Top 30 moments Brits have been left ’embarrassed’ – thanks to this one body habit

A new study has revealed the most cringe-worthy moments Brits have been caught yawning – and it seems there’s never a good time to stifle a yawn

We’ve all been there – stifling a yawn at the worst possible time. A new study reveals that Brits have been caught yawning during some of life’s most significant moments, from job interviews to weddings, sparking awkwardness and even embarrassment.

The research, commissioned by Bensons for Beds to launch their YawnHub initiative, surveyed 2,000 adults and uncovered the 30 most cringe-worthy yawning scenarios. Topping the list were moments like meeting a partner’s parents, on a date, and even at a funeral.

Other offenders included while giving a presentation, during dentist appointments, and – perhaps most ironically – when discussing sleep.

The average adult yawns five times a day, according to the study carried out by OnePoll. Unsurprisingly, tiredness was cited as the most common cause, with the peak times for yawning being between 8pm and 10pm, followed by the afternoon slump from 2pm to 4pm.

But boredom and stress are also big contributors. A third of Brits admitted to yawning due to boredom, while a fifth blamed it on stress or anxiety. And, of course, there’s the contagious factor – nearly nine in 10 people said they’re likely to yawn if they see someone else do it.

Dr. Sophie Bostock, a sleep expert working 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.”

Despite its benefits, yawning at the wrong moment can be socially awkward. More than a third of Brits confessed to feeling embarrassed, awkward, or apologetic after an ill-timed yawn. Some even reported being laughed at or accused of rudeness by friends or family.

However, nearly half (45%) insist that yawning isn’t intentional, while 37% believe it shouldn’t be judged. But it’s not all bad – 40% of respondents said they feel more alert and energised after yawning, thanks to the release of mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.

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

To learn more about the science of yawning and its surprising benefits, visit Bensons for Beds’ YawnHub.

Top 30 moments Brits have held back 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