Investigating the Mystery: The Reason Behind the Spread of Yawns
In a fascinating exploration of the human body's intricate workings, we delve into the world of yawning, a common yet mysterious phenomenon. Dr. Andrew Gallup, a Teaching Professor of Behavioral Biology at Johns Hopkins University and a notable authority on the subject of yawning, shares insights about this captivating behaviour.
Yawning, it seems, is not simply a sign of boredom or rudeness, as many might assume. Instead, it is a complex physiological process that reflects empathy and social bonding. Contagious yawning, in particular, mirrors the states of others, especially among close relationships. This contagion is stronger among socially close individuals and correlates with empathy, according to scientific studies.
The contagious aspect of yawning likely helps synchronize group behaviour or social bonding. Dr. Gallup suggests that yawning also indicates increased attention or arousal. This is supported by the fact that yawning elevates cortisol levels, a hormone associated with alertness and stress response. This heightened physiological arousal and attention could prepare individuals for heightened attentiveness or readiness to respond in social contexts.
Furthermore, stretching throat muscles during yawns may improve airway function, supporting alertness. This suggests that yawning is not just a response to increased cognitive demands or a means to synchronize brain activity with others, but also a physiological means to increase brain arousal and readiness.
Despite yawning often being stigmatized in social settings, this new understanding of yawning as a sign of increased attention rather than mere tiredness could help reframe its perception. The science of yawning reveals that there is a lot happening when we yawn, and Dr. Gallup's work sheds light on this fascinating area of study.
This enlightening discussion on the study of yawning is available on multiple podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Amazon Music, and others. Tune in to learn more about the complex world of yawning and gain a new appreciation for this common yet mysterious behaviour.
Yawning, as Dr. Gallup's research reveals, is more than just a sign of boredom or rudeness – it's a complex physiological process revolving around empathy, social bonding, and mental health. Furthermore, this contagious behavior, stigmatized in social settings, could indicate increased attention or arousal, which research suggests is linked to health-and-wellness and mental-health.
