Is Yawning Contagious?

Have you ever watched your friend yawn and suddenly yawn as well even though you aren’t tired? Is yawning really that contagious?

YAWNING REFLECTION
Well, according to scientists and researchers, yes! They believe that yawning is due to the chameleon effect, where you mimic and imitate what someone else doing without even knowing! This “chameleon effect” is said to be caused by these nerve cells in your brain called mirror neurons. Just like what its name says, these cells help mirror the actions you see. When you see someone yawning, your brain processes that information, and then the mirror neurons respond by yawning as well.

EMPATHY?
Another theory as to why yawning might be contagious is that you have empathy. Empathy is understanding and share feelings with others around you. There was a study done with kids with autism who have difficulty feeling and understanding emotions, especially empathy. It was found that these kids yawned less than kids with no autism, showing some connection between empathy and yawning. There was also another study done with young kids that showed that kids didn’t start “catching” yawns until they were around the age of 4 or 5, which is usually when empathy and social skills start forming. Not only this but when you are around those you are familiar or close with (people who you most likely can emotionally connect with) you have a higher chance of “catching” their yawn compared to if a stranger yawned somewhere around you.

The reason why yawning is contagious might still be unclear but at least you know that the next time you yawn, it might not because you’re tired or sleepy. It may just be due to other things!

P.S. You probably yawned while reading this article because even just reading the word “yawn” makes you want to do so! :)

Picture Source: Florida Tech eCurrent