We tend to close our eyes when we yawn because it helps us achieve a more fulfilling yawn by relaxing facial muscles.
The Mechanics of a Yawn
Yawning is a complex physiological process that involves several muscle groups, including those in the face. The act of closing our eyes isn't a mandatory part of yawning, as you can actually yawn with your eyes open if you consciously try. However, closing your eyes often happens naturally due to a combination of muscle relaxation and the overall mechanics of the yawn.
Why Closing Eyes Enhances the Yawn
Here's a closer look at the reasons why we typically close our eyes when yawning:
- Muscle Relaxation: As mentioned in the provided reference, closing the eyes during a yawn allows the facial muscles to relax more fully. This relaxation may contribute to a more complete and satisfying yawn.
- Reduced Sensory Input: Closing your eyes reduces visual input during the yawn. This decreased stimulation may help the brain focus on the physiological processes of yawning, possibly allowing for more efficient regulation of whatever internal process the yawn is serving.
- Natural Reflex: The tendency to close our eyes during a yawn could be a reflexive action, an automatic, subconscious response that accompanies the physical movement involved in stretching and relaxing.
Is Closing Your Eyes Mandatory During Yawning?
As the reference suggests, you can technically yawn with your eyes open. This shows that eye closure isn't essential for yawning itself. However, allowing your facial muscles to relax, as they naturally tend to do when you close your eyes, likely optimizes the overall experience and effectiveness of the yawn.
Summary
In summary, while not required, the act of closing our eyes during a yawn is often a natural reflex that promotes better relaxation of facial muscles, contributing to a more satisfying and potentially more effective physiological response.
