**Sleep expert unpacks the benefits of yawning that boost your well-being**
We’ve all experienced that sudden urge to yawn, often seen as a sign of tiredness or boredom. However, recent research sheds light on the positive effects of yawning on our overall well-being.
According to a study of 2,000 adults commissioned by Bensons for Beds, the average adult yawns around five times a day. Interestingly, the most common time for yawning is between 8 pm and 10 pm, closely followed by the afternoon period of 2 pm to 4 pm.
The study also highlighted that nearly four in 10 people believe that yawning is beneficial, with 40% reporting feeling more energised after a yawn. This phenomenon has caught the attention of sleep experts, including Dr. Sophie Bostock, a leading expert in the field with a PhD in Health Psychology.
Dr. Bostock explains that yawning triggers the release of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, along with dopamine, which plays a role in regulating mood and sleep. These neurochemical responses contribute to the benefits associated with yawning.
While the exact reason behind why we yawn remains a subject of debate, various theories suggest that yawning helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, aiding in waking us up and promoting relaxation. Yawning is also known to be contagious, as observed in both humans and animals.
The study identified five common yawning styles, each with its unique characteristics contributing to the act of yawning. From the silent Cat Yawn to the more expressive Bear Yawn, each style offers a glimpse into the diverse ways people experience and express yawning.
In celebration of the positive effects of yawning, Bensons for Beds has launched YawnHub, an online platform dedicated to promoting contagious yawning. The brand has also initiated a national competition encouraging participants to showcase their most contagious yawn for a chance to win £2,000 worth of bedroom products.
To participate in the competition, interested individuals can share a video of their best yawn on Instagram using the hashtag #BensonsYawnHub and tagging @bensondfordbeds in the post before 31st January. The most compelling entry will be chosen by 4th February, with the winner receiving the grand prize.
With sleep being a top priority for many this year, Bensons for Beds offers a wide range of sale items available in-store and online to support better sleep and overall well-being.
As our understanding of yawning continues to evolve, it’s clear that this seemingly simple act holds deeper significance in improving our mental and physical health. So, the next time you feel a yawn coming on, embrace it – it might just be your body’s way of boosting your mood and energy levels.