Could This Be the Most Contagious Yawn Ever?

If you’ve ever found yourself stifling a yawn in the middle of a work meeting or during a first date, you're not alone.  

In fact, yawning is a social phenomenon that’s not only contagious but can, contrary to popular belief, be beneficial to your health – relieving stress and promoting relaxation. To celebrate this quirky reflex and dive into the science behind it, we’ve recently launched the YawnHub, an online haven dedicated to all things yawn-related.  

And trust us, it's more than just about trying to keep your mouth closed when your brain insists on shutting down. 

The yawn that keeps on giving 

What started as a simple act of one person yawning has evolved into something far more fascinating. We set out to create the longest "chain reaction" of yawns with over 100 participants. The result? An epic demonstration of how contagious a yawn can be—one person yawns, and suddenly, the whole room follows suit.  

To take this contagious yawning craze even further, we have launched our very own YawnHub. An interactive online space filled with yawn-inspired videos, designed to trigger yawns and help people unwind and feel great. Yes, you read that right—there’s a whole page of our site that’s dedicated to yawns! Go forth and indulge in yawn-based content with no judgment whatsoever. 

The awkwardness of yawning 

We’ve all been there: in a work meeting, at a wedding, or even on a date, fighting the urge to yawn at the worst possible time. According to our research, the 30 most awkward moments Brits have been caught yawning include everything from funerals to dentist appointments, and even during sex (though we don’t recommend yawning in that particular situation). And if that wasn’t enough, 13% of participants admitted to stifling a yawn while a friend shared emotional news. Talk about a mood killer. 

The study also revealed that 8 in 10 people believe yawning is contagious, and two-thirds of us will automatically join in if someone nearby lets out a big one. As one of life's little social cues, yawning can be both a relief and a social puzzle—especially when you’re trying to hide it. 

Why yawns are more than just tiredness 

For those of us who think yawning is just a sign of being tired, think again! Dr. Sophie Bostock, our resident sleep expert, sheds some light on the benefits of yawning. Not only does yawning release dopamine and serotonin (those feel-good hormones), but it also plays a role in relieving stress, increasing brain oxygen, and even regulating body temperature.  

And let’s not forget the social aspect. Yawning may signal a shift in group activity—perhaps it’s time for a change of watch for the herd. Yawning, it turns out, could be a form of social bonding that stretches back to our prehistoric roots. 

The yawn styles you need to know about 

Now that we know yawning is more than just an awkward reflex, let’s talk technique. Our YawnHub features a series of videos showcasing the five most popular styles of yawning, each one a little more entertaining than the last. Here’s an overview: 

1. The Cat – You know the type: deep breath, mouth wide open, and a luxurious, silent yawn. 

2. The Stretch – A full-body yawn that stretches your neck and body as you unwind. 

3. The Mouse – A tiny, discreet yawn that barely opens the mouth, perfect for when you don’t want to disturb anyone. 

4. The Bear – A dramatic yawn with extra sound effects (aaaaah!). 

5. The Liberator – The ultimate freeing yawn, so powerful it forces your whole body to join in. 

The yawning stats you never knew you needed 

Yawning is actually a daily ritual for most adults. On average, we yawn five times a day, with the peak time for a yawn attack being between 8 PM and 10 PM. (Perhaps this is why bedtime yawns are a universal experience.) But while some people think yawning means boredom, stress, or tiredness, others believe it’s a sign of relief or social bonding. 

And if you’re ever caught in the act of yawning, don’t worry—there’s no need to feel embarrassed. The Bensons’ YawnHub is all about embracing the yawn and its surprisingly beneficial effects. Plus, it’s a great excuse for taking a deep breath and relaxing. 

In summary 

So next time you feel the urge to yawn, just let it happen. You’re not being rude, and you might even be doing your brain a favour by releasing those happy hormones. Whether you're yawning at work, at a wedding, or while trying to impress a date, embrace the yawn and share the joy with those around you (preferably when they’re not in the middle of giving a presentation). With YawnHub at your fingertips, you can indulge in all the yawning content your heart desires, guilt-free. 

So, what's your favourite type of yawn? Fancy joining in the yawning fun? Share a photo of yourself yawning with us on Instagram!