Why is it that when you yawn around other people they will continue automatically to yawn after your example?

Question

After a long night of unrest and constant waking up you will obviously proceed to yawn for most of the following day. And just as you are most tired you will be in a crowd or a room with a large group of people, who will do just sa you are (yawning of course)

Answer 1

I yawned reading this LOL. Not that it's boring just talking about yawning makes me yawn.

Answer 2

There are a few ideas about yawning. One is that it is a social act. When people yawn after someone else does, it's not because they're tired, it's a show of empathy and therefore an attempt at feeling like a part of the group. Another idea about yawning is that when another person yawns, the other people feel as though their air supply is being threatened so they yawn in return to take in more oxygen.

Answer 3

This is one of those questions which actually has no definitive answer. There are theories around which try to explain why this occurs, but they remain just theories. It may just be one of life's enduring mysteries. However, my favourite theory is that it is a leftover trait from early humankind. Early humans tended to be nomadic and so there was some benefit to regulating their sleep - wake cycle. When the leader begins to yawn, others follow suit, allowing the clan to operate on the same schedule. Like other theories, there is no actual proof of this, but it's the one that appeals to me.

Answer 4

Often wondered so myself, but apparently, it's all to do with feeling empathy with the yawner. I find if it's someone i can't stand or can't connect to, then i don't yawn as well. I have carried out my own 'tests' and found it to be true!

Answer 5

...it's called mirroring!!! People mirror each other all of the time...especially when you are emotionally very in tune with one another. Either that or you're both tired.