Yawning has an unexpected influence on the fluid inside your brain
9 days ago
- #yawning
- #brain_health
- #neuroscience
- Yawning reorganizes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and venous blood out of the brain, as revealed by MRI scans.
- Each individual has a unique yawning signature, particularly in tongue movement.
- Yawning increases carotid arterial inflow by over a third compared to deep breathing.
- The study suggests yawning may have thermoregulatory benefits or aid in waste clearance from the brain.
- Contagious yawning was studied, but spontaneous yawning might have even greater effects on CSF and blood flow.
- Adenosine accumulation in the brainstem might be flushed away by yawning, temporarily increasing alertness.