2006-09-19 11:53:54 · 22 answers · asked by Paul 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
A yawn (synonyms chasma, oscitation from the Latin verb oscitare, to open the mouth wide[1]) is a reflex of deep inhalation and exhalation associated with being tired, with a need to sleep, or from lack of stimulation. Pandiculation is the term for the act of stretching and yawning. Yawning is a powerful non-verbal message with several possible meanings, depending on the circumstances. It is also claimed to help increase the state of alertness of a person. The exact causes of yawning are still unknown.
2006-09-19 11:56:27 · answer #1 · answered by whoselineguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main purpose of a yawn is to force more air into the lungs and thus give the brain a bit more oxygen. The yawn also tells others nearby that you are tired. It's catching.
2006-09-23 04:52:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you get tired, oxygen levels in your blood drop. A yawn is the body's way of increasing oxygen into your lungs and hence into your blood stream in an effort to make you feel more alert and awake.
2006-09-19 11:56:41 · answer #3 · answered by Lily & Stu Too 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the bodys way of replenishing oxygen. When you need oxygen quickly you yawn. Why everyone else then yawns is a mystery.
2006-09-19 11:56:29 · answer #4 · answered by flibertyjib 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you yawn when short of oxygen, it allows the body to take in extra oxygen.
thats why yawns are contageous, you see someone yawn and your brain assumes there is a lack of oxygen in the local environment so it makes you yawn too.
2006-09-19 11:56:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To increase the oxygen as a yawn, to symbolize and communicate your tired-ness.
2006-09-19 12:01:25 · answer #6 · answered by justaquestioner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just read u're question and spookily I yawned!! I have no idea but I love yawning, gives my face a good workout!
xxx
2006-09-19 12:09:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know why i yawn, but it causes a weird cramp in my neck, which makes it hard to breath afterward
so i have to yawn in bits, it's quite annoying
2006-09-19 12:50:47 · answer #8 · answered by PhotoBear2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The opening of the mouth is stretched to the maximum, this goes back to our animal days, its a sort of instinct, Lions do this and then roar, we even enjoy a gasp or voice a short huh. its causes a chemical chain reaction in the brain and creates endorphins to stimulate our tired/bored life !
2006-09-19 12:06:55 · answer #9 · answered by ChrisAds 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a yawn is a reflection such as when u laugh while being tickled
2006-09-19 12:05:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋