Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Was That A Yawn...?

Ever notice that it's almost impossible NOT to yawn when someone else does?

Believe it or not, that's a common trait with all of us! I found some information over at Listverse.com that sort of explains this exercise!


Yawning

A yawn is a natural human reflex. It involves the inhalation of air, stretching of the eardrums, and is followed by a large exhalation of breath. Yawning is associated with tiredness, stress, lack of stimulation, and boredom. It is one of the most bizarre human functions. Yawning can be infectious and is triggered by seeing others yawn, hearing a yawn, or talking on the phone with someone who is yawning. A number of theories have been proposed that attempt to explain why animals yawn, but nothing has been substantiated. One theory states that yawning occurs when a person’s blood contains an increased amount of carbon dioxide and needs oxygen. However, other studies show that yawning decreases oxygen intake.

Another theory states that yawning is a person’s way of controlling brain temperature. It has been suggested that a yawn can reduce or increase blood pressure in the brain. This theory has been supported by the fact that people get a desire to yawn while making a drastic change in elevation. Another speculated reason for yawning is the desire to stretch one’s muscles. Contagious yawning may be a way of keeping a group of animals alert. It may be an instinctual reaction from one member of the herd to the next, reminding everyone to stay alert. Anecdotal evidence suggests that yawning helps increase the state of alertness.

Interesting Fact: It is possible that yawning is a territorial reflex, a process that is meant to make the body appear bigger by stretching out the arms and opening the mouth. When animals are witnessed yawning, the human reaction is to become aware of the creature’s teeth and fighting potential.

It's nice to know that we share this reflex with animals. After all, they beat us out with nearly everything else.

Now, I have fresh coffee on the patio and some fresh baked white bread to go with it! No yawning, please!

10 comments:

Phyllis (N/W Jersey) said...

(Yawn) I'll bring the strawberry jam for the fresh bread. Two cups of coffee please (yawn) Sorry...just can't help it!

Ben in Texas said...

Dang You Hermit!! You knew we'd all yawn when we saw that picture didn't you?
:-)

Got any good concord grape jelly for that bread? I'll bring my favorite mug.

BBC said...

Yawn....

Caddie said...

Yep, yawns are contagious. I do a lot of yawning; three while reading this. Think I'll go back to bed awhile. Keep that coffee warm. Okay?

linda m said...

Yawn..... Yawn....

Dizzy-Dick said...

I start yawning about mid-afternoon. My body is saying "take a nap" and I keep saying "I don't want to". I usually win, but sometimes my body wins.

treesong said...

Lots of yawning going on here since yesterday. Overdoing the packing, etc. and didn't sleep barely a wink last night. Wish I could go back to bed and wake up to your fresh bread and coffee. Have a great day!

JO said...

Very interesting facts some I have heard other not. But yes must yawn when someone else does.
All this fresh bread is bad for my youthful figure. hahaa but bring it on I will stop and pick up some sweet butter. Your just to good to us.

HermitJim said...

Hey Phyllis...
Strawberry jam is good! Should hit the spot!

Thanks for the visit today!



Hey Ben...
I think I might just have some around!

Yep, yawning is certainly catching!

Thanks, buddy, for stopping by!



Hey BBC...
I know! Me too!

Thanks for coming by today!



Hey Carolyn...
Nothing wrong with going back to bed! Don't worry...I'll keep the coffee warm!

Thanks for the visit today!



Hey Linda...
Now stop that! You'll get me started again!

I sure appreciate your visit today!



Hey Dizzy...
I sure do like my daily nap. Makes me feel better! I can really tell when I miss one!

I sure thank you for coming by today!



Hey Treesong...
Just think of all the good naps you can have when you get to Florida!

Glad it is all coming together for you!

Thank you so much for coming by today!



Hey JoJo...
Don't worry! I have made sure that this bread is non-fattening!

Yep, 5the yawn will get ya! Always does me!

Thanks, sweetie, for coming by today!

Bob Mc said...

Just reading this made me yawn.