The Science Behind Why We Yawn
Yawning is an automatic yet mystifying behavior that has puzzled generations of researchers. Although the exact purpose of a yawn remains a mystery, recent research has shed light on some of yawning’s physiological functions, explaining why it may be an involuntary reflex that serves an important role in our lives.
In the course of history, there have been a number of competing theories on the cause of yawning. It has been suggested that yawning is used to adjust breathing rate in order to maintain increased levels of alertness, to cool down the brain, or to increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream.
The most recent studies, however, have shown that yawning is linked to certain physiological processes, such as sleep and stress. Researchers believe that yawning is triggered by a variety of triggers, including the presence of environmental stressors, boredom, or even just thinking about yawning.
Link to Stress
Studies have shown that stress can lead to an increase in the frequency of yawning, indicating that yawning may be part of our biological flight-or-fight response. It has been suggested that yawning is an evolutionary adaptation that helps to increase alertness. A recent study from the UK showed that when subjects were exposed to stressful stimuli, their yawning frequency went up.
This could explain why yawns tend to be contagious in some situations. When we’re in a high-stress environment, it’s possible that our brains are overriding our conscious control and causing us to “catch” each other’s yawns.
Regulating Body Temperature
Research has also suggested that yawning may be the body’s way of regulating temperature. The theory is that allowing a large gust of air to move through the lungs and throat cools the brain and body down. By cooling the brain, this theory suggests that the body is able to work more efficiently and efficiently.
A study conducted at Notre Dame University challenged this hypothesis by testing the temperature of the nasal cavity before and after yawning. The results showed that a decrease in temperature was observed after yawning, indicating that the air inhaled through yawning may have a cooling effect on the brain.
It’s also been suggested that yawning may help regulate the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Since overdosing can lead to feelings of fatigue and sleepiness, yawning may be the body’s way of regulating these substances.
Sleep Deprivation
Yawning has also been linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers suggest that yawning during periods of sleep deprivation could be a form of self-comforting behavior that helps the body cope with the effects of fatigue, such as lack of alertness and focus. Additionally, since yawning has been shown to increase alertness, it could be a way to signal to others that the body needs more rest.
Benefits of Yawning
- Increases alertness
- Helps to cool down the brain
- May regulate neurotransmitters
- Can stimulate creativity
- Indicates periods of sleep deprivation
Conclusion
Although much remains unknown about why we yawn, recent studies have shed light on some of the potential physiological benefits. From cooling the brain down to providing an indication of sleep deprivation, it appears that yawning may be an essential tool for regulating our bodies.