Yawning is something we all do, yet scientists still debate its exact purpose.
For years, people believed yawning occurred because the body needed more oxygen. However, research suggests that yawning may actually help cool the brain and improve alertness.
Yawning is commonly triggered by:
Tiredness and sleepiness
Boredom or lack of stimulation
Stress or anxiety
Seeing someone else yawn (contagious yawning)
One of the most fascinating aspects of yawning is that it can be contagious. Simply seeing, hearing, or even reading about a yawn can make you yawn too!
Scientists believe contagious yawning may be linked to social bonding, empathy, and communication.
Although yawning seems simple, it remains one of the many everyday human behaviors that science is still trying to fully understand.
Have you ever started yawning just because someone else yawned?
MBH/PS