We typically associate yawning with how tired we feel but, not much has been figured out about this aspect of sleep. Here are a few facts to catch you up to speed on what is known about yawning:
There Are Plenty Of Yawning Theories, But Little Proof. There is very little research to support and the theories behind why we yawn. We don’t only do it when we are tired. One of numerous theories ties yawning to a lack of oxygen. The idea stemmed from the fact that too-shallow breathing can cause problems. During our resting state, the bottom lobes of the lungs aren’t in use. We don’t use more of our lung capacity until we exercise; the deep breathing helps keep the lungs healthy. Yawning would be a homeostatic response to not breathing deeply.
Yawning does seem to increase with boredom as supported by a small 1986 study. It was found that the college student participants yawned more when shown a pattern of colors than when shown a 30 minute rock video.
Most recent research suggests that yawning exists to cool down our brains. The open-mouthed yawn causes sinus walls to expand and contract, pumping air onto the brain, which lowers its temperature. Also, the study found that people yawn more during winter. When the exterior air is cooler, than in the summer, yawns have more of an affect in terms of bringing cold air inside the body.
Yawning is More Contagious Friends & Family. You don’t just pass yawns on to anyone. Researchers discovered that the closer people are genetically or emotionally, the more likely it is they’ll catch yawns from each other.
Yawning Could Be a Sign of Disease. Excessive yawning could be a sign that there is something wrong other just sleep deprivation. It could be a reaction caused by the vagus nerve, which could indicate a heart problem. In rare cases, it could also signify a number of brain problems.
A Fetus Can Yawn Too. It’s not known why unborn babies yawn but, they do. Researchers have captured 4D scans that were able to distinguish between a developing baby yawning and a “non-yawn mouth opening.” Some suspect that the act has to do with brain development and could be used as a marker of normal development.
The Average Yawn Lasts 6 Seconds. Numerous news outlets estimate yawn length at about 6 seconds. During that small amount of time, the heart rate increases significantly. A 2012 study found that a variety of physiological changes take place during those 6 seconds when they examined the body before, during and after yawns. The changes are unique in that they can’t be replicated by taking a deep breath.
The field of sleep research is new and vast but, scientists recognize how important it is to study the smallest things such as a yawn. Figuring out this mystery could unlock many more secrets about how sleep works and why it’s so beneficial.
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