[Amaeliya (OP)]

Why, after a night's sleep, does one get the strong urge to stretch out, hold the position a moment, and then relax again?  (I'm yawning a lot, too.  Is this connected in any way?)

Thanks!

[iko]

After a night's sleep, we probably have to release some tension...

 

quote:...In between adjustments you should experience dissipation of tension, improved flexibility and ease in your spine, deeper and fuller breathing, greater self-awareness of your posture, the urge to stretch, yawn and move in different ways as your body innately seeks to release stored tension, and increased feelings of wellbeing.
R.H. Blanks, Ph.D., Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine.

Surfin' on Google just for the fun of it.
http://www.healthetalk.com.au/indexchiro4.htm
iko

[Gaia]

The yawning increases the oxygen taken into the body [:0]