Why do you Yawn when you're sleepy?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Who Smarted?" Episode - "Why Do You Yawn When You're Sleepy?"

Introduction

In the enlightening episode titled "Why Do You Yawn When You're Sleepy?" from the educational podcast Who Smarted?, hosted by Atomic Entertainment and Starglow Media, listeners embark on a fascinating exploration of the mysterious act of yawning. The episode blends humor, storytelling, and scientific inquiry to engage young minds and curious listeners of all ages. Through a conversation between the Narrator and the historical figure Hippocrates, the podcast delves into various theories and research surrounding yawning, making complex concepts accessible and entertaining.

Historical Perspectives on Yawning

The episode begins by tracing the origins of yawning theories back to ancient Greece. The Narrator introduces Hippocrates, the "father of medicine," who presents his early hypothesis on yawning.

• Hippocrates' Theory ([03:26]): "It is my hypothesis that yawning removes bad air from the lungs before a fever."

This initial theory posits that yawning serves as a mechanism to expel harmful air, particularly before the onset of illness. However, the Narrator quickly challenges this hypothesis by highlighting its limitations.

• Narrator on Hippocrates' Theory ([04:01]): "Unfortunately, it's wrong. People yawn all the time, not just when they're about to get sick."

The discussion underscores the evolving nature of scientific understanding, emphasizing that early theories, while foundational, may not fully explain complex physiological phenomena.

Modern Research and Theories on Yawning

Transitioning to contemporary insights, the episode explores various modern theories that attempt to explain why humans yawn. One significant theory suggests that yawning helps regulate brain temperature.

• Modern Theory Explained ([15:14]): "Scientists found that when you yawn, the stretching of your jaw increases blood flow in your neck, face, and head. The yawn forces the downward flow of spinal fluid and blood from your brain. Then the cool air that you breathe in during the yawn helps cool these fluids."

This theory presents yawning as a natural cooling process for the brain, aiding in maintaining optimal neural functioning.

Contagious Yawning and the Chameleon Effect

A major portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding contagious yawning—a phenomenon where seeing or hearing someone yawn triggers a yawn in others. The conversation introduces the concept of the Chameleon Effect, explaining how humans unconsciously imitate others' behaviors.

• Narrator on the Chameleon Effect ([08:56]): "It's also known as non-conscious mimicry. But whether you call it that or the chameleon effect, scientists believe it's possible because of a special set of neurons called mirror neurons."

These mirror neurons activate both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action, facilitating empathy and social bonding.

• Contagious Yawning and Empathy ([09:33]): "Some researchers believe contagious yawning may serve as a way of showing empathy or bonding with that person."

The episode further explores how this phenomenon extends beyond humans to animals, particularly dogs, highlighting the depth of social connections influenced by yawning.

• Dogs and Contagious Yawning ([10:16]): "Dogs were more likely to yawn after seeing their owner yawn compared to a complete stranger."

Physiological Processes During Yawning

Beyond behavioral aspects, the podcast delves into the internal processes that occur during a yawn. This section emphasizes the complex interplay between different bodily systems during yawning.

• Physiological Effects Explained ([15:14]): "Yawning acts as a natural cooling process for your body, removing warmer blood from your brain and bringing in cooler blood from your lungs and extremities."

This explanation highlights how yawning contributes to maintaining homeostasis within the body, particularly in regulating temperature and blood flow to the brain.

Evolutionary Perspectives on Yawning

The episode also touches upon the evolutionary significance of yawning, proposing that it may have served as a communication tool in early human societies.

• Evolutionary Hypothesis ([16:27]): "Yawning may have been a signal used to tell other members of the group that they were tired and a new guard was needed to keep watching."

This hypothesis suggests that yawning functioned as a non-verbal cue to coordinate group activities and ensure collective vigilance against predators, drawing parallels with social animals like lions.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the discussion, the Narrator and Hippocrates acknowledge that despite extensive research, yawning remains only partially understood. The multifaceted nature of yawning—encompassing physiological, psychological, and social dimensions—continues to intrigue scientists and enthusiasts alike.

• Final Thoughts ([17:20]): "Yawning is one of the human body's most complex and mysterious bodily functions. It involves many different social and neurological processes, which is why scientists and researchers have had such a hard time landing on its sole purpose."

The episode concludes on a light-hearted note, celebrating the ongoing curiosity and dedication of "smarty pants" listeners who seek to unravel the complexities of everyday phenomena.

Notable Quotes

• Hippocrates on Yawning and Empathy ([10:07]): "Aha. It worked. Does this mean we are friends?"

• Narrator on Yawning's Purpose ([07:56]): "Based on the army paratrooper study, it was believed a yawn may signal a change of physiological state."

• Hippocrates Reflecting on Yawning ([08:13]): "I keep yawning and I don't know why. I don't feel bored, fatigued, or anxious."

Final Remarks

The "Why Do You Yawn When You're Sleepy?" episode of Who Smarted? successfully combines humor, historical anecdotes, and scientific inquiry to explore the enigmatic act of yawning. By engaging with both ancient theories and modern research, the podcast provides a comprehensive and entertaining analysis that not only educates but also sparks further curiosity among its young audience and their families.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Hey, smarty pants. Sorry about that. I just woke up from a nap. Sometimes I yawn when I wake up. I also yawn when I'm feeling sleepy. What about you, smarty pants? When do you yawn? Ooh, how about if you see someone else yawn? Does that make you yawn? Just the word yawn can make me yawn sometimes. Are you starting to yawn because you're getting bored listening to me talk about yawning? Don't answer that. The truth is, yawning is an involuntary reflex. That means it's something you do without even thinking about it. Like sneezing or blinking or when a doctor taps on your knee and your leg jumps. Just thinking about yawning can make you yawn. Go ahead, try it. Close your eyes and think about yawning. Did it work? People aren't the only ones who yawn. Animals do it, too. What's cuter than seeing your doggy kitty or pet bunny yawn? Aw. Birds, mammals, even reptiles like snakes and turtles yawn. But have you ever wondered, why do you yawn? Is yawning really contagious? And what's happening inside your body when you yawn? Looks like it's time for another whiff of science. On who smarted. Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science? Or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. On who's smarted. Hey, smartypants, imagine a world filled with extra episodes of Whosmarted, plus bonus content, all without any ads. Well, guess what? That world already exists. It's called WhoSmarted Plus. And for the price of a slice of pizza each month, you'll get extra weekly episodes and bonus content like Smarty Q's, all ad free. Plus you'll be supporting Whosmarted so we can keep laughing and learning together. To get all the smarting and none of the ads, Sign up for WhoSmarted plus right in Apple Podcasts, or go to WhoSmarted.com and click subscribe today. Believe it or not, doctors and scientists have been researching yawning for centuries. And what they found is there's a lot we still don't understand. The earliest theories for yawning date back to 400 BC in ancient Greece. Smarty pants, who came up with the first theory for why we yawn? Was it A, Socrates, B. Hippocrates, or C, Hercules? If you said C, Hercules, you might have thought I said strong instead of yawn. Nope, the correct answer is B. Hippocrates, an ancient Greek Physician known as the father of medicine. He came up with the earliest known theory for yawning.

[Hippocrates]

It is my hypothesis that yawning removes bad air from the lungs before a fever.

[Narrator]

Hippocrates, how did you get here?

[Hippocrates]

I do not know. I heard my name and then I just appeared inside this dungeon.

[Narrator]

This is my bedroom.

[Hippocrates]

It could use a bit more light.

[Narrator]

I was sleeping.

[Hippocrates]

Well, there you go again, letting out more bad air.

[Narrator]

Right. About that theory of yours.

[Hippocrates]

It's an excellent theory.

[Narrator]

It is. Unfortunately, it's wrong.

[Hippocrates]

Wrong? How can that be? I swore an oath to help people.

[Narrator]

Well, for starters, people yawn all the time, not just when they're about to get sick.

[Hippocrates]

I don't know what to say. I always do everything to the best of my ability.

[Narrator]

Don't stress it, Hippocrates. For starters, you didn't have modern equipment and science to help you.

[Hippocrates]

No, but I had the wisdom of the Greek gods.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that doesn't really count. Anyways, let's see if we can set the record straight. If yawning doesn't help you remove bad air from your lungs, then why do you yawn?

[Hippocrates]

Perhaps yawning allows you to take in more oxygen. After all, when you yawn, your mouth opens really, really wide and sucks in lots of air.

[Narrator]

Ah, another interesting theory, Hippocrates. You know, it is a long held belief that yawning helps increase blood oxygen levels and decrease carbon dioxide. But if this were true, you'd think you'd yawn more when you exercised or played sports or just ran around a lot. And you'd think people with lung diseases who suffer from a lack of oxygen would yawn way more than the average person. But they don't. Therefore, it's unlikely that yawning is a function of the respiratory system.

[Hippocrates]

Hmm. Come to think of it, I've noticed myself yawning more when I'm ready for bed or when I've just woken up. Surely there must be some sort of connection.

[Narrator]

Good observation, Hippocrates. While yawning isn't actually related to the amount of sleep you get, it does seem to happen more frequently when you're feeling sleepy. One study found people yawned more often when they're feeling tired. The study also found that yawning increases in the hour before bedtime and and the hour immediately after waking up.

[Hippocrates]

Aha. We yawn when we are sleepy. Case closed.

[Narrator]

Not so fast. Scientists also discovered yawning increases with, what is it? A hunger, B boredom, or C laughter. If you said B boredom, you're right. In one Experiment test subjects yawned more frequently when looking at static on a TV screen than they did while watching music videos.

[Hippocrates]

Aha. So yawning is related to boredom.

[Narrator]

Yes and no. People also yawn when they're not bored. In another study involving army paratroopers who were about to jump out of an airplane for the first time, scientists observed the soldiers doing something unusual right before they jumped. Any guesses what it was? Smarty pants. That's right. I don't believe it. Men. You're about to jump out of a plane for the first time and you're yawning. Can you believe that? Smarty pants? I don't know about you, but jumping out of an airplane for the first time doesn't sound boring to me.

[Hippocrates]

I do not know what an airplane is.

[Narrator]

Oh, right. It's a big metal machine that people use to fly through the air.

[Hippocrates]

Ah, we just use Zeus.

[Narrator]

Anywho, based on the army paratrooper study, it was believed a yawn may signal a change of physiological state. In other words, a yawn helps your body and mind transition from one behavioral state to another. Like going from being asleep to being awake. Or from calm to incredibly anxious as you prepare to jump out of a plane for the first time. Quit yawning and start jumping.

[Hippocrates]

Sounds like case closed.

[Narrator]

Not quite. Despite all this, groundbreaking research, scientists believe there's still more to the story.

[Hippocrates]

I keep yawning and I don't know why. I don't feel bored, fatigued, or anxious.

[Narrator]

Well, Hippocrates, it might be because of another yawning theory. Smartypants, hands up if you've ever yawned just because you saw someone else yawning. If your hand is up, then you've experienced the phenomenon known as contagious yawning.

[Hippocrates]

You mean you catch a yawn like you catch a gold.

[Narrator]

Not quite. One way to explain this phenomenon is something called the chameleon effect. Named after the lizard that's famous for changing its appearance to blend in. The chameleon effect happens when you imitate someone's behavior without knowing it.

[Hippocrates]

Like if you're sitting across from someone with their arms folded. And then you fold your arms too.

[Narrator]

Exactly. It's also known as non conscious mimicry. But whether you call it that or the chameleon effect, scientists believe it's possible because of a special set of neurons called mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that activate when you perform an action, as well as when you see someone else performing an action. And in some cases, seeing someone else do something causes you to do it without even consciously noticing.

[Hippocrates]

Whoa. So you're saying I yawned because I saw you do it?

[Narrator]

Exactly. Some researchers believe contagious yawning may serve as a way of showing empathy or bonding with that person. And the stronger your relationship to the person, the more likely you'll do what they do. In other words, you're more likely to catch a yawn from someone you're close with, like a family member or a friend.

[Hippocrates]

Aha. It worked. Does this mean we are friends?

[Narrator]

I'd love to be friends with Hippocrates.

[Hippocrates]

Then by Zeus, friends we shall be.

[Narrator]

Smarty pants. Any ideas who else yawns when they see someone yawn? I'll give you a hint. They're often referred to as human's best friend. Did you get it? Yes. Dogs. But while dogs may mimic a yawn from a human, researchers found dogs were more likely to yawn after seeing their owner yawn compared to a complete stranger.

[Hippocrates]

I wonder if that would work on a Cerberus.

[Narrator]

The study also tested whether or not dogs were able to tell a real yawn from a fake yawn. What do you think, smarty pants? True or false? Dogs can tell the difference between a real and a fake. The answer is true. Unbelievably, in an experiment, dogs could tell the difference between people opening their mouths wide and pretending to yawn. They and only responded to the genuine yawns.

[Hippocrates]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

Go ahead and try it with your doggies at home, smarty pants.

[Hippocrates]

Trust us narratives, my friend. I now see there are many theories why humans yawn. But as a physician, I am curious what happens inside our bodies when we yawn?

[Narrator]

Great question, Hippocrates. The answer right after this quick break. Hi, guys. It's trusty. Today's episode is brought to you by Squarespace. And I need to tell you about their new design intelligence feature, because it's a game changer for anyone who's been putting off creating a website. Look, I know how intimidating tech can feel, but Squarespace's AI powered design system literally transforms your basic ideas into a beautiful professional website. We've used Squarespace to build websites here at Atomic, and what I love is that it combines AI tech with their decades of design expertise. You answer a few simple questions, and it creates a fully customized site that actually looks good. No more staring at a blank screen wondering where to start, and no need to spend thousands of dollars getting a site designed for a passion project or experimental idea. Plus, their payment system makes it super easy to get paid for your services, whether you're selling courses booking consulting sessions or offering Downlo. They've got all the popular payment options like Apple Pay and Klarna built right in. Head to squarespace.com smarted for a free trial and use code smarted to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Hey smarty parents. I love Green Chef because of how absolutely easy the meals are to make and how every night it feels like we're eating at a restaurant right at home. The variety is excellent and includes meals for special diets like keto, gluten free and calorie smart. With pre portioned ingredients, there's less prep, less mess and more time to enjoy delicious meals. Green Chef's easy to follow directions means my kitchen phobic family members actually cook when we get our Green Chef kit and it's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen too. Plus, Green Chef is owned by HelloFresh, which lets me switch between the brands for even more variety. And now my listeners can enjoy both at a discount with me. Thrive all year with clean easy meals from Green chef. Go to greenchef.com smartedfree and use code smartedfree to get free salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. That's greenchef.com smartedFree and use code smartedfree to get free salads for two months plus 50 percent off your first box. Green Chef the number one meal kit for eating well. Hey smarty parents, I know the struggle of wanting to create the best future for the children in your life. That's why I'm thrilled to share my experience with IXL learning. Recently, the 8 year old child of one of our main who smarted writers started struggling with math. They tried everything and felt helpless. Then I told them about our partner IXL and it changed everything. Iexcel is an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K to 12th grade. What sets it apart is how it adapts to each child's needs. His daughter loves the positive feedback and fun challenges. And the best part? IXL's research backed approach has made a world of difference in her confidence and her grades. It's like having a personal tutor, but at a fraction of the cost. A month of IXL costs less than one hour with a tutor even before our smarty family 20% discount. Don't let your child fall behind. Join the millions of families benefiting from IXL. Visit ixl.com smarted and get 20% off your membership. That's ixl.com smarted for 20% off. Give your child the gift of learning with Ixl. Now back to who's smarted? So, smarty pants, what do you think happens inside your body when you yawn?

[Hippocrates]

I just asked that.

[Narrator]

I know. The answer is. Once again, scientists and researchers have conflicting theories. One of the leading studies found that when you yawn, the stretching of your jaw increases blood flow in your neck, face and head. The yawn forces the downward flow of spinal fluid and blood from your brain. Then the cool air that you breathe in during the yawn helps cool these fluids. In other words, yawning acts as a natural cooling process for your body, removing warmer blood from your brain and and bringing in cooler blood from your lungs and extremities, namely your arms and legs. Pretty cool, right? Smarty pants?

[Hippocrates]

Indeed, it does appear to be a cooling function of the body. So, yes, pretty cool.

[Narrator]

That was a joke, Hippocrates. Sometimes I say cool when something is hip.

[Hippocrates]

What does yawning have to do with your hips? I think it has more to do with your lips.

[Narrator]

Moving on. Another question that comes up a lot is, when did yawning start? In other words, have humans always yawned? Hmm.

[Hippocrates]

That is a puzzler. There is no way to know that.

[Narrator]

Actually, modern scientists have concluded that yawning is indeed ancient because they've observed yawning in almost all vertebrates, animals with a backbone or spine. It suggests yawning in humans could date back to the dawn of man. Or should I say the yawn of man?

[Hippocrates]

I found that comment humorous.

[Narrator]

Cool. I made Hippocrates laugh. Back in the Paleolithic era, when cavemen were present, it was necessary to have guards or sentries on duty to look out for predators. Yawning may have been a signal used to tell other members of the group that they were tired and a new guard was needed to keep watching. Scientists have drawn this hypothesis using evidence from other social animals, like lions, who use yawning to alert other lions in their pride that they are becoming less vigilant.

[Hippocrates]

Wow. You ain't lying.

[Narrator]

Ooh, Hippocrates. With the jokes and the oaths, there's no denying that yawning is one of the human body's most complex and mysterious bodily functions. It involves many different social and neurological processes, which is why scientists and researchers have had such a hard time landing on its sole purpose. Luckily, there are smarty pants out there who are willing to dedicate their lives to better understanding the human body. Um, was that a bored, anxious, or sleepy yawn? Hippocrates well, at least he's already wearing a bedsheet. Good night. A double decker shout out to Peter and Jack in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. You wrote to tell us that you love who Smarted because you love learning. Well, hopefully you're also doing some listening and laughing too. You two. Thanks for smarting with us, Smartypants. This episode Yawning was written by Brad Deprima and voiced by Justin Dude. Adam, Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hahn. Whosmarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room Studios. Our associate producer is Max Kamaski. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.