Speaking to Academic Minute, lead researcher Andrew Gallup went on to explain that we yawn to decrease our brain’s temperature when it’s enjoyed a particularly vigorous workout (e.g. during an exam, whilst partaking in a crossword, or while trying to process new information / stay awake through that big presentation).

“When you yawn, your gaping jaw increases circulation to your skull, pumping warm blood out of your brain,” he says.

“At the same time, inhaling deeply brings a wave of air into your nasal and oral cavities, cooling cranial arteries through convection.

“These two processes dissipate heat in much the same way that a radiator cools a car engine."

So there we have it: next time someone yawns midway through your story about your nosy neighbour, don’t berate them. Instead, take solace in the fact that your tale is giving them a serious mental workout – and that your words are being appreciated by a fellow intellect.

Images: iStock/Giphy

The way you yawn could reveal something amazing about you