Why Do We Yawn? The Surprising Science Behind This Everyday Habit
Have you ever noticed “How at times just thinking of a yawn will bring one on?” Don’t you believe that? Go on, try to read this without yawning and we are sure you’ll find it hard.
What we have here is a very mysterious and very catching behavior that humans (as well as many other species) are a part of. We all do it. We do it at any signs of fatigue, also when we are bored out of our minds, nervous, or even if we see a total stranger do it.
Scientists term it “universal and confusing” that which they are talking about is the fact that yawning is a very common thing which we all do but the why behind it remains a mystery. We are going to look at the science of yawning and which of the facts are facts and which are urban legends.
Why Do We Yawn?
Here’s the truth: No one theory is sufficient to account for yawning. We see put forth the biological, psychological, evolutionary, and social theories which may be in fact, a combination of all of them.
Biological Reasons for Yawning
In some theories we see yawn as a method of brain temperature regulation. What we put forth is that when our brains heat, a large intake of air and the action of stretching in a yawn help to cool us down. Also the parasympathetic nervous system which is in charge of relaxation plays a major role in this. Yawning may be your body’s way of going from an alert state to rest or vice versa.
Psychological Triggers
Yawn which is also a possibility of a mental reset. In a very long meeting feeling bored? Maybe your brain prompts you to stretch out and that is your body’s way to increase alertness, to in fact wake you up. What it may do is get you back into the game at a time when you think you are the most out.
Evolutionary Theories
Some science suggests that yawning is a trait we have had since our early evolution. In animals we see that sometimes a yawn is a sign of drowsiness to the group or a very light social signal to get the group to wind down at the same time. Our ancestors may have used yawning to get in sync with the tribe.
Social Factors
Yawning is not a sure fire sign of tiredness or boredom. At times it is a form of communication. For instance athletes may yawn before a major game as part of a pre performance routine. Also it may tell others that I am at ease, prepared or a little stressed.
Contagious Yawning: The Empathy Bridge
Here we go this is very interesting. Have you ever wondered why we catch yawns? It is thought that mirror neurons which fire off when you do something and also when you see someone else do it play a role.
Studies report that there is a connection between contagious yawning and empathy. What we see is that people who report high levels of empathy also tend to “catch” yawns. Also it is interesting to note that young children do not practice this response as much and that in social species like ourselves, chimpanzees, and even dogs we see this behavior more so.
Each time you catch someone’s yawn that may be a display of some silent emotion.
Yawning and Brain Function
Yawning is a factor that may maintain brain efficiency. Some studies report that it does the following:
- Brain cooling (as mentioned earlier).
- Balanced out by oxygen and carbon dioxide (an older theory that is now less supported).
- Transitioning from fatigue to alertness.
Neurologists report that there is a precept of yawning concerning seizures and at the onset of migraine also in neurologically in terms of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. That is a sign of a very basic neurological feature that as a community we have yet to fully figure out.
Myths vs. Facts About Yawning
Myth: Yawning is a result of tiredness or boredom.
Fact: While those are the typical triggers but we also see people yawn in response to anxiety, pain or excitement.
Myth: Yawning which in turn increases oxygen intake.
Fact: This theory is for the most part, dismissed. Oxygen levels do not see large changes before or after a yawn.
Myth: Animals only yawn at sleep time.
Fact: Many animals use yawns as a social cue or a sign of stress.
When Is Yawning a Medical Concern?
Yawning is usually a harmless action but excessive yawning may point out the following concerns:
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
- Heart issues like heart attack. (although rare they have been reported in some cases).
- Neurological conditions affecting the brainstem.
- Side effects of certain medications.
- If you are experiencing excessive yawning with no apparent reason it is recommended to get a check-up.
Yawning still a mystery
The subject of yawning is very much an open question. From brain cooling to social bonding, from evolution’s perspective to emotional stimuli, it is a trait that spans species and cultures. We may not have the full picture for “why we yawn” but that is what adds to its appeal.
Each time you yawn out of tiredness, boredom, or in this case from reading this article one should take a second to notice it.
Fun Trivia and Reader Poll
- Of all time the longest yawn was over 6 seconds.
- You are more apt to catch a yawn from someone you know well than from a stranger.
- Some people note that they yawn more after intense exercise or while listening to relaxing music.
Poll for readers:
When do you yawn the most?
- Morning wake-up
- During work meetings
- Late at night
- When someone else yawns
Your turn: When have you ever had a case of the yawns at the oddest times? Tell us your story in the comments. Also if this post made you yawn we may have just proven that the act of seeing a yawn causes it in you!
