Yawning is a common reflex that helps stimulate our brain and our alertness, but it can also be a sign of certain illnesses.
- Yawning allows the brain to regulate its internal temperature and activate alertness and concentration.
- Yawning too much or not yawning anymore can be a sign of certain illnesses.
- Yawning is contagious, it is linked to oxytocin, a hormone linked to empathy and attachment.
Yawning is an involuntary respiratory reflex that we have all experienced at some point in our lives, in the morning when waking up, after a hearty meal or even when tired in the evening. It is characterized by a rapid and involuntary opening of the mouth accompanied by a deep inspiration, followed by a slow exhalation. But what is it for?
Yawning stimulates the brain
A human being yawns on average 250,000 times during his life, from his mother’s womb until his death. Yawning is not a simple opening of the mouth but a generalized stretching movement of the respiratory muscles, face and neck. Although yawning may be seen as a sign of fatigue or boredom, it actually plays an important role in stimulating our brains and alertness.
Some studies suggest that yawning could be a way for our brain to regulate its internal temperature. Indeed, when the temperature of the brain increases, for example when we are tired, bored, sick, hot or even before or after meals, when yawning, we inhale fresh air that cools the brain and helps maintain optimal temperature. Yawning then increases blood pressure and “refreshes” the brain to activate alertness and concentration.
Yawning can be a sign of illness
In addition, yawning is often associated with a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Some studies suggest that yawning is a stress reliever, it releases tension and is conducive to relaxation.
A healthy person yawns between five and ten times a day. However, excessive yawning, up to 200 times a day, can also be a sign of certain illnesses. These conditions include chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, meningitis, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Or conversely, no longer yawning at all may be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Yawning is contagious
Scientists have also looked into whether yawning is contagious. According to a study, yawning is linked to oxytocin, a hormone linked to empathy, attachment and even love; the higher its level, the more likely a person will yawn. seeing another one yawn. A another study suggests that a loved one will make us yawn more easily than a stranger.
Some researchers even suggest that yawning could be a nonverbal communication mechanism. It could be used to convey social signals such as fatigue, stress or boredom.
