Why are YAWNS contageous???

"The action of a mouth opening is not what compels others to yawn, according to Dr. William Broughton, director of the Sleep Disorder Center at the University of South Alabama. Studies show have demonstrated that showning someone a photo of a wide-open mouth does not induce a yawn. Conversely, holding a hand over the mouth does not prevent it form being contagious. Contagious yawns appear 'basically to be visual response'. Between 40 and 60% of people who watch videos or hear talk about yawning end up doing it, too. Researchers from the State University of New York tested people to find out what kind of person is most susceptible to contagious yawning. Their conclusion: people who are self-aware or empathetic are more likely to catch yawns."

Body pulls in extra Oxygen. It is said to have some basis in a genetically programmed form of communication related to survival also. Check out the NY Times or Wall Street Journal. I read an article abot it in one of them recently.

regards (yawn)

Imran