Is yawning a primitive form of communication?to signal other members of a clan it is time to sleep .?

Question

I heard that is why yawning is contages by sight.

Answer 1

Actually, yawning is physiological. It actually occurs when your brain thinks it isn't getting enough oxygen, such as when you're tired and your breathing slows. The reason its "contagious" is because when you see someone else yawn, your brain thinks it is short on oxygen, so you yawn. And this surplus oxygen relaxes you, making you feel more tired.

Answer 2

A recent article in American scientist explained that yawning is actually very ancient. Animals all the way down to reptiles do it. Since many animals that yawn are not social, it isn't likely that it is primarily a sleep signal. Wikipedia said it better than I could:

"A more recent hypothesis is that yawning is used for regulation of body temperature. Another hypothesis is that yawns are caused by the same chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect emotions, mood, appetite and other phenomena. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, glutamic acid and nitric oxide. As more of these compounds are activated in the brain, the frequency of yawning increases. Conversely, a greater presence in the brain of opiate neurotransmitters such as endorphins, reduces the frequency of yawning. Patients taking the serotonin reuptake inhibitor Paxil (Paroxetine HCl) have been observed yawning abnormally often. Another theory is that yawning is similar to stretching. Yawning, like stretching, increases blood pressure and heart rate while also flexing many muscles and joints. It is also theorized that yawning helps redistribute an oil-like substance which coats the lungs and aids breathing. Some have observed that if you try to stifle or prevent a yawn by clenching your jaws shut, the yawn is unsatisfying. As such, the stretching of jaw and face muscles seems to be necessary for a good yawn."

Answer 3

Medically yawning is a from reduced oxygen levels. Yawning forces the stagnant air out of your lungs so more good air can enter. I don't know why it's contageous though.

Answer 4

No it is as legalyblond today said a physiological reaction to a reduction in Oxygen in the body and is used to increase it .
it isa evloutionary effect that slows us dpown and alows us to regain O2 It does not only happen when at night Yawning can hapen at any time of the day .

Answer 5

That is actually a good question. I know that presently people say it means your brain thinks it is not getting enough oxygen. Maybe this is one of those holdovers from human evolution. After all even though we now live indoors and generally shower (most people do) couples will still flirt by running their fingers through each others hair.

Answer 6

It's a reflex to get your brain more oxygen. It's definitely contagious.

Answer 7

umm? i dnt know but i know that when you yawwn usually someone around you yawns after its like the chicken pocks you get them then somone around you gets them

Answer 8

makes sense, huh?

Answer 9

no because it is involuntary