When problems arise, humans are not alone yawning —So do all vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. but why?
The “evolutionarily ancient” act of yawning likely serves several purposes, said Andrew Gallup, a professor of behavioral biology at Johns Hopkins University.
“The fact that it is so widely conserved across the animal kingdom suggests that it likely retains an evolutionary function, and research shows that it functions in a variety of areas. “I’m suggesting that,” he said on “CBS Morning Plus” Friday.
These findings suggest that yawning may play a role in promoting changes in our alertness and activity patterns.
“We often yawn frequently before going to bed and after waking up,” says Gallup. “Yawning has been shown to increase arousal and alertness in relation to these state changes.”
Research also suggests that yawning has a cooling effect on the brain.
“One of the mechanisms that promotes state changes and increased arousal as a result of yawning is brain cooling,” Gallup said.
He explains that brain cooling refers to lowering the temperature of the brain, which can help us feel calmer, “because stress and anxiety raise the temperature of the brain and can also cause yawning.” That’s what it means.
Gallup also said it’s not insulting if someone yawns, because it’s both. contagious and common natural mechanisms.
“It helps promote mental awareness and attentiveness. So when an individual yawns in an academic setting or a boardroom, it could be an indicator that they are actually trying to pay attention.” “There is,” he said.
