Just getting in position to yawn can be enough to prompt an actual yawn to form. Tighten the muscles at the back of your throat. These muscles naturally contract a little when you yawn. Contracting them now may stimulate your body to form a real yawn.

When people see or hear other people yawn, they tend to yawn themselves. Even reading or thinking about yawning can prompt a yawn. The contagiousness of yawning suggests it may be an empathetic response that helps humans and other mammals communicate.

We yawn for a variety of reasons. Yawning is a natural involuntary response to feeling tired or bored. Yawns can also be “contagious.” We yawn when we see, hear, or even think about yawns. However, if you find yourself constantly yawning, it may be a symptom of a sleep disorder or other medical concern.