Contagious Yawning Puzzle: Understanding Why We Yawn After Someone Else Does
In a captivating podcast episode, Dr. Andrew Gallup, a teaching professor of Behavioral Biology at Johns Hopkins University, sheds light on the intriguing phenomenon of yawning. This episode is available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Amazon Music, and more.
Dr. Gallup, an expert in the study of yawning, delves into the reasons behind its contagious nature. According to scientific understanding, including Gallup’s research contributions, contagious yawning is believed to involve mirror neuron systems in the brain that trigger imitation as a form of social bonding and empathy.
Physiologically, yawning is a complex process. When we yawn, our mouth opens wide while our jaw stretches, and we take a deep breath, filling our lungs with air. The muscles in our face and throat stretch, and there are changes in brain blood flow and temperature regulation. These physical actions help increase oxygen intake and cool the brain, which may enhance alertness and attention.
From a behavioral biology perspective, contagious yawning arises from social and empathetic neural mechanisms, while physiologically, yawning functions to regulate brain temperature and promote alertness through a complex sequence of muscle and respiratory changes.
Despite its common stigmatization in social settings, yawning is not a sign of boredom or rudeness, but rather an attempt to pay attention. The study of yawning can provide insights into various aspects of human behavior and physiology.
Subscribing to this podcast ensures you'll receive updates for future episodes, where you can continue to explore the fascinating world of yawning with Dr. Andrew Gallup. So, if you're intrigued by the complexities of yawning or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest research, be sure to check out this informative podcast episode.
- Dr. Gallup, in his podcast, further discusses how understanding the science behind yawning can lead to discoveries in health-and-wellness, suggesting potential connections with fitness-and-exercise.
- As science continues to unravel the mysteries of yawning, it becomes increasingly clear that its study encompasses a broader spectrum, extending from behavioral biology to health-and-wellness, and even fitness-and-exercise.
