Why Do Humans Yawn When They’re Tired?

Yawning is like a sleepy signal our brain sends out to others. When you see someone yawn, your brain thinks it's time for you to rest too, so you start yawning as well. It’s kind of like when one person in class starts stretching, and soon everyone else joins in.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. Your friend yawns in class, and soon you start yawning too.
  2. You're watching a movie at night and feel drowsy, you yawn loudly.
  3. During a long car ride, everyone starts yawning one after another.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity