One of the most backed theories is that we yawn in order to regulate our brain temperature. The 2014 study published in the journal “Physiology and Behaviour” found that yawning habits occurred much less frequently during the winter months. If the brain gets too far outside its normal temperature, inhaling cool air can help keep the brain temperature down. When your brain isn’t stimulated that much, it begins to slow down and this causes a drop in temperature. A lot of people find that they will yawn more when they have migraines. When experiencing a migraine, blood tends to clot up in your brain. A simple yawn can help to cool the brain down and prevent clotting.
Did you know that many people yawn because they want to become more awake? It sounds counterintuitive, however, the motion actually helps to stretch out the tissues and the lungs. As the body begins to flex, blood is forced towards the face and brain in order to increase the alert state. But can you yawn in your sleep? Yes, absolutely! Even the sleeping brain wants to be more awake.