• Thu, December 12, 2024

I Just Found Out Why We Really Stretch When We Wake Up, And No, It's Not 'Just Because'

When you wake up in the morning, do you choose to do that curled-fist stretch you always yawn through ― or is it kind of involuntary? If you don't feel in control of the satisfying movement, you might be experiencing something called pandiculation (yes,
The article from MSN discusses the reasons behind why humans stretch upon waking up, debunking the common belief that it's merely due to feeling stiff or needing to wake up the muscles. According to the piece, stretching upon waking, often referred to as "pandu" in some cultures, serves several physiological purposes. Firstly, it helps to realign the spine and muscles after being in a static position for hours, reducing the risk of injury. Secondly, it increases blood flow and oxygen to the muscles, which have been relatively inactive during sleep, thus preparing the body for movement. Additionally, stretching triggers the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, which can help in waking up the brain and improving mood. The article also touches on how this behavior is not unique to humans; many animals also stretch upon waking, suggesting an evolutionary advantage to this practice. Overall, the act of stretching in the morning is a natural, beneficial response to prepare the body for the day ahead, enhancing both physical and mental alertness.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/fitness-and-exercise/i-just-found-out-why-we-really-stretch-when-we-wake-up-and-no-it-s-not-just-because/ar-AA1vJXfS