Adam’s Journal
My cat and I were hanging out and being lazy the other day. At some point, February got up from the sofa and let out a big yawn.
Febs snaps her teeth together at the end of her yawns, which I find adorable. But before I could say, “Awww,” I found myself yawning, too.
How did I catch yawning from my cat?
Dr. Scofield Prescribes
As you have seen, humans are not alone in yawning. All mammals and probably all birds yawn, and even reptiles engage in yawning-like behavior.
We humans start yawning even before we are born, at about 14 weeks of pregnancy. The process is stimulated by chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters: dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin.
In utero, the yawning is spontaneous. And throughout our lives, spontaneous yawning continues to occur when we are tired or doing repetitive tasks.
Scientists have proposed many theories about why we yawn in these situations. One is that yawning helps regulate brain temperature, using deep inhalations to introduce cool ambient air while also stretching the jaw to increase blood flow.
Other theories center around improving alertness. A new study – yet to be reviewed by scientists unaffiliated with the work – found that yawning caused an increased flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain. The authors speculate that the movement of these fluids out of the head might “cleanse” the brain, which could increase awareness.
In addition to its spontaneous form, yawning can also be contagious. Again, this happens in both humans and animals – and, as you have experienced, from one species to another.
It’s triggered by hearing or seeing another creature yawning. It can be spurred by seeing only the eyes of someone who’s yawning.
Contagious yawning can go beyond visual or auditory cues. Even reading about yawning can spawn the irresistible urge to do so yourself.
I even yawned while writing this column.
People who study yawning have hypothesized that contagious yawning serves as a non-verbal method of social bonding among members of a group. Interestingly, they’ve found that people who score higher for empathy are more likely to be susceptible to contagious yawning.
So, consider it a plus that you caught a yawn from February. It might signal that you’re an empathetic person. Or maybe you just really get cats.
–
Dr. Hal Scofield is a physician-scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and he also serves as Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. Adam Cohen is OMRF’s senior vice president and general counsel. Send your health questions to contact@omrf.org.
