Yawning is something every Malaysian does, when we’re stuck in traffic on the LDP, halfway through a Zoom call, or settling into a Netflix binge or a Wicked musical. But have you ever paused to think: why do we actually yawn? It’s such a common reflex that we rarely question it. Most of us chalk it up to boredom, sleepiness, or habit. But behind every yawn, there’s a story and often, it’s one about your sleep.
The Science of Yawning
Yawning is a natural reflex that happens when we take a deep breath, stretch our jaw wide, and let out a long exhale. It’s believed to help regulate brain temperature and increase alertness. When our brain gets a little too warm, yawning allows cool air to enter and bring things back to balance. In other words, your brain is saying, “I need a refresh.”
But that’s not the only reason you yawn. Other common triggers include:
- Lack of deep sleep - You might be in bed for eight hours, but fragmented sleep leads to fatigue
- Boredom or low stimulation - Your brain craves novelty; long meetings or static environments can trigger yawns
- Stress or anxiety - Yawning helps regulate breathing when your body is under pressure
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Fatigue buildup - Not enough REM sleep accumulates as brain fog and, you guessed it, more yawns
Yawning = Sleep Problem?
In many cases, yes. If you’re frequently yawning throughout the day, especially in the morning or early afternoon, it’s a strong signal your body isn’t getting the quality rest it needs. You may not realise how often you’re waking at night due to discomfort but your body knows.
One silent contributor to poor sleep? Your mattress. A mattress that’s too soft, too firm, or lacks pressure relief can cause poor spinal alignment and muscle tension. Even if you’re unconscious, your body is tossing and turning, trying to find a better position — disrupting your deep sleep cycle.
What You Can Do to Fix It
Getting better sleep (and fewer yawns) isn’t just about sleeping longer. It’s about creating the right environment for restful, uninterrupted rest.
Start with these small but powerful changes:
- Upgrade to a mattress that supports your spine naturally like Sonno’s memory foam or hybrid options
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
- Create a calming bedtime routine, dim lights, no screens, light stretching
- Avoid caffeine and large meals two hours before bed
- Keep your bedroom cool and quiet
We believe great sleep shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a necessity. Our CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam is designed to relieve pressure, adapt to your body, and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
So the next time you catch yourself yawning mid-meeting or while chasing your kids around, take it as a gentle nudge. Your body is trying to tell you something. And it might be time to listen.
