Why Do We Yawn?

Why do we yawn when we are tired? Or feel bored? Or is it contagious?

It is an erroneous notion to say that you yawn because you are tired or bored likewise yawning is contagious. The rationale behind is more profound than the common idea. You yawn for one exact reason. It has something to do with our lungs specifically oxygen exchange.

When we yawn, or when you see somebody else do so, it is a sign of great need. That need is for more oxygen in your lungs. When you have been sitting in a room where the air has become stale your body cries out for oxygen to cleanse and purify your blood – and the quickest way to supply that need is to open the mouth wide and gulp air. Better still, you should get out into the fresh air and breathe deeply. You will then find that the need to yawn will vanish, because you are getting supply of oxygen.

You must have noticed that you sometimes yawn when you are tired. This means your body-cells need renewal, and your blood needs help in its continual task of reaching and restoring the farthest parts of the body. It indicates oxygen-hunger. Going to sleep not only rest the body, but sets up deep rhythmic breathing which satisfies this hunger.

Why should you yawn when you are bored? You are probably not breathing deeply and feeding your lungs as you should. Your body position affects how you take in air and the process of consuming it. Most likely if you are bored inside the classroom listening to the most boring, blunt teacher of your greatly hated subject. Of course, the ideal cure is to escape from what is boring you. Wait, I didn’t say that you need to skip your classes because of boredom. Pardon me for the misconception you have in your mind. What I am trying to say is if that is not possible, try breathing deeply. This will not get rid of the boredom. But it will tend to stop the yawning.

As to your dilemma how to escape boredom, enroll yourself in BOREDOM CLASS 101 (if there’s such a thing).