Brief Report
Human Ethology, Volume 35, 67-74, published August 26, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22330/he/35/067-074
ABSTRACT
Spontaneous yawning is an involuntary reflex that occurs across mammals and other vertebrate classes, but the complete neurological basis of this response remains unknown. Recent studies examining the variables that alter contagious yawning in humans have provided critical insights into the mechanisms controlling spontaneous yawning, which in turn have the potential to generate applied therapeutic benefits to individuals experiencing abnormal yawning. This report details the case histories of two individuals with chronic and debilitating bouts of excessive yawning in the absence of sleep problems or any underlying medical condition to explain their symptoms. Although neither individual has received treatment to reduce their yawning, both report that chewing on gum, which has previously been shown to diminish yawn contagion in the laboratory, is effective at immediately alleviating their symptoms. In addition, one of the individuals reports that chewing on gum regularly throughout the day has diminished the overall frequency of these excessive yawning episodes. These findings are discussed in relation to research indicating that yawns function to promote neurovascular circulation and brain cooling.
Keywords: behavioral medicine, contagious behavior , thermoregulatory dysfunction
ISSN: 2224-4476
