From a child to an adult, and even animals, yawn This is one of those things that most of us do several times a day, especially if we feel tired or bored. Fun fact: I’ve yawned at least three times while writing this—it’s contagious! However, have you ever wondered why yawning occurs more frequently when we are tired? Although it’s a completely natural and ubiquitous behavior, the science behind why we yawn more when we’re tired is interesting and quite complex.

Yawning is often associated with sleepiness because it usually occurs between wakefulness and drowsiness. The cause of yawning has not yet been defined, but some popular theories link it to fatigue.

• cool the brain

One of the popular theories is Yawning cools the brainJust as our body sweats to regulate temperature, yawning may be a type of mechanism to cool down the brain when it becomes sluggish, especially due to fatigue. When a person is tired, all body activities, including brain activity, gradually slow down, which can lead to increased yawning. Through yawning, we increase the flow of air in the mouth, which reduces the temperature of the brain and improves the functioning of its parts.

• Oxygen and carbon dioxide regulation

Another theory is Yawning allows us to take in more oxygen To expel more carbon dioxide. Perhaps fatigue alters breathing, making it shallow and incomplete, and yawning becomes a mechanism to increase oxygen supply to increase alertness. The extra oxygen may improve the short-term awareness produced by yawning, even if temporarily.

• social and psychological factors

Yawning can also be contagiousWhen you see someone else yawn, you may feel a natural urge to do the same. such behavior is associated with social bonds and empathyThis is probably why yawning is more common in social settings, especially when people are tired or bored together.

A tired brain is inefficient and its energy levels decrease. Thus, the body can resort to Yawning as a weapon against fatigueSo, although this may be a very natural reaction, it also proves that the body needs rest. Getting proper sleep helps reduce yawning as fatigue is the most common cause of this reaction.

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