in class. When someone sees another person yawn, their brain gets the message too, and they start yawning as well. It’s kind of like a game where everyone joins in!

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A student yawns during a boring class, feeling more alert afterward.
  2. A person sees someone else yawn and starts yawning too.
  3. After waking up, you stretch and yawn to feel more awake.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity