Search Results for yawning

... Abstract Yawning, laughing, and crying are normal physiological behaviors of humans in good health. As with all physiological behaviors, their deregulation can reveal disorders. Pathological yawning occurs in salvos of 10-20 successive yawns, and the number of yawns per day can exceed one...

... Abstract Yawning is a behavior that begins in the first stages of life. It has not only been observed in infants and in newborns, but also in fetuses of 12–14 weeks’ gestational age. Yawning frequency changes over the life span. In preterm infants, the number of yawns decreases between 31...

... development of the central nervous system. Using yawning as an example, we review this interpretation on the basis of knowledge derived from phylogeny and ontogeny. As a flip-flop switch, the reciprocal interactions between sleep- and wake-promoting brain regions allow the emergence of distinct states...

... Abstract This chapter will discuss the relationship between yawning, sleep onset, awakening and sleepiness. Models concerning wake-sleep regulation will be discussed in relation to yawning. Yawning close to sleep, before and after, will be examined in several conditions and populations. Also...

... Abstract Background: Yawning is a phylogenetically old behavior of ubiquitous occurrence. The origin and function of this conspicuous phenomenon have been subject to speculation for centuries. A widely held hypothesis posits that yawning increases the arousal level during sleepiness; thus...

... Abstract There is a long history of yawning in Old World monkeys being viewed as a form of communication, in particular, as a kind of threat. Yawning in agonistic and tense situations is seen in adult males, in particular, and it varies with male hormonal levels and social status. Experiments...

... Abstract A challenge in the study of yawning behavior is understanding the way external factors may modify it. This study investigated whether response-dependent punishment or random punishment decreased yawning by the application of buzzer noise paired with electric shocks in a high-yawning...

... Abstract Yawning is a common behavioral event that is observed in humans, as well as other mammals, birds and reptiles. In humans, yawning often occurs just before bed and upon waking up, and is also associated with tedious or boring situations. Although the physiologic roles of yawning have...

... Abstract Contagious yawning is a common phenomenon affecting upwards of 60% of healthy humans. It has also been observed, at a lesser rate, in great apes and other primates. Here I summarize the suggestion that contagious yawning is a primitive expression of social cognition, namely empathy...

... Abstract Contagious yawning (i.e. yawning triggered by perceiving others’ yawning) is a well-documented phenomenon, but the mechanism underlying it is still unclear. In this chapter, I review the current evidence about: (1) developmental studies with typically and atypically developing...

... Abstract The recent interest in contagious yawning has raised several challenges as the varied methods of testing have left some unresolved issues. We do not know how differences in key variables affect the observed rates of yawning, and we highlight these as being in need of direct testing...

... Abstract The neural mechanisms responsible for spontaneous yawning as well as contagious yawning are not well characterized. Neuroimaging is an essential tool for helping to identify the seminal neural structures and their inter-related functions to carry out this complex stereotyped motor...

... Abstract Background: Yawning is phylogenetically ancient and associated with a stereotyped behavioral pattern. Objective: To describe the pattern of associated movements observed in hemiplegic limbs during yawning and its relationship to gender, laterality of hemiplegia and muscle tone...

... Abstract Chasmology is the scientific study of yawning. Though its official history started only recently, its unofficial history stretches back to antiquity. This chapter outlines the history and current state of chasmology, through textual research and analysis, and offers a vision of its...

... Abstract The existence of yawning across vertebrate species suggests important basic functions, and the spontaneous and involuntary nature of a yawn lends support for it having adaptive significance. Recent research suggests the biological function of yawning among homeotherms is central...

... Abstract Although few things are as common as yawning, it has traditionally held little interest for researchers and enquiring minds of all disciplines. Yawning is a recognized behavior in almost all vertebrates, present throughout life, which often procures a sense of well-being for the yawner...

...References References 1. Barbizet J: Yawning. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1958;21:203-209 2. Baenninger R: On yawning and its functions. Psychonomic Bull Rev 1997;4:198-207 3. Baenninger R, Greco M: Some antecedents and consequences of yawning. Psychological Record 1991;41:453-460...

...References References 1. Lehmann HE: Yawning: a homeostatic reflex and its psychological significance. Bull Menninger Clin 1979;4:123-136 2. Preston SD, de Waal FBM: Empathy: its ultimate and proximate bases. Behav Brain Sci 2002;25:1-72 3. Platek SM, Critton SR, Myers TE, Gallup GG...

... Abstract Yawning is a physiological behavior and, as with all such behaviors, its deregulation is indicative of an underlying disorder. This chapter breaks this topic down into the types of yawning (incomplete, absent or excessive) and the direction of causality (triggering or relieving...