Contagious yawning is real, scientists say, and it’s probably programmed into us. We don’t mean to bore you, but the latest yawn research is actually pretty intriguing.

Between 40 to 60 percent of people who watch videos or hear talk about yawning also end up doing the same.

It’s believed that, at one time, yawning may have been a social phenomenon allowing groups of humans to coordinate their times of sleep. Today, it is more of an instinctive reaction signaling boredom, a time to relax or the need to rest.

Although other creatures yawn — dogs, cats and even snakes — contagious yawning is purely a human occurrence. Interestingly, spontaneous yawning begins in the womb, so it is not a learned behavior.

Studies show that most people enjoy yawning. But those who try to suppress yawning — the effect of which is called a nasal yawn — rate it less satisfying.

Maybe you really don’t care one iota about the science of yawning. But the fact is, you’ve probably experienced at least one while reading this rather less-than intellectual-intake! And that’s science in action !!!

Panama City Passion Play
Tickets: FREE
When: Mar 21, 2008 (Fri) 7:00 PM - Mar 22, 2008 (Sat) 7:00 PM - Mar 23, 2008 (Sun) 3:00 PM
Where: Marina Civic Center
Presented by: St. Andrew Baptist Church