is it true that yawning means your brain needs oxygen?

Question

my mom told me that and now I think if i'm yawning because my brain needs oxygen then maybe I shouldn't cover my mouth?!

Answer 1

That is a true statement. Ever notice when U see some one yawn U start to or others do? I wonder why that is.

Answer 2

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yawn:
Hypothesised causes of yawning
An indication of tiredness, stress, over-work, or boredom.
An action indicating psychological decompression after a state of high alert.
A means of expressing powerful emotions like anger, rejection, apathy or tedium.

A cat yawningA previous long-standing hypothesis is that yawning is caused by an excess of carbon dioxide and lack of oxygen in the blood. The brain stem detects this and triggers the yawn reflex. The mouth stretches wide and the lungs inhale deeply, bringing oxygen into the lungs and hence to the bloodstream. It is almost certain, however, that this hypothesis is not correct. One study has documented that this effect does not exist.[2]

A more recent hypothesis is that yawning is used for regulation of body temperature. Another hypothesis is that yawns are caused by the same chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect emotions, mood, appetite and other phenomena. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, glutamic acid and nitric oxide. As more of these compounds are activated in the brain, the frequency of yawning increases. Conversely, a greater presence in the brain of opiate neurotransmitters such as endorphins reduces the frequency of yawning. Patients taking the serotonin reuptake inhibitor Paxil (Paroxetine HCl) have been observed yawning abnormally often.

Another theory is that yawning is similar to stretching. Yawning, like stretching, increases blood pressure and heart rate while also flexing many muscles and joints. It is also theorized that yawning helps redistribute an oil-like substance which coats the lungs and aids breathing. Some have observed that if you try to stifle or prevent a yawn by clenching your jaws shut, the yawn is unsatisfying. As such, the stretching of jaw and face muscles seems to be necessary for a good yawn.

Another theory is that yawning occurs to stabilize pressure on either side of the ear drums. The deep intake of air can sometimes cause a popping sound that only the yawner can hear; this is the pressure on the inner air stabilizing. This commonly occurs in lower-pressure environments, such as inside an airplane, which cause the eardrums to be bent instead of flat.

Some movements in psychotherapy such as Re-evaluation Counseling or co-counselling believe that yawning, along with laughter and crying, are means of "discharging" painful emotion, and therefore can be encouraged in order to promote physical and emotional healing.

Answer 3

LOL ... you can cover your mouth, you will still receive oxygen, it's just polite. However, there really is no scientific fact or proof or reason as to why we yawn. Is it cause we are tired? Or is it cause our brains need oxygen??

You would think that ppl with who has had a TIA would be yawning all the time.

Answer 4

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

Answer 5

U R right. When ones body gets into a state of rest we sometimes need that extra boost of oxygen into our blood stream. People also wonder why when someone in the same room yawns, the next person by them yawns as well. It is often said yawns are catchy. Not true. People yawn in the same environment because they Are in the same situation. Ex...boring class, long commute home, long movie...etc.

Answer 6

You yawn because oxygen to the brain helps wake you up. So, when you are tired, it's your bodies natural response to get increased oxygen.

Answer 7

Yes I think yawning can occur when you're not breathing more oxygen than carbon dioxide - that's why yawning can be "catching" (when others near you yawn, they breathe out more carbon dioxide - which you breathe in - which in turn makes you yawn....and so on)

but of course....just being tired makes us yawn too....even with 100% oxygen!

Answer 8

lol its still good to cover your mouth but not fully and yes yawning means you need oxygen!

Answer 9

LOL reading about all this yawning made me yawn.

Answer 10

No,And yes cover ur mouth