Why Do People ‘Yawn’ and Is It Contagious?

Yawning is like a special kind of stretch, it helps your body get ready for sleep or wake up. And sometimes, when you see someone yawn, you start yawning too! It’s like a secret message your brain sends to people around you.

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Examples

A student yawns during class, and suddenly half the room starts yawning too.
When your friend yawns at breakfast, you can’t help but follow suit.
At the end of a long day, you see your mom yawn, and soon everyone in the house is yawning.

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Categories: Psychology · yawning,contagion,social behavior,brain function,psychological phenomena