Yawning may signal changes in state of being Yawning appears to occur when people are in a state of transition, particularly sleep-wake transitions — when they wake up or when they are drowsy ...

Even more complex? Why we seem to yawn because other people are yawning. Here are some fast facts on why we yawn and why yawning can be contagious – even between dogs and humans and over the phone.

Yawning also contributes to empathy and social communication, and it seems to be contagious. People are more likely to yawn after witnessing a close friend or relative yawn, according to studies.

This observation reminded her of certain human behaviors—including contagious yawning and the tendency for people to go to the bathroom in groups. “In Japan, my home country, there is a ...