Why do we yawn?
By thanujad
@thanujad (405)
Sri Lanka
October 21, 2008 9:59pm CST
Opening the mouth wide and taking in extra air by yawning is a reflex action. You yawn either when you are sleepy or bored. When the senses are not being stimulated, you relax and the breathing becomes shallow. The lung then demands more air, and the reflex action is to yawn. The extra oxygen taken in through yawning helps speed up the circulation and stretches the muscles.
I have noticed that when I see someone yawning, I too will start yawning. How about you?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
22 Oct 08
hi thanujad...as you've said i have heard it put more simply. that we yawn because of the lack of oxygen. and like you i find that yawning is contagious. and frankly i hate that and have tried to fight it, but it seems a lost cause.
1 person likes this
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
22 Oct 08
actually you explained that quite well! and yes, yawning is for sure contagious lol! in fact its kind of fun to be sitting in a group of ppl and then spontaneously yawn..a reall big slowly drawn out one! then see how long it takes for the next person to catch it and pass it on LOL! even in a crowded loud place the yawn will sometimes spread past your immediate group!
ive even taken bets on how long it would take for 4 more ppl to yawn after ive started it.
