There are several explanations for why we yawn, and one of them is because it’s a form of cooling system for our brain. Some people may not realize that yawning also helps prevent hearing problems. Others believe it’s a sign of alertness. Whatever the reason, it is a natural process.
Yawning is a cooling system for the brain
Yawning is a physiological process that causes the brain to cool itself. Its temperature is regulated by several factors, including blood temperature in the brain, the blood flow through the brain, and metabolic heat production. Other factors may contribute to the overall brain temperature, including increased circulation and vaso-dilation, as well as conduction processes and the upper airway. Recent studies suggest that yawning is associated with central thermoregulation. It may function as a thermal stabilizing mechanism, counteracting intermittent increases in brain temperature and promoting thermal homeostasis.
The cooling mechanism associated with yawning is thought to be similar to sweating. Generally, it cools the brain, but only within a narrow temperature range. Researchers found that people yawned more when a room temperature or warm towel was placed against their heads, and less when a cold towel was placed on their heads. This cooling effect may be the reason why yawning can make you feel refreshed and relaxed.
It relieves ear discomfort
During altitude changes, yawning can help relieve ear discomfort. The act of yawning involves the relaxation and contraction of the tensor tympani muscles, which opens the eustachian tubes. It also helps equalize the pressure inside the middle ear with the air pressure outside.
The eustachian tubes are tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. These tubes open and close to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup. When the eustachian tube becomes blocked or clogged, it may lead to hearing impairment, ear pain, or other issues.
It causes hearing problems
Loud yawning can cause serious hearing problems, particularly when it occurs frequently. When you yawn, your middle ears automatically reduce the level of sound in your head. This is due to the acoustic reflex of the middle ear, which is not caused by hearing aids or any other external cause. In some cases, the noise can be reduced with a looping technique, which can restore clear sound in the meeting room.
Loud yawning has many effects on the human body. It can reduce the sound in your ear by significantly reducing the pressure in the inner ear. This is similar to the same effect that occurs when you rest your finger on a drum kit.
It is a sign of alertness
Loud yawning is a natural human phenomenon that happens when our mouths widen to let air into our lungs. The extra oxygen carried by this process reaches our brain, increasing our alertness. It can be a brief, sharp burst of yawning, or a prolonged, deep yawn that is accompanied by stretching.
Among primates, loud yawning is a warning signal to others in a group. It may also help maintain social order. Studies on this phenomenon have been conducted on chimpanzees and stumptail macaques. In chimpanzees, researchers have found that yawning occurs most frequently in groups of at least two individuals. In addition, they have observed that yawning occurs frequently when chimpanzees are in an activity, such as feeding or mating.
Although the exact function of yawning is unknown, there are several theories about why it occurs. One theory posits that the phenomenon is a mechanism for the body to increase its temperature and alertness. Other theories suggest that yawning might be related to cerebral thermoregulation and brain chemistry.
It is contagious
Yawning is contagious among humans and animals. It has evolved as an expression of empathy and a way to strengthen social bonds. Yawns are most contagious between people with whom we share the same physical or social characteristics. A 2011 study found that yawning spread the fastest among friends and family members. However, it took longer for yawns to spread to strangers.
The reason that yawning is contagious is not entirely clear. One hypothesis is that the act of yawning is an imitation of the actions of other people. This observation has been made possible by the fact that the yawning habit is present even in newborns. However, in order to confirm this theory, researchers will have to test the contagiousness of yawning among individuals of all ages and socio-economic classes.
