Psychology Facts

▼ Yawning ▼

》It's easy to assume that we yawn to try and bring inhale more oxygen, which is actually what scientists believed until 30 years ago. However, that theory was disproved by a series of experiments published in 1987 that showed no correlation between oxygen deprivation and yawning urges.1
As of today, one of the most popular theories as to why we yawn is for arousal.

》There are more than 20 different theories that explain why we yawn but not all experts unanimously agree to one single theory.

》As we become tired, especially when viewing uninteresting or non-interactive repetitive stimuli like a lecture, our body yawns as a means to wake up,'" says Dr. Saghir. "Studies have shown this to be true where an individual's heart rate can be seen to rise and peak for 10 to 15 seconds post-yawn, similar to a boost of caffeine

》Yawning has also been linked to brain cooling, which could be why you find yourself yawning more with a rise in temperature.

》Their is the social function of yawning. Yes, it may be a social cue to bug off, but depending on the circumstances, it may also be a call for vigilance. On a family road trip, for instance, a driver's yawn may be an important signal that they need a break.

》Studies suggest that 55% of people will end up yawning within 5 minutes after they see someone else yawning.

》Yawning is truly contagious. This activity starts to become 'transmissible' in the first 1-2 years of a person's life. Proof of yawning's infectiousness? Several studies show that when a single person in a group begins to yawn, more than half of the assembly will follow right after – in as short as 5 minutes. The other lesser half will be enticed to yawn too.

》Yawning helps cool down the brain. Studies show that yawning episodes increase during wintertime, in order to usher cool exterior air to the individuals' brains.

》 Yawning is more contagious in best buddies. Studies show that persons related to you – whether genetically or emotionally – are most likely to 'catch' your yawn.

》Yawning is an activity that can help athletes prepare prior to a competition – you can ask Apolo Ohno, a speedskater who is notorious for his pre-contest yawning ritual. Since yawning cools the brain (especially the frontal lobes), the athlete will be able to improve his concentration and attention span prior to the race.

》Yawning often occurs when a person is bored, as proven by a 1986 study of college students who oscitated more during a lackadaisical color video rather than a hard-hitting, head-banging rock music vid.

》Abnormal yawning is also associated with severe migraines, clinical depression, and major stroke. People taking anti-depressants, in particular serotonergic ones such as Prozac, can also suffer aggravating salvos of yawning, as can those acutely withdrawing from opioid intoxication.

》Animals yawn too! Biologists have observed this activity in primates, specifically chimpanzees, macaques and baboons. Dogs catch the contagiousness of yawning too; you can expect your pooch to do the deed right after you do.

》Do you know our empathizing ability makes yawning contagious? But those who don't find it contagious lack empathy which is the initial step of becoming a pyschopath.

》Autism sufferers don't experience yawning if they observe someone else doing so. For them it is not contagious.