Reading this article, it is quite likely you will yawn involuntarily. Yawning is a natural and suggestible function in which you take an extra long and deep breath. This provides additional oxygen to your lungs and thereby to your blood. Yawning during exercise may be due to one of several reasons relating to oxygen, fatigue or certain medical problems. If your yawning increases or gives you cause for concern while exercising, consult your doctor.
Fatigue
Yawning commonly happens when you are tired or stressed. It is typical to yawn when you get up in the morning or as bedtime approaches. If you exercise early in the morning or late at night, this may cause you to yawn while working out. Additionally, the yawning response may be triggered by a change in your usual daily routine -- for example, if you are jet-lagged or exercising at a different time of day than is normal for you. Getting sufficient sleep and maintaining a regular daily schedule may help reduce yawning during exercise.
Oxygenation
A yawn is your body's natural response to a lack of oxygen, as taking a long and deep breath increases your oxygen intake. A yawn response may be triggered by exercise if you are taking short, shallow breaths or have depleted your blood oxygen levels through strenuous exercise. Because aerobic exercise speeds up your heartbeat and breathing rate, it is important to maintain deep breathing during exercise to avoid oxygen deprivation and a buildup of carbon dioxide in your lungs and blood.
Expert Insight
In 2001, the University of Cincinnati News discussed the effect of exercise intensity on yawning. In this report, Dr. George Bubenik of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, stated that yawning is stifled by certain brain chemicals. Endorphins are one type of brain chemical Dr. Bubenik indicates can reduce yawning activity. Because endorphin release increases with exercise of a higher intensity, you may be able to reduce your yawning by increasing the vigor with which you exercise.
Vasovagal Reaction
If you experience excessive yawning generally, this may be a symptom of a medical condition that should be checked and diagnosed immediately by your own health care provider. MedlinePlus states that excessive yawning may be caused by a vasovagal reaction. Such a reaction may occur when your vagus nerve affects your blood vessels and can indicate the presence of an underlying heart problem. If in doubt about the cause of your yawning during exercise, seek qualified medical advice.
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