10 Intriguing Reasons Why Yawning Is So Contagious (Backed by Science)

3. The Role of Oxytocin

Oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone," plays a significant role in social interactions and bonding. Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin may also influence the contagious nature of yawning. The hormone is known to enhance the perception of social cues and increase empathy, which could explain why yawning spreads more readily among individuals with strong social connections. By promoting a sense of trust and intimacy, oxytocin may facilitate the transmission of yawning as a social signal, reinforcing the bonds between individuals.