Kids Ask Dr. Lisa: Yawning

Yawning: Kids Ask

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, January 13 and March 2, 2008
Show 502

Michaela Powell:

Dr. Lisa, why are yawns so contagious?

Dr. Lisa Thornton:

Well, it does seem like yawning is contagious. We think people yawn is to get more oxygen into our bodies. So when you're kind of tired or you're bored you don't breathe very deeply, you yawn to get a lot of oxygen and improve your blood circulation. Take a deep breath and that will help keeps the yawns from affecting you – or anyone else nearby!

Learn more about Dr. Lisa Thornton.

Click these links below for more information about why scientists think yawning might be contagious:
www.world-science.net

www.msnbc.msn.com

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