From the Research
Shivering when yawning is typically not a cause for concern. This phenomenon, sometimes called a "yawn-induced shiver," is a normal physiological response experienced by many people. It occurs because yawning can trigger a brief autonomic nervous system response that causes the muscles to contract momentarily, resulting in a shiver or tremor sensation. These shivers are often accompanied by a pleasant sensation and are similar to what some people call "aesthetic chills" or "frisson." The response may be related to temperature regulation, as yawning itself is thought to help cool the brain.
However, if your shivering is severe, occurs frequently outside of yawning, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever, confusion, or muscle weakness, or if it significantly interferes with your daily activities, it would be appropriate to consult with a healthcare provider. Most people who experience this sensation don't require any treatment as it's a harmless, brief experience that passes quickly. The provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 do not directly address the phenomenon of shivering when yawning, but they do discuss various aspects of medical diagnosis and treatment that can inform our understanding of when to be concerned about symptoms.
For instance, a study on diagnosing medically unexplained symptoms 4 highlights the importance of considering the broader context of a patient's symptoms and not just focusing on a single complaint. Similarly, a study on headache management in the emergency room 5 shows how different symptoms can have various underlying causes and require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
In the context of shivering when yawning, while it is generally not a cause for concern, being aware of other symptoms and considering the overall health context is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action. If in doubt, consulting a healthcare provider is always the best approach to ensure that any underlying conditions are identified and treated appropriately.