Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: tripsource.com Yawning is often associated with boredom and fatigue

Thinking about yawning or seeing someone yawn causes most people, if not all, to do just that: yawn. And by the end of this article, you may yawn at least one time or try to hold back a yawn, just from the simple notion.

Some dictionaries have defined yawns as "a fatigue or bored response", or an involuntarily opening of the mouth "with a prolonged, deep inhalation and sighing or heavy exhalation, as from drowsiness or boredom."

Either definition suggests that yawning is generally caused from sleepiness or monotony.

Even though that much is clear, no one knows exactly why humans tend to yawn soon after others have. One professor at the University of Maryland, Robert Provine, has studied yawning for over 20 years and believes that contagious yawning is a primitive instinct. Provine explains that yawns are part of ancient human behavior.

Others support Provine by giving their theories as well. Scientists at the University of Albany concluded that yawning is an unconscious effort to bring forth group awareness.

Furthermore, other theories suggest that yawning is a way for communication. Yawning helped tell others when it was time for bed. Supposedly in the primitive days, one person would yawn indicating that they were tired. If someone yawned back it meant they agreed. Individuals can most likely relate to this today. Sometimes after yawning late at night, another person in the room may ask what time it is and exclaim that they are tired.

In addition to this, BBC News reported in July of 2007 that new research suggests that yawns are a mechanism of cooling the brain down. In other words, the brain is cooled down in order to help individuals stay awake and work proficiently.

Whatever the reason, the only certainty is that this primitive, involuntarily behavior will continue to defeat many individuals as they try to feign their interest in many boring discussions.

Article Tools