Why do we yawn, and what purpose does it serve?

Yawning is when we open our mouths wide and take a big breath, and it helps us feel more awake or more relaxed, depending on the situation.

Yawning happens when we are tired, like after a long nap or before going to bed. It also happens when we see other people yawn, sometimes you can’t help but yawn too! That’s called contagious yawning, and it's kind of like when you laugh because someone else is laughing.

When you yawn, your mouth opens wide, and you take a big breath. This helps send more oxygen to your brain, imagine blowing up a balloon with extra air so your brain can work better. It also stretches your jaw and face muscles, which might help you feel more relaxed.

Sometimes people yawn when they are bored or waiting for something exciting, like before the bell rings at school! Yawning can also be a way to say hello, think of it like a sleepy greeting between friends.