Could yawning help keep your brain healthy?

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Yawning may do more than signal tiredness or boredom. Recent research published in the journal Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, suggests that yawning could play a role in supporting the brain's natural waste-clearing system by promoting the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. This process may help remove metabolic byproducts that accumulate throughout the day. While more studies are needed, these findings offer an intriguing glimpse into how simple, everyday behaviors might contribute to maintaining brain health.

Source

Martinac, A. D., Waters, S., Lloyd, R. A., & Bilston, L. E. (2026). Biomechanics of contagious yawning: Insights into cranio-cervical fluid dynamics and kinematic consistency. Respiratory physiology & neurobiology, 343, 104575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resp.2026.104575

Additional Reading

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a71246071/yawning-clean-brain-study/

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/embarrassing-habit-might-actually-help-110000522.html

https://www.sciencealert.com/yawning-does-something-unexpected-in-your-brain-mri-scans-reveal