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Yawning and cortisol levels in multiple sclerosis: Potential new diagnostic tool.
Simon B N Thompson1, Alister Coleman2, Nicola Williams2
1Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole House (P305), Poole BH12 5BB, UK; International Scientific Council for Research, Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, 200 avenue République, 92001 Nanterre, France.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|May 18, 2018
Summary
Yawning is linked to elevated cortisol levels, supporting brain cooling theories. This connection may offer a new diagnostic marker for neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Yawning is a complex behavior linked to thermoregulation and neurological function.
- Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been implicated in various physiological processes.
- The Thompson Cortisol Hypothesis proposes a relationship between yawning and cortisol levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between yawning and salivary cortisol levels.
- To explore the potential of yawning and cortisol as diagnostic markers for neurological diseases.
- To compare yawning behavior and cortisol responses in healthy individuals and those with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- 117 volunteers (33 with MS) were randomly assigned to conditions designed to induce yawning.
- Salivary cortisol samples were collected before and after yawning or stimuli presentation.
- Standardized questionnaires assessed anxiety, depression, and general health.
Main Results:
- Yawners showed significant changes in cortisol levels compared to baseline in both healthy and MS groups.
- A significant difference in cortisol levels was observed between healthy and MS non-yawners.
- No significant difference in cortisol levels was found between healthy and MS yawners.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the Thompson Cortisol Hypothesis, indicating elevated cortisol during yawning.
- Cortisol levels differ significantly in non-yawning MS participants compared to healthy individuals.
- Yawning, in conjunction with cortisol measurements, may serve as a novel diagnostic tool for early neurological symptom detection.
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