Why does yawning cause watery eyes?
Yawning is a normal human reflex, but scientists are still not sure why it happens. Some people find that their eyes water or tear up when they yawn.
Watery eyes can occur when yawning pulls on and stimulates the lacrimal glands, which produces tears. In some cases, the eyes may also be dry from fatigue, causing them to tear up.
Not everyone’s eyes tear up when they yawn. Even in people who do experience this sensation, it may only occur occasionally. Neither yawning nor watery eyes usually signal a medical problem. However, it is important to speak with a doctor if a person experiences eye pain or dryness, frequent uncontrolled yawning, or intense fatigue or sleeplessness.
Keep reading to learn more about the connection between yawning and watering eyes, including some other effects of yawning and watery eyes.
The lacrimal glands are glands that secrete tears, helping keep the eyes moisturized. They sit just above the eyes, under the eyebrows.
