Why Do We Yawn When Tired?

Yawning when you're tired is like a signal your brain sends to help you wake up or get ready for sleep. When we yawn, our body gets more oxygen and feels more refreshed. Sometimes, seeing someone else yawn makes us want to yawn too, it's contagious!

Why It Happens Yawning is common when [people](/search?q=people) are tired because the brain needs a little boost of energy. When you take a big breath while yawning, your [heart rate](/search?q=heart%20rate) increases slightly, helping your whole body feel more alert or relaxed.

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Examples

When you're in a long car ride and see your sibling yawn, you feel the urge to yawn too.
Your teacher starts class by yawning, and suddenly everyone is yawning along with her.
After a nap, you stretch and yawn because your brain needs more oxygen.

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Categories: Psychology · yawning,sleep,brain function,contagious behavior