Why is it common to yawn during exercise? Understand the causes and how to avoid them

Have you ever arrived at the gym excited, started your workout, and suddenly found yourself yawning? Don’t worry, this is more common than it seems

Have you ever arrived at the gym excited, started your workout, and suddenly found yourself yawning? Don’t worry, this is more common than it seems. Yawning during exercise can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender or fitness level. But after all, why does this happen and what can be done about it?

What science knows about yawning

Although yawning seems simple, its cause continues to intrigue scientists. It is known that it manifests itself in different situations: when we are tired, bored, anxious, stressed, when we see someone yawning, with changes in altitude and even during physical activities. This reflex is controlled involuntarily by the hypothalamus, but it can also be caused consciously, just think about it.

Studies indicate that almost all vertebrates yawn (with the exception of giraffes). And, interestingly, the larger the brain, the longer the yawn tends to be, which strengthens the theory that this action helps refresh your brain.

During exercise, the body naturally warms up, and yawning can be a self-regulating mechanism to dissipate brain heat. Furthermore, it releases a biochemical substance called surfactant, which lines the lung alveoli, preventing the collapse of the airways and making it easier to breathe, something essential during physical exertion.

The most common causes of yawning during physical activity

Several reasons could explain why you yawn while exercising. The main ones include:

1. Lack of concentration and attention

Brain imaging research shows that yawning stimulates a region called precuneusassociated with consciousness, memory and spatial orientation. Therefore, yawning may be the brain’s way of attracting attention and improving concentration while exercising.

2. Tiredness or anxiety

Yawning is the body’s reflex to stay awake. It appears when we are sleepy, bored or doing repetitive tasks. During training it can signal that the body needs rest or that it is under stress. Improving sleep and reducing anxiety can help reduce the frequency of this reflex.

3. Overheating

Exercise increases body and brain temperature. Yawning helps release heat and cool your brain by breathing in fresh air and moving your facial muscles. This process improves cognitive functioning and maintains concentration during activity.

When does yawning deserve medical attention?

If you feel fine and yawning occurs sporadically, there is no reason to worry. The body is just trying to balance its temperature or maintain concentration.

On the other hand, it is important to know if the yawn is accompanied shortness of breath. This may be related to the use of certain medications (which increase serotonin levels), stress, or, more rarely, heart, lung, or breathing problems. In this case the ideal is to ask your doctor for advice.

Does yawning harm physical performance?

Surprisingly, no. Evidence suggests that yawning can also improve training performance. The act stimulates attention, increases the heart rate, activates the skin’s electrodermal response and stretches muscles and joints: all factors that promote physical performance.

Yawning also helps relieve stress and anxiety, which can help improve performance. In other words, if yawning doesn’t disturb your workout, it can even be an ally of motivation.

How to reduce yawning while exercising

A few simple actions can help control yawning while you exercise:

• Notice when they occur. Notice if they occur more at certain times or types of activity and make adjustments.
• Sleep better. Fatigue can be the main trigger. Prioritize quality sleep.
• Respect your limits. Your body may signal that it needs breaks or less intensity in your training.

In short, yawning during exercise is the body’s natural reflex to balance temperature, maintain attention, or relieve stress. And in most cases, there is nothing to worry about.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.