Written By: Anuradha Varanasi | Updated: June 3, 2016, 10:51 AM
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Yawning is commonly seen as a sign of lethargy, boredom and fatigue and is frowned upon in most social settings despite its contagious nature. However, did it ever cross your mind that yawning could actually benefit your health in some ways? These are the four research-based reasons why moderate yawning is actually doing good for your brain and general health!
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It could be a sign of love: American researchers conducted a study in 2011 where they showed 23 chimpanzees watch videos of individuals they were familiar with yawning and also of individuals they were unfamiliar with. It was observed that the chimpanzees yawned more while watching individuals they were familiar with yawning as compared to strangers [1]. This proves that contagious yawning is also a measure of empathy.
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It increases blood flow and cools down the brain: Researchers found that yawning cools the brain to improve arousal as well as mental efficiency [2]. Yawning also acts as a stimulant of the nervous system as researchers suggest that it has similar effects like caffeine due to its ability to increase blood flow to the brain.
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Relieves ear discomfort: Ear pain, discomfort and hearing problems caused by change in altitudes in airplanes and even elevators can be relieved by yawning. In fact, researchers say yawning is a defense reflex of the ear during rapid altitude changes or other conditions. Yawning is helpful in equalizing air pressure in your ears [3].
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Increases oxygen circulation in the brain: A yawn brings more oxygen into the body. Everytime you yawn, it brings more oxygen into your lungs and that helps in getting rid of carbon dioxide build up or what is more commonly referred to as ‘bad air’ in the lungs. This in turn results in increased oxygen circulation in the brain [4].
