The question we need to know why we yawn

In this episode we ask why we yawn, let’s dive in and know why we yawn

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/zookeeper-s-confessional--6706665/support.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, and welcome back to Brain Bites, the podcast
where we chew on intriguing questions about the human mind
and body. I'm your host, Tyler, and today we're diving
into a topic that I bet you've experienced at least
once already today, yawning.

Speaker 2 (00:17):
Hi Tyler, and hi listeners. I'm doctor Maya Sharma, a neuroscientist,
and I'm excited to unravel this surprisingly complex behavior with you.
And You're right, I think everyone can relate to this.

Speaker 1 (00:28):
One absolutely, It's so common. But honestly, for the longest time,
I just assumed yawning was about being tired or bored.
But is it really that simple, Not at all. That's
the common misconception. And while those can be triggers, the
science behind yawning is much more nuanced and honestly still
a bit of a mystery. Okay, so hit me with it.

(00:50):
What are some of the leading theories?

Speaker 2 (00:52):
Well, the prevailing theory for a while now is that
yawning helps regulate brain temperature. Think of your brain like
a computer. It needs to stay within a certain temperature
range to function optimally. When it gets too warm, your
body initiates cooling mechanisms.

Speaker 1 (01:07):
Okay, that makes sense. So the big inhale of a
yawn is like a built in air conditioner.

Speaker 2 (01:13):
Precisely, the increased airflow from yawning can help cool the
brain down. Studies have shown a correlation between brain temperature
and yawning frequency.

Speaker 1 (01:22):
Interesting. So are there any other factors that contribute to
brain temperature increases that might trigger a yawn?

Speaker 2 (01:29):
Definitely? Stress and lack of sleep, for example, can both
raise brain temperature. That's likely why we often yawn when
we're stressed or tired. Also physical exertion. If you've ever
noticed yourself yawning after a workout, that's probably your brain
trying to cool down.

Speaker 1 (01:45):
Okay, that explains the tiredness and stress link. But what
about the contagious aspect. Why is it that if I
see someone else yon, I suddenly feel the urge to
yon myself.

Speaker 2 (01:55):
Ah. Yes, contagious yawning. That's where things get even more interesting.
The brain cooling theory doesn't fully explain why yawning is
so contagious, so what does The leading theory here revolves
around empathy and social bonding. Research suggests that contagious yawning
is linked to activity and brain regions associated with social

(02:16):
awareness and understanding other's emotions.

Speaker 1 (02:19):
So it's like a subtle form of social mirroring exactly.

Speaker 2 (02:23):
It's believed to be an unconscious way of connecting with
others and signaling that we're part of the same group.
Studies have shown that people with higher empathy scores are
more susceptible to contagious yawning.

Speaker 1 (02:35):
Wow, that's fascinating. So a yawn isn't just a sign
of boredom. It could also be a sign of empathy.

Speaker 2 (02:42):
Precisely, and it's not just limited to humans. Chimpanzees and
other social animals also exhibit contagious yawning. This further supports
the idea that it plays a role in social communication.

Speaker 1 (02:54):
This is blowing my mind. So are there any other
theories about why we yawn?

Speaker 2 (02:58):
There are a few less prominent but still interesting theories.
Some suggest that yawning helps to stretch the lungs and
tissues in the body and may promote alertness. The deep
inhalation and exhalation during a yawn could help increase oxygen levels.

Speaker 1 (03:13):
In the blood, so it's like a reset button for
the respiratory system.

Speaker 2 (03:17):
It could be, but again, more research is needed to
fully understand the role of oxygen levels in yawning. Another
theory is that yawning can help equalize pressure in.

Speaker 1 (03:26):
The ears, like when you're on an airplane exactly.

Speaker 2 (03:29):
You know how chewing gum or swallowing can help pop
your ears, Yawning can achieve a similar effect.

Speaker 1 (03:35):
This is all so much more complex than I ever imagined.
So is there any definitive answer to why we yawn?
Is it just one of these theories or is it
a combination?

Speaker 2 (03:45):
That's the million dollar question. The truth is, we don't
have a single definitive answer yet. It's likely a combination
of factors at play. Brain temperature regulation, social communication, and
even physiological benefits like stretching the lungungs and equalizing ear
pressure may all contribute to why we yawn.

Speaker 1 (04:04):
So the mystery continues.

Speaker 2 (04:05):
It does, and that's what makes it so fascinating. Scientists
are still actively researching the underlying mechanisms of yawning and
its potential functions.

Speaker 1 (04:15):
This has been incredibly enlightening, Doctor Sharma, thank you for
shedding light on this everyday behavior. I definitely won't look
at a yawn the same way again.

Speaker 2 (04:23):
My pleasure, Tyler. It's been great to be here and
to our listeners. I hope you enjoyed this deep dive
into the science of yawning. Next time you feel a
yawn coming on, take a moment to appreciate the complex
processes happening in your brain and body. Until next time,
stay curious and try not to yawn too much while
you wait for the next episode.