Behold the yawn, a common, contagious, and sometimes embarrassing human function. How often have you sat listening to a presentation, or perhaps been in the midst of a social gathering, and feel the unstoppable urge to yawn (and then keep yawning, as they tend to occur in clusters)?
Humans and animals alike display this behavior, but in the animal kingdom it’s safe to assume that it’s not interpreted as a sign of boredom. Is it always a sign of exhaustion? After spending considerable time trying to unravel the mystery of the yawn, researchers think not. What they have found is that the behavior is much more complex than just simple fatigue, and not all yawns are created alike. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a piece featuring insights from researchers around the country.
Animal studies point to brain chemistry and temperature as the major players in what triggers a yawn. When the brain’s temperature rises, even slightly, from its optimal 98.6 F, the body’s response is to yawn in attempt to draw in cooler air and lower its temperature. Researchers suspect that our human brains behave similarly. Interestingly (and in support of this theory), studies show that yawing is a more frequent summertime behavior and occurs at a higher rate in warm rooms. The behavior is also more prevalent at night, when our brain temperature is at its highest.
Anxiety and stress cause our brain temperature to rise as well. For example, when an Olympian starts yawning, it’s not due to a late night out or to excessive training – her body is simply trying to keep functioning at maximum efficiency. Now you know why your visiting professor or keynote speaker might be yawning during their presentation: they are most likely anxious about public speaking, not bored by their audience. Likewise, you may be yawning even if you are enjoying the topic! And if you do start yawning, chances are good that a scan around the room reveals your peers doing the same.
Yawns do tend to be contagious, but researches have not yet pinned down the cause. They’ve largely ruled out the notion of empathetic yawning. Studies point more in the direction of a genetic yawn response, and have proposed that the contagious yawn is more of a social function, helping to ensure that everyone in the group is alert. Animal studies suggest it may be a way to promote what Dr. Gallup, associate professor at the State University of New York, calls “group vigilance” against potential threats.
Pretty complex roots for a seemingly simple behavior! So the next time you feel a yawn coming on, embrace it – you are yawning your way to peak performance!
Be sure to read the article, The Real Reason We Yawn, online in the Life & Culture section of The Wall Street Journal.
(note: WSJ subscribers can read the article at any time; non-subscribers may only read a limited number of articles for free a month, so if you’ve reached that capacity this month, you may only see an excerpt.)