The Science of Why We Yawn

By: Ryan Chong

Yawning is something we all do whenever we are tired, but have you ever wondered why? Many scientists have been trying to figure this out for years, and while there hasn't been a confirmed answer, there are a few interesting theories.

One common theory is that yawning helps cool down our brains. Our brain works hard all day, and like a computer, it can heat up. When we yawn, we take in a deep breath of air, which might help lower the brain’s temperature and allow it to keep working properly.

Another theory is that yawning helps increase the amount of oxygen in the body. Several scientists believe that when we are tired or bored, we breathe more slowly, which results in less oxygen reaching the brain. A yawn could be the body's way of bringing in a large amount of oxygen to help us stay alert.

Yawning is also contagious. Have you ever seen someone yawn and suddenly felt the urge to yawn too? Studies suggest that this might be linked to empathy. When we see someone yawn, our brains might react because we feel "connected" to them.

Even though yawning is an everyday action, it’s still a mystery in many ways. Scientists continue to study why we yawn, and discoveries could help us understand more about the human brain and body.