Chasmology

Chasmology is the study of yawning. It began in the 1980s, though the name was created in the 2000s. It encompasses multiple scientific fields, including physiology and psychology. The field was officially coined by French doctor Olivier Walusinski, who organized research and discussion into the topic. The name was created by using the Greek term for "opening wide", khasma.
History
Theories
The common theories for yawning generally involved either oxygen deficiency or the opposite, an overabundance of carbon dioxide. However, when this was put to the test in 1987 by Provine et al, both of the theories were disproven in a simple experiment. A new theory since based on more direct physiological evidence suggests a connection as a thermoregulatory system that helps with body cooling. This has yet to be extensively studied though.
Another theory relates to boredom and the idea that yawning only occurs when doing something one does not wish to do, often in combination with tiredness. This is contrasted with the claim that yawning does not occur when one is in the process of resting or trying to sleep, only when not actively trying to do so. Wolter Seuntjens called this idea his "First Law of Chasmology". His Second Law relates to the sexual aspects of the yawn and states that data from a variety of science fields will naturally add to the hypothesis and understanding of the erotic parts of yawning. During the conference, Seuntjens put forward his idea that yawning was used to signify a wide range of emotions and focused especially on the commonality of yawning during sex or when desiring sexual activities.
 
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