Many Species Yawn, But Not for the Reasons We Think

Discover why many species yawn together and explore the reasons behind this intriguing behavior.

Yawning: A Universal Mystery

Post-lunch, as you and your colleagues gather for a meeting, one starts yawning, followed by another, and soon, you join in.

Yawning is a universal phenomenon observed in many vertebrates from wolves to parrots, and naturally, in humans from an early age. But why do we tend to yawn when we see someone else doing it?

A Survival and Communication Mechanism

Yawning has persisted across species for ages, presumably as a vital survival mechanism. Several theories attempt to explain its true purpose: to oxygenate the brain, regulate body temperature, or serve as a social signal.

However, the popular belief that yawning increases brain oxygenation remains unconfirmed.

There is a more established connection between yawning and the circadian rhythm, our biological clock. Most yawns occur during rest, especially around the times we wake up or prepare to sleep, typically when the body is less alert, such as after eating.

Yawning: A Social Signal?

Yawning might play a significant role in social interactions, as seen in ostriches, who use it to synchronize group behavior.

Yawning could signal a shift in activity or alertness, ensuring all group members are either alert or resting simultaneously, enhancing collective safety and maintaining group rhythm.

A Predisposition to Contagious Yawning?

Empathy appears to be a key factor in susceptibility to contagious yawning. Individuals with social disorders, such as autism or schizophrenia, seem less responsive to others’ yawns.

Research even suggests that external factors like breathing and body temperature might respectively decrease and increase susceptibility to contagious yawning.