ATLANTA – Now that summer is over and the alarm clock is our enemy, it’s no wonder we’re yawning more than ever.
When we yawn, it seems everyone around us follows suit.
Why?
There’s been a lot of research on this topic, and yet no one knows with 100 percent certainty.
First, let’s look at why we yawn.
Dr. Andrew Gallup, an evolutionary psychologist who has studied the phenomenon, says a yawn is a signal that we’re transitioning from rest to activity, or the other way around. Gallup believes yawns are also used to cool the brain. We take in a big gulp of oxygen when our body tells us the brain needs some fresh air.
As for why we yawns are contagious, there’s one word that is most often associated with this phenomenon.
Empathy.
The studies are inconsistent, but many agree we’re more likely to mimic a yawn when it starts with a family member or someone else we care about.
It’s a form of communication. Others signal that they’re tired and you respond out of empathy.
