Explain · Like I'm five version
Why we yawn in terms of a notification on the group chat
Why we yawn is just like a loud ping on your family group chat.
When you are tired or bored, your brain sends a little message to your body to say it is time for a change. It is like your brain saying, Hey everyone, look over here, I am feeling a bit sleepy now. Your mouth opens wide and takes a big breath, just like a notification pops up on a screen to grab your attention. It acts as a tiny alarm clock for your head to help you stay awake a little bit longer.
The funny thing is that yawns are very catching, just like when someone sends a silly picture and everyone else starts sending pictures too. If you see your friend or your mum yawn, your brain thinks it should join in. It is like being in a group chat where one person sends a funny emoji and suddenly the whole screen is full of them. You cannot help but copy the yawn because your brain is being a bit of a chatterbox.
Even though yawning seems like it might be telling others to be tired too, it is really just your body trying to feel fresh. It cools down your brain with a blast of air, almost like clearing your notifications to keep your phone running fast. You might find yourself yawning during a boring lesson or while waiting for dinner to cook. It is just your brain making sure you are ready for the next fun thing you have planned.
Where the analogy breaks downyawns happen because your body needs more air and focus, not because your brain is trying to start a digital conversation with someone else.