You are well rested and feel really fit? But you're still plagued by frequent yawning? We've done some research and told you why you yawn all the time.
Tired? Not enough oxygen? Actually, you want to appear fresh and motivated. But somehow you still have to yawn all the time.
In some situations, this can be quite annoying. Especially at lectures, or on a first date with your crush. And when you try to suppress it, you pull the wildest grimaces.
Yawning makes you look bored or overtired. But is frequent yawning a sign of fatigue at all? Or is there something else behind it?
We've done the research and tell you why you're yawning despite getting enough sleep.
Your optimal sleep duration - That's how much sleep you really need!
Table of contents
What is yawning?
Yawning - who doesn't know it? This involuntary reflex that comes over us in moments of tiredness or boredom. Together with coughing and sneezing, opening the mouth and throat is one of the automatic reactions of our respiratory system.
When we yawn, we unclench our jaws, inhale deeply through our open mouths, and exhale with a purring sound. On average, humans yawn about 10 times a day.
And there is indeed a science that deals with the subject of yawning - chasmology. For over 30 years, researchers have been devoted to this everyday phenomenon. But although much research has been done, the question remains unanswered:
Why do we actually yawn?
What happens in the body when you yawn?
When we yawn, the brain stem has its fingers in the pie. This brain particle sends an impulse to the limbic system, which processes emotions and controls drive behavior - in other words, our internal navigation system.
When we yawn, not only do our mouth muscles tense, but our upper body muscles join in as well. The diaphragm rises and falls, and the chest and neck muscles tighten.
But be careful: If you go too wild, you could dislocate your jaw. And incidentally, the heart rate and blood flow also increase slightly, a kind of wake-up call for the body. The yawning process lasts about six seconds on average and can be done in series.
We also like to close our eyes sometimes, which can also shed a few tears. And honestly, yawning just feels great! But socially we have also learned to hide or suppress the reflex.
After all, in certain situations yawning can be perceived as rude or bored - when all we want to do is recharge our batteries!
Is yawning contagious?
Well, let's be honest: Who hasn't experienced this? You're sitting comfortably with your favorite people and suddenly one of them yawns - and poof, everyone else yawns too.
But did you know that researchers suspect that there is some kind of interpersonal function behind it? Yes, you heard right! By yawning together, an unconscious identification with others is supposed to take place and you feel connected through it.
And best of all, a link between personality structure and susceptibility to infection has even been demonstrated! Especially empathetic, understanding and compassionate people should be encouraged to yawn.
Why is that? Scientists see a connection between the phenomenon of yawning and social closeness. As social beings, yawning is supposed to help us strengthen the sense of belonging in a group.
That's why we are more easily infected by close friends and family members or people we like than by strangers. Well, who of you now also feels like yawning?
Why do I have to yawn all the time?
Because yawning is hardly relevant to health, it has not been so well researched. Therefore, there are the most diverse assumptions.
For a long time, yawning was thought to be a sign of oxygen deficiency. However, this assumption has been disproved. Researchers found that oxygen supply has no influence on the frequency of yawning.
But there are several reasons why you may yawn frequently.
Today, researchers believe that yawning is a way to keep our brains alert in stressful situations. This could also explain why you find yourself yawning profusely at the office every now and then.
"Overheating" our brain slows down memory performance. Frequent yawning keeps it at working temperature. Deep breathing of cool air lowers brain temperature and cools the blood flowing to the brain.
Anxiety and stress also cause your brain to heat up. And you have to yawn. But mainly fatigue is said to be the trigger for yawning.
The causes of constant fatigue
Frequent yawning indicates fatigue. But actually you always have enough sleep.
Nevertheless, you are tired all the time. We have found out for you what can be the reason for constant tiredness and such frequent yawning.
Attention: This is what happens to your body when you sleep too little!
Sleep deprivation-related causes
The most common reason first: frequent yawning comes from the fact that you are tired and your body wants to give you a sign with it.
Sleep deprivation
If you find yourself yawning all day, it could be a sign of chronic sleep deprivation. And no, just because you spend 8 hours a night in bed doesn't mean you're actually getting enough sleep. It comes down to the quality of your sleep.
For example, if you suffer from insomnia or are constantly tossing and turning in bed, you're more likely to wake up like a zombie in the morning.
But don't worry, there are some things you can do to improve your sleep. For example, try to make your bedroom as dark, quiet and cool as possible.
Also avoid electronic devices and caffeinated drinks before bedtime. And if you still have trouble sleeping, you may want to see a doctor.
These plants for the bedroom will help you fall asleep!
Alcohol before sleep
A glass of wine in the evening can be relaxing. However, the alcohol in your blood has a negative effect on your sleep.
If you drink alcohol before going to bed, you will not sleep through the night. As a result, you will miss a few hours of sleep and be tired the next day.
If you don't want to give up a glass of wine in the evening, drink it three to four hours before bedtime. Warm milk with honey might help you fall asleep!
Health-related causes
Often, it's not even your fault that you yawn all the time. It can also be a sign from your body to tell you, Hey, something is wrong with me. The important thing is to give your body a sympathetic ear when it's calling out to you.
Cold
Maybe a nasty cold has caught you or you're stuck in some other viral infection. But don't worry, after you beat the illness, you should be full of energy again and ready to conquer the world.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which your body does not produce enough red blood cells or your existing blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen. This often leads to fatigue, weakness and yes, you guessed it, frequent yawning.
Most cases of anemia are caused by a lack of iron, which your body needs to produce red blood cells.
A simple blood test can determine if you have anemia and how severe it is. But don't worry, anemia can usually be treated with dietary changes and supplements.
You suffer from iron deficiency
If you suffer from iron deficiency, you lack strength, endurance and the ability to concentrate. If you have too little iron in your body, less oxygen is transported to the muscles and other body cells.
Foods containing iron, such as legumes, nuts or spinach, can help you get rid of your iron deficiency.
How to recognize an iron deficiency!
Tip: Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Therefore, make sure that you also take enough vitamin C.
By the way, every third woman suffers from low iron levels!
You don't have to go to the doctor for an iron test. You can also do it at home. There is now a whole range of self-tests.
The Iron self-test from Cerascreen helps you to measure the concentration in the blood. To do this, take a few drops of blood from your fingertip. Use the enclosed envelope to send the sample to a laboratory, where it is analyzed.
You can read the result on the Cerascreen website within 2 days. In addition, you will receive a list of foods that contain a lot of iron and helpful tips for your everyday life.
From a total of 6 iron supplements, you then choose the one that best suits your needs. The capsules are included in the price.
Find out more about the Cerascreen iron self-test here!
Neurological diseases
Yes, unfortunately, a few neurological disorders can also be the reason why you yawn frequently. That's why if you keep yawning, it's important to see your doctor to get rid of your worries.
Multiple sclerosis
It turns out that the phenomenon of frequent yawning may actually occur in some people with MS. Why this is so is not yet fully understood, but some researchers suspect that it may be related to the effect of the disease on the brain.
MS can damage the brain and interfere with the flow of information between nerve cells, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
One theory is that yawning may be the body's way of responding to this disorder. When the brain is impaired, it can lead to more stimuli that trigger yawning.
Some studies have shown that people with MS yawn more often and longer than people without the disease.
Stroke (apoplexy)
So, as some studies have shown, frequent yawning can actually be an early sign of stroke. Sounds crazy, right?
But there is a plausible explanation. A stroke is caused by a sudden stop in blood flow to the brain, resulting in damage to brain cells. When the brain doesn't get enough oxygen and blood, frequent yawning can occur as the body tries to take in more oxygen.
It is important to note that frequent yawning is not necessarily a definite sign of stroke, but it should still be taken seriously, especially if it occurs along with other symptoms, such as headaches, vision problems or speech problems.
So if you notice that you are yawning unusually often and other things seem strange to you, you should definitely see a doctor to clarify whether a stroke could be present.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
ALS is a degenerative disease of the motor nervous system that leads, among other things, to muscle weakness and atrophy. Doesn't sound so great, does it?
Well, there are some studies that suggest that people with ALS may actually yawn more. Sounds funny, but let me explain: yawning is actually a reflex that is controlled by the limbic system of our brain and serves to keep us awake and alert.
However, in ALS, the brain may have difficulty controlling this reflex, resulting in frequent yawning.
But wait, that's not all! Some researchers also suspect that yawning in ALS has a function beyond the normal wakefulness reflex.
They believe that it could serve to stimulate the respiratory muscles and thus slow down the course of the disease. However, further research is needed to determine whether this is really true.
Migraine
Frequent yawning and migraines can seem like two completely different things at first glance. But did you know that yawning can actually be a symptom of migraines? Yes, you heard that right!
Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause headaches, nausea and sensitivity to light.
Some people also report having to yawn frequently before the onset of a migraine attack. This phenomenon is called the "premonitory phase" and is part of the migraine symptom complex.
It is believed that yawning during this phase is triggered by a change in serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep and appetite.
Serotonin is thought to play an important role in migraine attacks. Low serotonin levels may also trigger yawning, which means that yawning may not only be a symptom of migraine, but also a possible trigger.
So, if you yawn frequently and also suffer from migraines, it could be that your body is sending you an important message.
Nutritional causes
Even what you eat throughout the day can affect how often you yawn. Hard to believe, isn't it?
You drink too little
Too little fluid has a negative effect on your energy balance. The blood thickens. This makes it harder for the heart to pump it through the body. You feel exhausted.
Make sure that you drink enough. You should drink at least two liters of water a day. If you do a lot of sports, you should pay even more attention to drinking enough.
Unhealthy diet is to blame for frequent yawning
You sleep enough, feel fit and also drink enough. Constant fatigue and frequent yawning can also be caused by an unhealthy diet.
Unhealthy foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate wildly.
That's why you should eat colorful food every day!
This leads not only to cravings, but also to symptoms of exhaustion. Moreover, we know that unhealthy diet has many more disadvantages.
Try to avoid junk food and put lots of vegetables in your diet.
You skip breakfast
Your body needs energy in the morning to start the day. For a tired body, breakfast is especially important.
If you skip breakfast, you rob your body of the energy it needs to boost metabolism and brain right at the start of the day.
A healthy breakfast should be high in protein and include whole grains and oatmeal. Try it for example once with a breakfast smoothie with oatmeal!
Lifestyle-related causes
Your lifestyle has a great influence on how your body reacts. You notice for yourself how tired you are after a busy day. Yawning can also be a sign that your body needs a break. Be good to it!
Psychological stress
When you are in a tense situation or under stress, your body breathes more shallowly. As a result, your brain gets less oxygen and you feel tired and unfocused. And what do we do then?
That's right, we yawn! Because by taking a deep breath when we yawn, we bring more oxygen into our body again and the brain is supplied with enough nutrients again.
But be careful: if you are chronically stressed and yawn more often, you should watch out. Because constant yawning can lead to sleep problems, which increases stress.
Depression
Yawning can be a symptom of depression, and conversely, depression can also affect yawning. But don't worry, this doesn't mean that every time you yawn, you're depressed.
Scientists believe that yawning in depression is due to decreased activity in the brain. Depressed people often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep and sleep less overall.
These sleep disturbances lead to the brain regenerating less well and not being able to recover as well. This in turn can lead to increased yawning. So it is a kind of wake-up reaction of the brain to stay awake.
Conversely, frequent yawning can also be a symptom of depression. Yawning can occur more frequently in depression, as depressed people often suffer from increased stress levels.
This stress leads to an increase in the hormone cortisol in the blood, which in turn can trigger yawning.
Fears
There are actually studies that show that people who yawn more often are also more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders.
But why is that? Scientists suggest that yawning is a kind of "self-regulatory mechanism" of the body to deal with stress and anxiety. By taking deep breaths and exhaling, our body can relieve stress and help us calm down.
However, it is important to note that frequent yawning alone is not a symptom of anxiety disorders and that other symptoms must be present to make a diagnosis.
Burnout syndrome
When we work too much or stress ourselves too much, it can quickly lead to a breakdown. So what does this have to do with yawning? Well, according to some studies, frequent yawning can be a sign of burnout.
Constant stress puts our body in a permanent state of tension. Our muscles tense up and the body increases its activity.
When we then come to rest, for example in the evening at home on the couch, our body switches back to relaxation mode and yawning sets in. It's a signal to the body that it's time to shut down and relax.
So, if you find yourself yawning frequently, it may be an indication that you have too much stress and need some time off.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to our body's signals and give it regular breaks and rest to prevent burnout syndrome.
Too little sunlight
Because sunlight helps our body to produce vitamin D. And this vitamin is incredibly important for our well-being and energy.
So if you don't get enough sunlight, it can cause your body to not produce enough vitamin D, which can make you feel sluggish and tired. So, grab your sunglasses and get out in the sun! But please don't forget to protect yourself from sunburn.
You give up sports
After a hard day, you just want to go back to the sofa. Because you're so exhausted, you cancel your workout right away.
However, this has exactly the opposite effect. If you make yourself comfortable on the sofa, you won't get fitter, but even duller.
This is how bad the consequences of lack of exercise are!
Regular exercise boosts your energy levels and banishes fatigue. In addition, your cardiovascular system is stimulated, while muscles are supplied with even more oxygen.
Just 20 minutes of exercise three times a week is enough to prevent frequent yawning.
How to avoid frequent yawning?
Now that you know where your yawning comes from, you probably want to know how to stop yawning all the time. We've got a few tips and tricks for you on how to get your mouth to open just to talk.
- Schedule breaks in your day where you consciously relax and switch off. This could be a short walk or a meditation session.
- Avoid spending too much time in front of a screen, as this can tire your eyes and your mind. Take regular eye exercise breaks or wear blue light filter glasses to help your eyes.
- Tap the tip of the tongue briefly
- Create a pleasant atmosphere in your bedroom by providing sufficient darkness, comfortable temperature and fresh air. Plants can also help to improve the indoor climate.
- Treat yourself to a massage or other form of physical relaxation to relieve tension and enhance your well-being.
- Hold cold glass of water to forehead and neck and drink
- Regularly practice yoga or another form of exercise that challenges the body and mind equally and helps relieve stress.
- Prioritize and say "no" more often to avoid overwhelming yourself and improve your time management.
- Try to think positively in difficult situations and focus on solutions instead of problems. An optimistic attitude helps to reduce stress and have more energy.
If you take these tips to heart and take care of your well-being on a regular basis, you'll soon notice that your constant yawning is a thing of the past and you'll be full of energy and drive!
Our conclusion
Yawning is a complicated system. It is said to have various functions and has not yet been fully explored. However, fatigue is the most common reason why we yawn.
Basically, you don't have to worry about your constant yawning, as you can curb it with slight adjustments. But if you have concerns, you should definitely talk to your doctor.
We wish you *yawn* all the best!
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