![]() ![]() Recent studies have even suggested a third reason: protection. For example, echidnas in Australia will hibernate after fires, waiting until food resources rebound to resume normal activities. “Some species hibernate in response to food shortages,” Drew notes. There are tropical hibernators that may do so to stay cool in the heat. While hibernation is most often seen as a seasonal behavior, it’s not exclusive to cold-weather critters. She studies the brain chemistry of hibernating Arctic ground squirrels ( Spermophilus parryii). In fact, Blanco’s research has found that hibernators have to undergo periodic arousals so they can catch some sleep! Why Do Animals Hibernate? Put simply: “Hibernation is a means of energy conservation,” says Kelly Drew, a neuropharmacologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the United States. ![]() Their brain activity “becomes undetectable.” This is very different from sleep, which is a gentle resting state where unconscious functions are still performed. And instead of breathing about every second, they can go up to 10 minutes without taking a breath. For example, when dwarf lemurs hibernate, they reduce their heart rates from over 300 beats per minute to fewer than six, Blanco says. “Most of the physiological functions are extremely slowed down or completely halted,” says Marina Blanco, a postdoctoral associate at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina, United States, who studies the dwarf lemurs ( Cheirogaleus spp.) of Madagascar-the only primates that hibernate on a regular schedule. Hibernation is an extended form of torpor, a state where metabolism is depressed to less than five percent of normal. What Is Hibernation? Despite what you may have heard, species that hibernate don’t “sleep” during the winter. Read on for more behind the science of hibernation. Scroll down and sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more.For people who aren't fans of winter, animals that hibernate seem to have the right idea: It's the equivalent of burying your head under the covers until spring comes-isn't it? Not quite. This is just one more example of the amazing diversity of life on this planet. What we have learnedĪs you can see, there is a wide variety of sleep habits among different species. Many insects are buzzing around nonstop! Ants, bees, and flies are able to stay awake for long periods of time by taking short naps throughout the day. ![]() Some insects don't sleep at all (but they do nap a little!) They prefer to lie down to enter REM sleep which is when dreaming occurs and is important for the horse’s mental health. Horses need around 2-3 hours of sleep per day, but they can sleep lying down or standing up. So, lock your bedroom door at night when the games begin! Horses sleep lying down This is because they are naturally crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. Our feline friends are known for their love of sleeping, and they can sleep for up to 16 hours per day. In fact, frigatebirds can remain in flight for weeks by employing short, ten-second nap bursts! Cats sleep up to 16 hours per dayĪnyone who has ever been owned by a cat knows that the term “cat nap” is well-earned. This feat is possible because they have a special part of their brain called the avian pacemaker that controls their sleep-wake cycle. To keep from drifting apart, they will link their paws together-like a raft! So cute. These marine mammals often sleep in groups called rafts. Isn't that charming? Sea otters hold hands during sleep Younger, smaller giraffes often prefer to sleep, nestled with their head on their butt. Because they are vulnerable to predators while lying down, they prefer to stay standing. They only sleep for around 30 minutes per day, in short, 5-10 minute naps. Giraffes are the tallest land animals on Earth, but they don't need much sleep. Just imagine everything I could get done-even with just half my brain! Giraffes sleep for very short periods So, while one side of their brain is in deep sleep, the other side remains awake to keep them safe. Dolphins sleep with one eye openĬalled unihemispheric sleep, this unique sleep ability allows for survival in the open ocean, where dolphins need to remain alert to potential predators and obstacles. Check out these cool sleep facts about animals. But have you ever considered the sleep requirements of our furry or feathered friends? Sleep is an essential part of an animal's life, as it helps maintain its physical and mental health. As humans, we know how important it is to get eight hours of sleep. ![]()
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