Yawning is a common action that, often times, we don't think about doing. Usually, it is triggered by tiredness, boredom, or even contagious from seeing others yawn or thinking about yawning. But, what exactly causes us to do this? Read to find out!
Although scientists and researchers are not 100% certain about the causes of every yawn, there are numerous theories about why our bodies are triggered into this natural reflex. Yawning is considered to be an involuntary bodily reflex because we don't purposefully think about doing it and usually can't control holding it in. In fact, it is even advised against trying to hold in a yawn, as it is a necessary action for our body.
One common theory is that when we feel bored or tired, our breaths are more shallow and slow. As a result, this decreases the amount of oxygen we take in, and our body yawns in response in order to help increase the amount of oxygen we inhale. However, this theory is mostly regarded to be false since studies have proven that yawning still occurs after more oxygen has been breathed in.
On the other hand, a study from 2014 showed that people generally yawn less frequently in winter months. Additionally, when we're tired or bored, our brain's temperature drops due to the decreased stimulation. As a result, yawning can be a way for our bodies to regulate the temperature of our brains.
Another theory that has been made is that yawning is to stretch our lung tissue. When we yawn and stretch simultaneously, our joints and muscles are being flexed and our heart rate increases, which can help to make us more alert and awake. Yawning can wake one up by increasing the blood flow to both their face and brain.
Furthermore, others have theorized that the yawning reflex helps redistribute surfactant in the inner surface of our lungs, essential to keeping them lubricated which prevents them from collapsing.
Another interesting phenomenon is the fact that yawning seems to be contagious! Have you ever noticed how watching another person yawn or even mentioning yawning can make your body start to do it too? This can be because of our human trait of empathy, where someone else's facial movements trigger our own.
In conclusion, yawning is not something we purposely do, but it is pretty important to maintain the condition of our bodies. Thank you for reading, hope this article didn't make you fall asleep!
References:
Purdie, Jennifer. “Facts About Yawning: Why We Do It, How to Stop, and More.” Healthline, 5 Feb. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-yawn#takeaway.
“Why Do I Yawn?” Nemours Kidshealth, kidshealth.org/en/kids/yawn.html.
Comments