Many people believe we yawn because we’re bored, but there’s actually a few other theories

EVER wondered why we yawn? Most of us might think it’s because we’re bored, but there’s a number of other theories explaining why we do it.

The reason we yawn may have you surprised. Picture: Getty Images

EVER wondered why we yawn? While many people might think it’s because we’re bored there’s actually a number of other theories trying to explain why we do it.

Yawning is a natural involuntary action which involves opening your mouth wide and inhaling deeply before exhaling.

President Barack Obama yawns, but not because he’s bored — apparently. Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Tiredness, drowsiness and boredom are all reasons why we yawn but according to HowStuffWorks, scientists are always discovering more explanations.

And below are four scientific theories about why we do it:

1. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL THEORY:

One belief as to why we yawn is because it’s because our bodies are trying to draw in as much oxygen as possible and remove the build-up of carbon dioxide.

Which would explain why we yawn more when we’re in a larger group but what about when we exercise.

Robert Provine, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and an expert on yawning, has looked into this theory.

He came to the conclusion that giving people more oxygen didn’t stop yawning, and decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide also didn’t prevent yawning from happening.

Another common belief of yawning is that it originates from our ancestors and that they used yawning to show their teeth and intimidate others.

2. THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION:

Another common belief of yawning is that it originates from our ancestors and that they used yawning to show their teeth and intimidate others.

But others also say yawning was developed from early man as a subtle signal to switch activities.

Yawning isn’t necessarily a sign of being bored. Rather, it may be the brain trying to cool itself.

3. THE THEORY OF BOREDOM:

There is a theory that we yawn when we’re bored, but that wouldn’t explain why Olympians yawn just before taking part in an event.

Or why dogs yawn before they’re about to attack — it’s unlikely either is bored.

4. THE BRAIN-COOLING THEORY:

Researchers have recently proposed the theory that people yawn more frequently when they’re in situations where their brains are likely to be warmer.

To test the theory, scientists asked subjects to breathe through their nose or hold hot or cold packs to their foreheads, to try and cool down their brains.

Scientists found that cooler brains can think more clearly so, it’s possible yawning is a way to cool down our brain and keep up alert.

This article originally appeared on The Sun.