Bensons for Beds has introduced YawnHub, an engaging online platform designed to spotlight the often-overlooked benefits of yawning. While many associate yawning with tiredness or boredom, scientific research has revealed it plays an essential role in brain regulation, oxygen intake, and relaxation. YawnHub aims to challenge misconceptions, providing expert insights and entertaining content to help people embrace yawning as a natural and beneficial reflex.
The Science Behind Yawning
Yawning is a physiological response that helps regulate brain temperature, increase oxygen circulation, and release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin both linked to mood improvement. While often dismissed as an involuntary action, yawning actually serves multiple biological and psychological functions.
To understand yawning habits better, Bensons for Beds conducted a study of 2,000 adults. The results showed that the average person yawns five times a day, with peak yawning periods occurring between 8pm and 10pm just before bedtime closely followed by an afternoon lull between 2pm and 4pm.
Additionally, 84% of respondents agreed that yawning is highly contagious, with 71% admitting they find themselves yawning simply by watching someone else do it. This highlights yawning as not only a biological function but also a social phenomenon.
Yawning in Social Situations
Despite its many benefits, yawning is often considered inappropriate in formal or social settings. The study identified the top 30 most awkward places people have experienced the need to yawn, including job interviews, weddings, funerals, and even on first dates.
Notably, 13% of participants confessed they had to suppress a yawn while a friend was sharing emotional news. However, opinions on yawning etiquette are shifting, with 45% believing it should not be considered rude, and 37% arguing that society unfairly judges yawning in public.
The Creation of YawnHub
With such strong opinions on yawning, Bensons for Beds created YawnHub, a unique online space designed to celebrate yawning in a fun and informative way. Visitors to YawnHub can explore five entertaining yawning styles, such as:
- The Cat Yawn – A silent, subtle stretch-like yawn.
- The Stretch Yawn – A deep, full-body yawn.
- The Mouse Yawn – A discreet, small yawn.
- The Bear Yawn – A loud, expressive yawn.
- The Liberator Yawn – An unrestricted, satisfying yawn.
Expert Perspective on Yawning
Dr Sophie Bostock, a sleep expert working with Bensons for Beds, explains: “Yawning has been misunderstood for years, yet research confirms its numerous benefits. It helps regulate alertness, encourages social bonding, and even improves mood by increasing oxygen flow to the brain.”
Yawning in Everyday Life
With 61% of people claiming they have mastered the art of concealing yawns, common techniques include covering the mouth (53%), tightening the lips (44%), and deep nose-breathing (25%). However, 29% admitted that they often fail in their attempts to suppress yawns.
Lisa Richards, Head of Marketing at Bensons for Beds, added: “Yawning is universal, yet it has long been misunderstood. Through YawnHub, we hope to redefine its perception and encourage people to embrace it as a natural part of daily life.”
