Do you think you yawn a lot? Why do humans yawn? Discover the causes behind yawning and how to act if it is a psychological problem.
We usually associate the yawn to tiredness or boredom. In fact, when we see a person yawn a lot, we believe that he is not having a very good time or that he has had a bad night. Although in many cases the causes of yawning are associated with it, there are also other psychological and physiological reasons why we yawn. So, is it bad to yawn a lot?
Scientists have proposed several reasons why the yawns In fact, in humans, yawning can be caused by both physiological and psychological factors.
Fatigue: It’s known that yawning increases along with drowsiness. In these cases, there is a hypothesis that yawning can cause greater movement, such as the stretching that is usually associated with it. This behavior can help us maintain alertness even when there is sleep pressure.
Stress and anxiety: According to different investigations, the yawns, especially when they occur very frequently, they can also be a sign that we are suffering from anxiety or excess stress. In fact, studies have shown that this action could be related to the levels of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, in our body.
Refresh your brain: Another theory suggests that people can yawn because this action cools our brain. Yawning usually causes a deep inhalation that draws cold air into the mouth and then cools the blood going to our brain.
Empathy: This hypothesis suggests that the causes of yawning They are related to our social aspect. This implies that people can yawn because it is a signal for others to be more alert to dangers.
Physical illnesses: Some diseases, such as Parkinson’s, cause people to have low levels of dopamine, which means that people increase the frequency of his yawns
sexual reasons: Some researchers suggest that yawning It has a lot to do with sex. In fact, animals yawning have been found to be a sign of mating. In humans it could occur because we go from a normal state to being excited.
Reflection: Studies related to genetics have found that fetuses yawn from 11 weeks of age. According to this research, we yawn as a reflex action that we learned during our intrauterine period.
These are some of the reasons why people can yawn. As we have indicated, in many cases, the yawn a lot It may be related to sleep problems or excess anxiety or stress. If you think this may be your case, it is important that you consult with a mental health professional.
Why do yawns stick?
Yawn This is a very contagious behavior. In fact, seeing someone yawn very often can make us end up yawning. There are theories, as we have pointed out, that indicate that yawning may be related to the level of empathy we have with others. In fact, research also shows that there is a decrease in contagious yawning among people suffering from autism or even psychopaths.
Is it bad to yawn a lot?
Yawn more than usual can be a problem associated with both physical and psychological causes. Especially in those cases where yawning can interfere with our daily activities, it is important to consult with a doctor or a professional psychologist.
How to stop yawning?
Despite yawning It is inevitable, in those cases that are due to fatigue or stress, we can do the following to try to activate our brain and body.
Deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help you increase the level of oxygen in your brain and therefore activate you in case you are doing it due to fatigue.
move on: Breaking our daily routine can also help us stimulate our brain. Performing physical exercise, even if it is mild, will help you reduce yawning
Cool down: A cold shower can help you activate your body and brain more, which is equivalent to stop yawning so much. The same effect can be produced by drinking or eating food that is fresh.
Yawning is not a problem if this happens episodically in our lives. People may yawn because we have had a very busy day or a bad night. But when the yawns They are very frequent, perhaps it is a warning sign for us to take actions to change our lifestyle. If you think that yawning is linked to your stress or anxiety, as well as poor sleeping habits, it is important that you go to a psychology professional to find a solution to your problems. Don’t let yawning interfere with your personal and professional life.
