• Question: Why do we yawn?

    Asked by jackapowww to Lily, Mark, Paul, Sarah on 23 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Mark Roberts

      Mark Roberts answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      I’ll admit I had to look this one up – but the main reason is to get more oxygen into us we think

      but it’s something that scientists don’t entirely know the answer to
      If you want to read more read:
      http://www.howstuffworks.com/question572.htm

    • Photo: Paul Roche

      Paul Roche answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      I think it helps your body get more oxygen in, to help overcome tiredness

    • Photo: Sarah Bardsley

      Sarah Bardsley answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      There are a number of theories. It could be because we are tired and its a shared signal with others that its time to go to bed. Or that we are bored. It could be because we’re trying to get more oxygen into our bodies. Or we could be doing it because others are. I’m not sure there is conclusive proof for any of these theories but I prefer the oxygen one. Scientists have shown that yawning increases alertness and oxygen uptake.

    • Photo: Lily Asquith

      Lily Asquith answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      I think it is one of those things that is useless physically but is quite important socially. If you yawn, it is highly likely that someone you are talking to also will.

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