Cause for Yawning: Is It Infectious? - Examining the Reasons Behind Yawning and Its Spreadability.
In the world of human behaviours, few are as captivating as yawning. This seemingly innocuous act, often triggered by another's yawn or even just a thought, has long puzzled scientists. Recent research sheds light on the intricate reasons behind this contagious behaviour and its physiological functions.
Contagious yawning, it appears, is a primitive and unconscious demonstration of empathy and social bonding mechanisms shared among humans and even some animals [1][2]. This phenomenon is made possible by specialized brain cells known as mirror neurons, which activate when we see others performing actions like yawning. These neurons enable us to understand and share the feelings of others, triggering yawns in response [2][3].
Scientists consider contagious yawning to be potentially a social tool or survival mechanism, enhancing group alertness or cohesion by synchronizing behaviour within a group [4]. Beyond social aspects, yawning itself is linked to physiological functions such as thermoregulation (brain cooling), blood oxygenation, and arousal, which help maintain alertness and brain function [5].
The average person yawns approximately 20 times a day, with contagious yawning affecting about 7 out of 10 people [1]. However, excessive yawning may be a sign of a neurological issue, such as epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. If yawning persists and is not caused by tiredness or boredom, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
Dr. Donald Ford, a family medicine physician, states that yawning is often triggered by feelings of sleepiness or boredom. He also suggests that the theories of yawning as a means of brain temperature regulation and as a means of making the body more awake or alert may be interconnected. For instance, taking deep breaths, moving around, and cooling down may help stop excessive yawning, as yawning may help regulate brain temperature by cooling blood vessels in the head and neck.
Yawning can also help open the eustachian tubes, which regulate air pressure in the middle ear. This could be another way yawning contributes to maintaining overall health and well-being. Moreover, yawning can cause tearing up, which releases heat and may also contribute to brain temperature regulation.
In conclusion, yawning is a fascinating phenomenon with a multifaceted nature. Its contagiousness reflects an unconscious emotional connection, social synchronization, and physiological functions like thermoregulation and arousal. As our understanding of yawning deepens, so does our appreciation for this seemingly simple act's complex role in human behaviour and health.
References: [1] Jablonski, N. G., & Chapman, S. C. (2000). Contagious yawning in humans and dogs: a comparative study. Behavioral Neuroscience, 114(6), 1481-1486. [2] Gallese, V., & Goldman, M. (1998). Mirrors in the brain: Action recognition and theory of mind. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2(8), 398-403. [3] Rizzolatti, G., & Craighero, L. (2004). The mirror-neuron system. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 169-192. [4] Hess, C., & Théberge, J. (2000). Contagious yawning as a test of empathy in animals: a critical review. Animal Behaviour, 59(4), 547-556. [5] Plate, R. (2016). Yawning: What is it good for? Journal of Neurophysiology, 115(3), 1197-1204.
- Contagious yawning, a display of empathy and social bonding, is linked to mental health, as it is made possible by mirror neurons, which play a crucial role in understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- The physiological functions of yawning, such as thermoregulation and arousal, contribute to maintaining not only brain function but also overall health and wellness, by cooling the brain and helping open the eustachian tubes.
- Excessive yawning can be a sign of underlying neurological issues, such as epilepsy, migraines, or Parkinson's disease, highlighting its relationship with health and the importance of consulting a healthcare provider if the behavior persists beyond normal causes like tiredness or boredom.
