Why Is Yawning So Contagious?

Have you ever noticed that seeing someone else yawn can suddenly make you yawn too? In science, this phenomenon is known as “contagious yawning” — a psychologically spreading response.

So why does yawning seem to “pass” so quickly from one person to another? Scientists still do not have one complete and universally accepted explanation, but they suggest several main reasons.

The human brain tends to automatically imitate and repeat the movements of people around us. This reaction may be stronger between people who are close to each other or pay more attention to one another. It is also often associated with empathy.

Yawning is not linked only to physical tiredness. We may also yawn:

• shortly after waking up or while getting ready to sleep;

• when we are bored;

• after focusing on one point or task for a long time.

A common belief is that we yawn because the brain is not getting enough oxygen. However, modern scientific research does not support this explanation and does not show a direct link between oxygen levels and yawning.