The neuroscience of 'Contagious Yawning'; animals also share this drowsy moment; 7 other interesting facts
Ever wondered why you yawn when you see a person sitting beside you yawning? Many of us might wonder why yawning is contagious, and yes, there are scientific reasons behind it.
The most exciting thing is that humans are not alone in yawning after seeing others, animals do it too. Social animals like cats, chimpanzees and lions can also catch so-called "contagious yawns."
Even thinking or reading about yawning can cause you to yawn. You might be doing it right now while reading this article!
Now, the question comes why the mere sight of another person yawning causes many of us to do the same?
As we all know that yawning is a normal human function, but perplexing and mysterious too. It is an involuntary reflex that includes wide mouth opening and taking a deep breath from nose first and then mouth, followed by a slow exhale.
What triggers yawning?
The common triggers of yawning are tiredness, boredom, lack of sleep, waking up, and stress. Seeing or hearing other people yawn can also cause you to yawn.
What does research say about yawning?
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, yawning is associated with a feeling of comfort. Yawning has long been thought to be a sign of boredom and is also contagious as seeing, hearing, reading or even thinking about yawning can trigger yawns.
Yawning has a well-known contagious effect in humans and this effect is now frequently used to induce yawning for research purposes.
Contagious yawning may be related to mirroring (limbic synchrony). It is psychological phenomenon that is subconsciously copying the body language of people we’re emotionally close to. As per psychology, it’s a nonverbal way to show empathy.
If you did catch a yawn, then according to a study from Baylor University, it’s a good thing that you’re showing empathy and bonding.
Interesting facts about yawning in humans
- Contagious yawning correlates with empathic skills
The study says that the susceptibility to contagious yawning correlates with empathic skills in healthy humans.
- Yawning relieves ear discomfort
Yawning relieves the ear discomfort and hearing problems that are commonly experienced by people during rapid altitude changes in airplanes and elevators.
- Contagious yawning is reduced in patients with disorders
Extensive evidence indicates that the susceptibility of contagious yawning is reduced in patients who are suffering from disorders that affect the ability of social interaction.
- Adults yawn about 9 times a day on an average
As per Cleveland Clinic's study, the adults yawn about nine times a day on an average. But some people yawn even more than that and that’s normal for them.
- Yawning probably arose with evolution of fishes 400 million ago
According to Andrew Gallup, an evolutionary biologist at State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, yawning probably arose with the evolution of jawed fishes 400 million or so years ago.
- Yawning evolved as a brain cooling mechanism
A yawn causes the jaw to stretch out, increasing blood flow in the face and neck and helps brain to get cool.
Why do our eyes water when we yawn?
As per the research, when we yawn, several muscles in our face tense and stretch. Sometimes, this can pull on and stimulate our lacrimal glands, which leads to tears and watery eyes. Tiredness and fatigue can lead to dry eyes.
Ways to stop excessive yawning
There may be different ways to stop excessive yawning-
- Take deep breathing- A 2007 study "Yawning as an Evolved Brain Cooling Mechanism" says that nasal breathing decreased contagious yawning.
- Get indulge in any activity- Feelings of tiredness, boredom, and stress tend to make people yawn more. Thus, being active helps in removing excessive yawning.
- Adhering to a regular sleep schedule- When you go to bed and wake up around the same time every day.
- Avoid caffeine- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bed is a must to get better sleep.
- Exercise regularly- This helps to remove stress and boredom.
Is excessive yawning signaling health issues?
Yes, excessive yawning can be a symptom of-
- Conditions related to hypersomnia, which means feeling sleepy in daytime.
- If your throat hurts when you yawn, it’s likely because your throat is irritated with an infection, injury or dryness.
- You may also consider consulting a doctor if you recently started taking medications for an underlying condition and have started yawning a lot more than you typically do.
- Many neurological conditions like epilepsy, stroke, head trauma, migraine, multiple sclerosis are linked to excessive yawning, too.