Yawning is a very normal and natural process of humans. Usually a person yawns 6 to 23 times a day. It is not limited to humans only, but animals also yawn. During yawning, a person opens his mouth, takes a deep breath and involuntarily inhales air. It often occurs more often during times of fatigue, sleep, boredom, or wakefulness.
Often you must have noticed that if someone yawns in front of you, you also start yawning. Scientists call it “contagious yawning”. According to research, this habit is not innate, rather children learn it gradually. At around four to five years of age, children begin to understand the emotions of others and that is when this reaction develops.
Scientists believe that people yawn more often when they see people with whom they have an emotional connection, such as friends, family or close people. When we see an acquaintance yawn, our brain senses their emotions and responds similarly. This is the reason why this process is also considered to be related to social connection and empathy.
Special cells present in our brain, called ‘mirror neurons’, play an important role in this process. These neurons become active when we see someone doing some work. After this our brain starts imitating the same action. This is the reason why when we see someone yawning, we also start yawning.
Interestingly, not only humans, but also dogs, chimpanzees, birds, reptiles and some fishes yawn. Many animals start yawning after seeing each other. Even humans may yawn when they see their pets. This suggests that yawning may be part of social bonding and emotional understanding.
According to experts, yawning is not only a sign of fatigue, but it is also a process related to brain activity and social behavior. It is considered a way of connecting our brains to the emotions and behavior of others.
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