It’s officially Bed Month, and to celebrate, we’ve teamed up with sleep expert James Wilson – aka The Sleep Geek – to release the ultimate yawn!
As the UK’s biggest hotel chain, we know a thing or two about a great night’s sleep. But did you know that our recent research found that 80% of people consider yawning to be rude – and millions of people across the UK are stifling their yawns on a daily basis!
According to the research, the rudest situations to let out a yawn are in a job interview (63%), in a meeting (55%) and on a date (49%). And it’s not just the situation that could make it a faux pas – nearly half of those asked revealed that they’d be offended if someone yawned without covering their mouth, and over a third would be offended if someone yawned loudly.
Yawn-ited Kingdom! The Sleep Geek is here to help you achieve the ultimate yawn this Bed Month
Our research revealed the top 10 most inappropriate places to yawn include:
- At a job interview (63%)
- In a meeting (55%)
- On a date (49%)
- At a wedding (36%)
- At a meal (30%)
- At a birthday party (20%)
- At work (18%)
- Watching a concert (11%)
- On public transport (8%)
- At the cinema (7%)
James Wilson
Despite this though, almost 20% say that yawning is still one of the most satisfying feelings. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Sleep Geek to encourage people to ‘yawn-nite’, listen to their bodies and unleash their ultimate yawn!
James Wilson says:
“Many believe yawns are simply a symptom of needing a nap, but there are tangible benefits. Our body is often trying to send us a message when we feel a yawn coming, and we should always listen."
"Yawning can be essential as a way of regulating brain temperature, increasing our oxygen intake and removing carbon dioxide as the body demands. When coupled with a stretch, we can feel a burst of energy when we unleash a yawn, which helps to prepare the body for the task in hand. It is a curious area of human and animal behaviour that has enjoyed widespread examination and research."
"The fact that yawns are contagious has even led to some researchers to believe that yawning helps to promote empathy and strengthen social connections."
“Ultimately, yawning is a natural and not to mention often involuntary response. Of course, there are times when you want to avoid the attention or unleash in advance – no one is suggesting yawning in the middle of a job interview – but you shouldn’t be afraid to unleash your ultimate yawn. Big gulp of air, stretch those arms out far as possible, let out that huge sigh and be amazed how refreshed you feel afterwards and ready for anything.”
To help the nation fully embrace these yawning urges, The Sleep Geek has worked with us to create the ultimate yawn formula. From the angle of your arms to the scrunch of your nose, the formula ensures only the very best yawns are achieved for maximum effect. To make the most out of your next yawn, simply follow these steps:
Angle of the arms
Aim for a gentle V-shape, around 30-45 degrees from the body. This should offer a balanced mix of stretch and relaxation.
Mouth opening
Open your mouth to approximately 80-90% of its maximum. Enough to feel a deep release without risking any jaw discomfort.
Decibel level
Similar to singing or a loud conversation, 60-70 decibels is the optimum volume for a yawn. This is a chance to fully release and, similar to chanting, a loud, sustained yawn could help with stress reduction.
The Ultimate Yawn Formula
Sit upright with your back straight
- Angle of the Arms: Aim for a gentle V-shape, around 30-45 degrees from the body. This should offer a balanced mix of stretch and relaxation.
- Mouth Opening: Open your mouth to approximately 80-90% of its maximum. Enough to feel a deep release without risking any jaw discomfort.
- Amount of Stretch: Fully extend your arms above your head, fingers reaching towards the sky. The stretch should gently pull on your shoulders and upper back.
- Best Position: While seated, sit upright with your back straight but not tense. Alternatively, standing with feet shoulder-width apart can add a dynamic element. the ultimate yawn would be lying down in bed, giving your body the chance to fully stretch, unimpeded by gravity.
- Decibel Level: Similar to singing or a loud conversation, 60-70 decibels is the optimum volume for a yawn. This is a chance to fully release and, similar to chanting, a loud, sustained yawn could help with stress reduction.
- Scrunch of the Face: A subtle scrunch, involving closing your eyes and wrinkling your nose. It enhances the sensation of a yawn and engages the 43 muscles in your face.
- Depth of the Breath: Take a deep inhale, filling your lungs completely. The exhalation should be slow and controlled, providing a soothing end to the yawn.
A good yawn isn’t the only way to help you feel refreshed – a great night’s sleep in one of our super-comfy beds followed by a tasty Premier Inn Breakfast will do the trick too! Check out our short breaks guide for a little inn-spiration before booking one of our great value hotels.