Unexplainable Why do we yawn?
72 snips
Jul 10, 2024 
Dr. Andrew Gallup discusses the mysteries of yawning, including its contagious nature, role in brain temperature regulation, and evolutionary history across different species. The podcast challenges misconceptions about yawning, explores its medical implications, and highlights its benefits for cognitive functioning and social bonding.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Yawning in Athletes
- Athletes yawn before important races, like speed skater Apolo Ohno.
- This suggests yawning isn't simply due to boredom.
Yawning Across Species
- Yawning is common across vertebrates, from humans to fish.
- This suggests it's an evolutionarily ancient and important behavior.
Debunking the Oxygen Theory
- The theory that yawning increases blood oxygen has been disproven.
- Manipulating oxygen/carbon dioxide levels doesn't affect yawning frequency.