It’s not apparent why we yawn, but we all do it involuntarily. Even if it’s only a yawn, it can feel good to let it out. At other instances, we attempt to repress or conceal it. Some of us even become emotional when we yawn.
Yawn, and the muscles around your eyes will tighten and your eyelids will become all wrinkled up, forcing any excess tears to pour out. Causes of excessive tear production during yawning include dry eyes, allergies, and other diseases.
Let’s go deeper into the causes of yawning-induced eye watering, evaluate whether this is a serious issue, and discuss future steps. Here is everything you need to know about Why Do I Cry When I Yawn.
Causes of Yawning and Watery Eyes
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, which help maintain the moisture level of the eyeballs. They rest under the eyebrows, right above the eyes. The lacrimal glands can be compressed by yawning, especially if one yawns with great power or stretches other facial muscles.
To make them cry, that is. When people are exhausted, such after a long day of staring at a computer screen, they often yawn. Tired eyes could be the result of this exhaustion. Yawning, which exerts pressure on the lacrimal glands, can also cause tears to be produced in response to a feeling of dryness in the eyes caused by fatigue.
Yawns are common throughout many species and can be seen in newborn babies even before they are born. Despite the fact that nearly everyone has yawned at some point, scientists have yet to come up with a definite explanation for why we do it. The following factors have been proposed as causes by certain theories:
To promote Alertness: People yawn more when they’re weary, so it’s possible that this natural response helps wake them up and get them focused.
As a Calming Signal: Some studies suggest that yawning serves as a soothing signal for people just before high-stakes events like athletic competitions. A sense of peace and tranquility may be enhanced. Yawns are a common response among anxious animals.
As Social Bonding: As yawning is so contagious, it could serve as a kind of social bonding between people. When someone close to you yawns, such a family member or friend, you’re more likely to join in than if a complete stranger yawns. As a result, yawning could be a symptom of close friendships.
To Clear the Eustachian Tubes: It has been hypothesized that one function of yawning is to clear the eustachian tubes, as yawning increases at higher altitudes when blockages of the eustachian tubes might create unpleasant pressure.
To Increase Oxygen Levels: Several researchers have hypothesized that because yawning requires taking a big breath, it can assist a person get more oxygen. One study, however, indicated that increasing one’s carbon dioxide intake did not increase yawning frequency, implying that oxygen intake is not the primary motivation for yawning.
Other Effects of Yawning
It’s not just your eyes that get watery when you yawn. Some frequent side effects include
Clearing the Eustachian Tubes: The eustachian tubes, which go from the middle ear to the back of the throat, need to be cleared up occasionally. This pressure can be reduced and the tubes opened by yawning. If you suffer from ear pain or pressure when traveling to high altitudes, this may be a solution.
Contagion: Yawns are infectious; watching someone else yawn, even on film, increases your own likelihood of doing the same. It’s a form of empathy. Some studies have found that people with diseases that hinder empathy or social behavior yawn less frequently.
Closing the Eyes: Almost everyone, when they yawn, closes their eyes, if only for a split second.
Stretching: Facial muscle and jaw stretching: yawning can help ease tension and pain in the face. During yawning, some persons also experience a clicking or soreness in their jaws. Problems with the jaw’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be to blame (TMJ).
Do Everyone’s Eyes Water When They Yawn?
No. A person can yawn without crying. A lack of tears is a symptom of dry eyes, but the condition can also make it difficult to cry at all. If you seldom ever cry, you may never shed a tear when you yawn.
Although it may be typical to shed a tear when yawning, there hasn’t been much study on the topic. You can nearly guarantee that everyone gets emotional from time to time, but probably not constantly. It could be related to our current environment and physical condition.
Is My Tearing up During a Yawn Excessive?
Considering how uniquely endowed each individual is, it follows that what you consider to be perfectly normal may strike another as very aberrant. Perhaps it’s too much if it causes you to yawn excessively, cry more than usual, or feel highly agitated.
In cases like these, it’s recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist. Professionals known as “ophthalmologists” address conditions related to the eyes. A primary care physician can help you figure out if a sleep condition or other health concern is the cause of your frequent yawning.
Conclusion
A number of activities might cause your eyes to moisten, and yawning is one of them. In part, this is due to the fact that the act of yawning requires the use of facial muscles to contract and the eyelids to close tightly.
External factors, such as allergies or dry eyes, can further exacerbate it. See a doctor if your excessive yawning or watery eyes are causing you discomfort.
It’s possible that you’re suffering from something treatable that can be identified. You shouldn’t worry if your eyes moisten when you yawn. Hope now you know why do i cry when i yawn.
