Yawning has long been a mystery in the world of science. All humans do it, but why exactly do we yawn? It must have some benefit, right? The vast majority of bodily functions have evolved for specific reasons, so surely yawning must have done the same?
Unfortunately for science, and for us, the reason we all yawn isn’t exactly 100% clear. There are, however, many theories exploring this everyday phenomenon. So, let’s delve into it, shall we?
Why am I yawning so much when I’m not tired?
‘Why do I keep yawning?’ we hear you ask. It’s a common misconception that yawning means a lack of oxygen - so we’re here to tell you this is not true. It’s the theory we all know - when we yawn, it means our bodies need more oxygen. But, it turns out that taking a big deep breath won’t actually prevent you from yawning.
The theory was originally an answer to the age-old question, “why do we yawn when bored or tired?”. It stated that when we get tired, our breaths are much more shallow, and therefore we intake less oxygen. That’s where yawning comes in. Yawning was thought to bring more oxygen into the blood and move carbon dioxide out of it, meaning that yawning is an involuntary reflex to control our oxygen levels.
Makes sense, right? Wrong! The theory of yawning to increase blood oxygen levels was disproved in 1987 when it was found that inhaling more oxygen didn’t actually decrease yawning…
Why do we really yawn?
The fact is that there is no solid reason or evidence when it comes to yawning, so you'll find a lot of theories flying around. Some list these as possible causes of yawning:
Temperature control
One of the causes of yawning is speculated to be to control the temperature of our brains. The hypothesis states that when we yawn, our jaw stretches, increasing blood flow into our neck, face, and head. The intake of breath during a yawn forces spinal fluid and blood downwards, meaning the cool air we breathe in cools these fluids and, consequently, cools the brain’s surface. Andrew C. Gallup, a postdoctoral research associate, states that cooler air would cool the brain better than hot air, and, sure enough, it was proved that people yawned more when they were out in the cold.
However, another physician, Adrian G. Guggisberg, had an interesting counterpoint. He agreed that, yes, changes in temperature could trigger yawning, but the fact it took place less in hotter countries arguably disproves the theory about brain cooling. Surely your brain needs cooling more if it’s hotter outside? If there are other ways to cool our body temperature, such as sweating, then ‘it is unclear why we would need another regulator which fails when it matters’.
And, the theory doesn’t answer the question on everyone’s lips - why do we yawn when someone else does?
Empathy and Social Effect
Yes, the much-loved brain-cooling theory doesn’t answer the burning question - why is yawning contagious? And that’s where the social theory of yawning comes in.
Let’s face it, we don’t really know why we yawn. We think that yawning is a clear sign of tiredness or boredom, indicating to others that when we yawn, we are undergoing a moderately unpleasant experience. This can then cause others to yawn too!
So, if that’s the case, is yawning an empathetic reaction to seeing someone else yawn? But that doesn’t explain why the first person yawned? So is yawning just one big chain reaction?! It feels like we might never know…
Tips to stop yawning so much
Do you find yourself yawning more frequently, even when you're tired? Did you know there are some useful tips to help reduce the risk of yawning?! If you've been yawning throughout the day (hopefully not as a result of this blog), then it's only fitting that we share our tips on how to stop yawning so much.
Breathing exercises
Deep breathing through your nose has been proven to not only decrease general yawning, but also contagious yawning. Try some deep breathing exercises - or, you know, being less empathetic.
Physical exercise
You could also try being more active. Yawning tends to signify boredom and tiredness, so get moving and focus your mind on other things. We think this one is especially helpful if you have a desk job!
Avoid caffeine
Surprisingly, excessive yawning may also be a result of too much caffeine! So, if you’re thinking, ‘why am I yawning so much when I’m not tired?’, maybe caffeine is the culprit. Try cutting out that morning coffee and hydrate yourself with water instead. It may actually be doing you more harm than good…
Regulate your temperature
Finally, cool yourself down. Go for a walk outside, drink a cold drink, (or treat yourself to some ice cream - no judgment here). If you’re heading to work, make sure you wear layers so you can easily cool down if need be.
How do you stop yawning?
However, the best cure for excessive yawning, we’re sure, is a big bed with a comfy mattress, and a night of blissful, uninterrupted sleep! Okay, so we're cheating a little as obviously this kind of yawning is induced by being tired, but is there anything better than yawning and then falling asleep all warm and comfy?
