We could imagine that street lamps, computer screens and other forms of artificial lighting are responsible for people sleeping for shorter periods of time, but researchers have found out that this is not necessarily true. They could sleep more deeply because they took turns protecting themselves from enemies around them. As they got heavier they started sleeping on the ground where they gathered in groups around fires. The first humans probably slept in trees, where they built platforms to rest properly.Ībout 2 million years ago the homo erectus left the trees. They had to spend most of their time in the wilderness and be aware of enemies at all times. Our ancestors, millions of years ago, could not sleep as deeply as we do. Over millions of years of evolution our sleeping patterns have changed. Lemurs, for example, can sleep for up to 17 hours while chimpanzees sleep around 11 hours a day. We can get along with about 7 hours of sleep a day, while other primates need much more. According to scientists, REM sleep is good for brain development. While, for example, monkeys spend only 5% of their total sleep in REM status, we humans reach 25%, the highest rate of any primate species. One of the big differences is the time we spend in REM sleep, a kind of intensive, deep sleep, in which we dream a lot. Now they have found out that humans need less sleep, but sleep better than other mammals. 21 primate species were studied, including monkeys, chimpanzees and lemurs. Scroll down and sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more.Researchers have been looking at the differences in sleep patterns between humans and other animals. 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. Even so, a 2017 study discovered that upside-down jellyfish get into a state comparable to sleep. Moreover, since they lack a brain, they thus rely on a series of sensors and tentacles to eat small aquatic species and zooplankton. So, lock your bedroom door at night when the games begin! Horses sleep lying down In that particular instance, creatures with no brains, such as upside-down jellyfish, don’t sleep. 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. For humans, sleep is essential for overall health. Most animals have a natural circadian rhythm or internal biological 24-hour clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness. 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. Jay Summer Staff Writer Up-to-Date Do animals sleep Absolutely Like humans, nearly all animals need some form of rest or sleep. 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. Dolphins: Dolphins, those intelligent and graceful marine mammals, have captivated humans for ages. From marine mammals to insects, nature never ceases to amaze us with its incredible adaptations. As humans, we know how important it is to get eight hours of sleep. In this blog post, we delve into the intriguing world of animals that don’t sleep.
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