I read this interesting article (albeit no conclusion) on why yawning is contagious on the 'world-science.net' web site.

 

Does anyone have any theories on this strange behaviour.

 

I'm wondering if it is a reaction that has mutated from primitive man or primates. A group reaction that is no longer needed so has mutated into something that seems nonsensical.

 

My other theory is that if someone is sucking a bit too much air from their immediate vacinity, the other person yawns to compensate for the sudden lack of air. ;-)

I'v heard a theory that its to syncronise the sleep patterns of a community, so that everyone sleeps at the same time. dont know how plausable that theory is, though.

have you bothered to use our SEARCH ENGINE at all?

if you had have done you`de find this has been done before!

 

http://www.scienceforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5530

http://www.scienceforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10653

 

*yawn*

I think that 9 out of 10 times when somebody yawns, (directly after another person,) - it's just seeing the yawn and reminding yourself that you TOO are tired - thus causing you to yawn. I've noticed a few times that when somebody else yawns, I tend to yawn as well for no good reason lol... it's just a reaction.

Quote 'have you bothered to use our SEARCH ENGINE at all?

if you had have done you`de find this has been done before!'

 

Oops, will do in future. Thanks for pointing that out.