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

5. The Thermoregulatory Hypothesis

Another intriguing explanation is the thermoregulatory hypothesis, which posits that yawning helps regulate brain temperature. According to this theory, yawning increases blood flow and facilitates heat exchange, cooling the brain and maintaining optimal cognitive function. The contagious aspect of yawning could be a mechanism to ensure that all members of a group maintain an ideal brain temperature, thereby enhancing collective cognitive performance. This physiological function highlights the complex interplay between biology and behavior in the phenomenon of contagious yawning.