Yawning is a common behavior that occurs when a person inhales deeply and exhales with an open mouth. It is often associated with tiredness and boredom, but it can also happen unexpectedly and without any apparent triggers. Although yawning is typically harmless and only lasts for a few seconds, excessive yawning can be a symptom of a serious condition.
What causes us to yawn?
According to experts, yawning may be the body's way of trying to cool the brain. When a person yawns, the stretching of their jaw increases blood flow in the neck, face, and head. A deep breath then sends a rush of cool air to the spinal fluid and the brain, which helps to lower the temperature of the brain.
Yawning may occur when a person is tired or sleep-deprived, as these states can increase the brain's temperature. It can also happen when a person is hungry, bored, mildly stressed, or feeling relaxed or satisfied after a meal.
Contagious yawning: Fact or fiction?
Yawning is not considered to be contagious in the medical sense of the word, but it can be difficult to suppress a yawn when someone else is doing it in front of you.
Experts have different theories about why yawning can trigger the same behavior in others. Some believe that it is a form of mirroring, where a person unconsciously mimics another person's actions. Others think that it is linked to empathy, with people who yawn after seeing others yawn being highly empathetic.
The link between yawning & health
In some cases, excessive yawning can be a sign of a health problem. Sleep problems, such as sleep deprivation, insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, can cause a person to yawn frequently. Some medications can also cause excessive yawning as a side effect.
Yawning is considered excessive when it happens three or more times in 15 minutes and with no obvious triggers. It can be a symptom of stroke, bleeding around the heart, brain tumors, and migraines. If a person is concerned about the frequency of their yawning, they should see their healthcare provider for an evaluation.
