Yawning is a habitual action that accompanies a person throughout their life. As a human instinctive behavior, yawning cannot be subjectively controlled. Research has found that yawning originates from the "yawning center" in the brain. When factors such as fatigue, arousal, and sleepiness stimulate the center, it triggers the secretion of relevant molecules, leading to excitation of the yawning center. Once the body's muscles receive the command, yawning occurs. So, do you know the benefits of yawning?
Yawning is a Fatigue Signal
Yawning not only helps to expel excess carbon dioxide from the body, but it is also a protective response. When the body lacks sleep or is fatigued, it repeatedly yawns as a warning that the brain and organs are tired, signaling the need for rest. It may also indicate that work is too intense and a brief period of relaxation is needed to restore the body's state.
Yawning Awakens the Brain
Many people yawn frequently upon waking up in the morning. This promotes the transition of various functional areas of the cerebral cortex from inhibition to excitation, allowing the cortex to function normally. Each yawn involves a deep and prolonged inhalation, allowing more warm oxygen to enter the lungs and reach the bloodstream. Additionally, yawning drives oxygenated blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive efficiency, especially for individuals engaged in mental work.
Yawning Promotes Facial Muscle Activity
Yawning can stimulate the movement of muscles in the throat, increasing muscle strength. During yawning, the body's nerves and muscles relax, reaching a state of complete relaxation. It can also alleviate snoring caused by relaxed throat muscles.
Yawning Cools the Brain
The human brain, like a computer, is extremely sensitive to temperature and must remain cool to function effectively. Yawning causes the walls of the maxillary sinuses to expand and contract, pushing air pressure towards the brain and lowering its temperature. This discovery may offer some hope for individuals with insomnia, migraines, or even epilepsy. Insomnia sufferers often have issues regulating body temperature, and understanding the mysteries of yawning may help them as well.
Benefits of Yawning for Men
For men, yawning and penile erection are controlled by the same nitric oxide. When this nitric oxide diffuses in the brain, it can either reach the nerve control center for respiration or descend to the blood vessels that deliver energy to the penis. Sometimes, these two functions can occur simultaneously.
Yawning Induces Relaxation
Although a yawn lasts for a short duration, approximately six seconds, its physiological effects are significant. During this period, a person completely closes their eyes and ears, and all the nerves and muscles in the body fully relax. This provides a good opportunity for both physiological and psychological rest, surpassing the effects of tranquilizers.
