Has it ever happened that after seeing the person in front of you yawn, you also immediately felt the yawn? This is not just a coincidence. Scientists call it “contagious yawning.” This means that one person’s yawning can create the urge to yawn in another person as well. Behind this, it is believed that there is a deeper connection between our minds and our behavior than our bodies.

You must have noticed that if a family member, friend or person sitting with you in the office yawns, within a few seconds you also start yawning. This often happens while watching TV or seeing someone yawning in a video. This is not a disease, but an interesting reaction of the human brain, on which many scientific studies have been conducted.

What is contagious yawning?
When you start yawning after seeing someone else yawn, this is called contagious yawning. Scientists believe that this reaction has been seen not only in humans, but also in chimpanzees, dogs and some other social animals. This means that this behavior may be related to social connection and the way the brain works.

Which part of the brain plays a role?
This part of the brain can become active, which helps in understanding and imitating the behavior of others. In some research, it is also thought that the mirror neuron system could play a role in this process. This is why we often copy some of another person’s actions without thinking, including yawning as well.

There may also be a connection to empathy
Scientists have long tried to find out why we also start yawning when we see another person yawning. A study from the University of Leeds linked it to the social response of the brain, while research published in PLOS ONE indicated that this response may be more widespread in people who have a greater ability to understand the feelings of others. However, in some other research including Duke University, such results were not found every time. Therefore, experts believe that there may be many reasons behind this behavior, and scientific research on it is still continuing.

Does this happen to everyone?
No, not everyone yawns after seeing someone else yawn. This reaction is less common in young children, especially those under 4-5 years of age. At the same time, its effect is less in some adults as well. This means that this reaction may vary from person to person.

Does this mean you are sleepy?
Not necessary. People often assume that seeing someone yawning and feeling yawning is only due to sleep, when this is not always the case. Many times you are wide awake, but seeing the person in front of you yawning makes you yawn. In such cases, it is more related to the brain’s social response and not just fatigue.