You may find yourself yawning while singing sometimes. Then you may ask: ‘Why does singing make me yawn?’ or ‘Is yawning good for your singing?’
This symptom may result from a variety of factors, including exhaustion and boredom. However, it’s frequently a physiological response to the way your body moves and how you breathe. Even so, there are techniques to put a halt to it.
This article will give you an in-depth explanation about yawning while singing.
Let’s follow along to find the answer for you!
Why Does Singing Make Me Yawn?
Besides being sleepy, there are a variety of reasons why you can yawn when singing. Here are the most common ones.
Reflex mechanism
Your body takes up a lot of oxygen while you sing. Your body may naturally yawn to refill the air you’ve lost. A yawn is a reaction that allows you to inhale a considerable volume of air.
As a result, you may find yourself yawning during your singing. It’s usually nothing to be worried about. In fact, it might be a sign that you’re performing with the correct throat posture.
However, you’ll generally want to prevent this symptom from happening not to affect your vocals.
In essence, you should imitate a yawn by inhaling a considerable volume of air all at once. It would be best if you also worked on strengthening your lungs.
Palate movement
When learning to sing a song, many novice vocalists experience frequent yawning periods. Another explanation is that as you perform, your soft palate vibrates, particularly while singing consonants.
Once the soft palate rises, the brain has to work between the urge to yawn and the impulse to sing.
When you are yawning, the soft palate comes with it at first. The brain detects this signal, triggering a yawn.
This symptom happens less if you practice and your brain learns to distinguish between the two.
Throat positioning
Yawning while singing might also be a sign that you’re doing something right: appropriate throat posture.
Some songs need a slightly wide throat to avoid the sounds you make from being too nasal. Some methods lead you to expand your throat the same way you do when yawning, similar to the vibration the soft palate produces whenever you yawn.
The yawn response arises as a result of this. You can also solve this by putting in the best efforts.
Exhaustion
Exhaustion may be the most common reason. If you’re yawning because you haven’t had enough sleep, don’t overlook it. Get some rest.
Being a vocalist entails a great deal of vocalization, practice, late-night shows, and morning rehearsals.
If you don’t get enough sleep rest, your vocal cords, lungs, as well as singing-related anatomic components might get hurt.
When you’re tired, you can’t correctly exhale and inhale air when singing. Exhausted vocalists also tend to drink more coffee, which leads to mucus accumulation on their vocal folds. Caffeine also causes dehydration.
Underlying medical issue
Fatigue, weariness, or stress are common causes of yawning.
Some yawns are short and last for a few seconds. Others may last longer. If you yawn twice or more per minute, you can call it excessive yawning.
Some individuals experience excessive yawning due to exhaustion or sleeplessness. On the other hand, it might be a symptom of a more serious medical issue.
The symptom refers to a vasovagal response. This nerve runs from your brain down to your mouth and into your abdominal cavity.
Once the nerve becomes active, it affects other organs, such as the intestines, blood vessels, and heart.
Moreover, it may produce excessive yawning not just when singing but also while conducting other tasks.
Aside from excessive yawning, you may have dizziness, cold sweats, and even nausea.
Narcolepsy and hypersomnia are two more diseases that can cause excessive yawning. Both come with a persistent feeling of tiredness.
Is Yawning Good For Your Singing?
Both yes and no.
Yawning may be suitable as a way to warm up your voice or relieve tense muscles that make a sound. During your performance, though, it is not acceptable.
Yawning is not an appealing image on stage. It also might give the impression that you’re tired or uninterested.
Yawning affects your pronunciation and tone as well.
It would be best to manage your yawning and learn when it is necessary.
How To Stop Yawning When You Sing?
You know why you yawn when singing. Now, it’s time to go through some suggestions and tactics that can help you stop it.
Whatever the cause, these strategies will help you quit excessive yawning.
Deep breathing
You may strengthen your breathing in a variety of ways. Relax and then breathe deeply for about ten minutes before releasing a note from your lips.
Begin by inhaling slowly for six seconds. Then, slightly exhale for five seconds.
The deep breathing method can help your lungs absorb the oxygen they require to minimize your yawning.
You can learn more about deep breathing via this video. It introduces seven best effective breathing exercises for vocalists. The visual explanation will help you do the exercises properly.
Breathing while singing
Breathing properly while singing is as important as breathing warm up before singing.
Take deep breaths when you perform. This technique works even better when you sing a fast-paced song, hold lengthy notes, rap, or hit a high note. Taking adequate breaths can help you avoid yawning in these cases.
During song pauses, you can also take a few deep breaths. Remember to inhale some breath when the instrumental segment is playing rapidly.
No thinking about yawning
Yawning is an infectious behavior. Hence, this step is especially successful. You may yawn just by wondering about it, just as you can yawn by seeing somebody else yawn.
Try not to worry about yawning when you’re ready to begin performance or in your middle one. Also, avoid staring at someone who is yawning. Look away if you see somebody with an open mouth!
Taking enough sleep and rest
If you are tired, you still yawn despite your effort in practicing.
Admittedly, yawning is the body’s way of reminding you that you’ll need to sleep sooner or later.
You should obtain a decent night’s sleep and allow your body to fully recover from the intense work you engaged in during the day.
The only way to prevent yawning like this is to take some rest.
Health check
Seeking treatment from a health care specialist may be the only option in some cases.
If you have a family background of any health problems listed above, it would be best to consult a medical professional.
You may not have any health issues that make you yawn. In this case, ask your vocal trainer for some advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vocalists, especially beginners, have worried about yawning habits when they sing. Here are some of their frequently asked questions.
1. How can I keep my breath under control while singing?
Practice is the best way to go. Vocalists must develop core and diaphragmatic strength, as well as the ability to release breath gradually.
It would help if you also worked on muscles with regular breathing exercises. They can help strengthen and stabilize your breathing.
2. Why do I become lightheaded when singing?
Taking large breaths and carrying onto notes might create lightheadedness. Skilled vocalists may experience this problem, especially when going higher or adding more strength to a song.
If you feel lightheaded, take a break and sit down immediately. Consult a doctor if the dizziness remains or becomes severe.
3. Why do I have excessive yawning?
There might be several reasons why you’re constantly yawning. If you’re stuck in an oppressive environment and need to get some fresh air, walk outside as soon as possible.
It might also be sleep deprivation. Then, take more sleep and naps.
The Bottom Line
It’s common for people to yawn unintentionally while singing. Whatever the cause, there are methods you may do to avoid excessive yawning.
If you stick to the mentioned suggestions, you’ll quickly notice that you’re yawning less often. Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. Thank you for reading!
