How to Stop a Yawn from Forming

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Kick this pesky reflex to the curb with our simple tricks

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 29, 2025 Approved

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Yawns are perpetually uninvited guests, sneaking into our meetings, classes, and basic conversations when we least expect it. Not to worry! While you can’t always predict when a yawn is coming on, there are a few easy tricks, hacks, and lifestyle tips that might keep this pesky reflex at bay.

Things You Should Know

To prevent yawns, close your mouth and breathe through your nose to cool down your brain.
Or, munch on chilled snacks, like fruits and veggies, to prevent yawns. Drinking cool water can also keep yawns at bay.
Press a cold compress on your head for 1-2 minutes whenever you feel a yawn coming on.

1

Inhale through your nose.

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Studies show that yawning helps cool down your brain, and prevent overheating. If you feel a yawn coming on, close your mouth and breathe through your nose instead—that may do the trick!^{[1]
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2

Apply a cool compress to your head.

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Keep an ice pack on hand if you’re feeling tired. Whenever you feel a yawn coming on, press the compress on your head for 1-2 minutes. This will help cool your head down, and may stop your yawns in their tracks.^{[2]
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- When your brain is overheated, you’re more likely to yawn.^{[3]
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3

Eat cold snacks.

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Grab some refrigerated fruit or other chilled snacks. As you feel a yawn coming on, munch on a chilled snack—this might stave off the reflex for the time being.^{[4]
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- Chilled fruits, berries, or any other refrigerated snack would work well.

4

Take a deep breath.

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Unfortunately, experts haven’t found a lot of evidence that yawns are linked to low oxygen levels. Still, deep breathing could be worth a try! If you feel a yawn coming on, inhale deeply and see if it helps stop the yawn.^{[5]
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5

Turn down the temperature.

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You’re more likely to yawn when you’re in a warm environment. Studies show that yawns actually lower your brain’s temperature; so, if you’re in a warm area, you’re more likely to start yarning.^{[6]
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Research source} If possible, turn down the temperature in your living space or work area—this might stop potential yawns in their tracks.^{[7]
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- Studies also show that factors such as sex, age, humidity, and amount of sleep don’t have much of an impact your chances of yawning.^{[8]
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6

Head outside.

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Change up your scenery so you feel refreshed. Staying in 1 place for a long time may lead to fatigue and yawning. Give your mind some stimulation by heading outside and breathing in some fresh, invigorating air.^{[9]
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- If you stay in 1 area for too much time, you might start to feel tired.

7

Stay hydrated.

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Dehydration and exhaustion go hand in hand, which leads to yawning. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day—rehydrating might help keep the yawns at bay. Women should aim to drink 8 glasses (1.6 L) of fluid each day, while men should aim for 10 glasses (2 L).^{[10]
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- Water, watermelon, and coconut water all great options to keep you hydrated.^{[11]
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8

Get more sleep.

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Create a regular routine for yourself, where you go to bed and wake up at the same time, even during the weekend. If you don’t get a lot of sleep, you might yawn more frequently.^{[12]
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American Heart Association
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9

Take over-the-counter medication.

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Some people attribute their yawns to other conditions, like allergies or acid reflux. Although these remedies are not endorsed by medical experts, some found that decongestant tablets and antacids helped.^{[13]
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- These remedies are situational and may not work for everyone.

10

Visit a doctor.

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Excessive yawning could be a sign of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, or something else. Describe your symptoms to a doctor, and see if they can help pinpoint the root of the issue.^{[14]
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Common Questions: The Science of Yawning

Why do we yawn?

Scientists theorize that yawning boosts alertness by stretching out the lungs, thereby increasing oxygen intake. It's also believed yawning may help regulate your body temperature by increasing blood flow to the head and face. Since yawning is contagious, it may also be a way to relate to others by signaling boredom or stress to the people around you. Yawning can also help stretch the face muscles, relieving tension and improving circulation. And of course, most famously, yawning is a signal that you're tired and that your body is preparing for sleep.^{[15]
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Cleveland Clinic
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What are some causes of excessive yawning?

Yawning is typically triggered by drowsiness, boredom, stress, hunger, or seeing or hearing somebody else yawn. But if you're yawning all the time, it could be a symptom of excessive daytime sleepiness (aka hypersomnia), including narcolepsy, sleep deprivation, and obstructive sleep apnea; opioid withdrawal syndrome; or certain medications, like SSRIs, apomorphine, and naloxone. Excessive yawning has also been linked to neurological conditions including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, head trauma, and migraines.^{[16]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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What are the best ways to stay awake and alert?

To stay awake and alert during the day, try to get enough sleep at night: teens need between 8–10 hours of sleep each night, and adults need 7 or more hours.^{[17]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} If you drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages, have it at the start of the day, rather than toward the end.^{[18]
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Research source} If you need an extra jolt during the day, try taking a 25-minute nap, or get a little exercise to get the blood flowing. A healthy snack and a glass of water can also boost energy, and so can a little socializing: chitchat with a friend or colleague for a few minutes to wake you up.^{[19]
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Tips

Take a sip of cold water as soon as you feel the urge to yawn.

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Try to keep your mouth closed and take a deep breath through your nose.

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