Brits share the most awkward places to be caught yawning – from work meetings to the dentist

We have all experienced the funny faces people make then they are trying to hide a yawn, and most of us aren’t exactly successful. Some see yawning as your brain’s way of telling you that you need to wake up and be more alert, but for many of us, it just makes us more sleepy.

A recent study has revealed where Brits feel most uncomfortable trying and failing to suppress a yawn. The research, conducted by experts at Bensons for Beds as part of their YawnHub initiative, surveyed 2,000 adults to identify the top 30 most awkward yawning scenarios. Some of the top picks were at a wedding, on a night out, when someone is crying, and even being on a date.

Other contenders included while taking a photo, during a presentation, and when you are attentively listening to your friend or family member telling you a story, revealed the Express. All can be agreed to be very awkward situations.

The study revealed that the average adult yawns five times a day, with peak yawning times falling between 8pm and 10pm, when people are beginning to wind down to sleep, closely followed by the afternoon lull from 2pm to 4pm.

Even though tiredness is the main reason for yawning, boredom can also make a big impact, with a third of Brits confessing to yawning out of boredom. A fifth of respondents also admitted that stress and anxiety could be linked to yawning.

And it goes without saying, but yawning is contagious, as nine out of ten people admitted that they are likely to yawn after seeing someone else doing it.

Dr. Sophie Bostock, a sleep expert collaborating with Bensons for Beds, explained: “There are several theories about why we yawn, but there’s no one definitive answer. Yawning is often associated with stretching, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which helps wake us up.

“It can also occur in stressful situations, potentially promoting relaxation, and might even play a role in regulating body temperature in hot weather.”

Even though it seems that yawning has many benefits, it can still be extremely awkward when a yawn sneaks out at the most inappropriate times. Over a third of Brits admitted to feeling awkward, embarrassed or apologetic following an unexpected yawn.

Despite the disapproving side eye looks you may receive from those around you, over half of Brits agree that yawning is an involuntary action, with 37% of them arguing that it shouldn’t be criticised. On a lighter note, 40% of people reported that they feel more energised and alert after yawning, due to the release of mood-enhancing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.

Lisa Richards, from Bensons for Beds, commented: “We can’t always control when we yawn, and sometimes the timing isn’t perfect. But yawning has proven benefits, so we want to celebrate it and spread its contagious, feel-good effects.”

Therefore, the next time you feel embarrassed about failing to suppress a yawn in a serious moment, keep in mind your body is trying to lift your mood and reduce your stress.

The Top 30 Places Brits have stifled a yawn

1. During a work meeting
2. While listening to a friend/relative tell a story
3. On public transport
4. While on a video call
5. When dining out
6. In church/a religious venue
7. At a party
8. On a night out e.g. at a bar
9. While driving
10. At a funeral
11. At the cinema
12. At a job interview
13. During a wedding ceremony
14. When someone is sharing emotional news / crying
15. At the theatre
16. On a date
17. At a concert
18. In a library
19. While giving a presentation
20. While reading their child a bedtime story
21. During a medical consultation e.g. doctors
22. Watching a sports game
23. During sex
24. When meeting a partner’s parents
25. When taking a photo/selfie
26. At the dentist
27. At their child’s parents evening
28. At an art gallery/museum
29. At the gym / fitness class
30. In a courtroom

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