Why some animals can sleep while standing: How they never fall down

Have you ever wondered why some animals and birds sleep while standing?

While it's almost impossible for a human to sleep while standing, animals like horses and some birds see no problems with it.

Here's some explanation, why.

Locking joints

Animals like horses have a mechanism called the "stay apparatus" in their legs. 

This mechanism enables them to engage specific tendons and ligaments that lock their limb joints, allowing them to stand without actively exerting muscle effort. 

Strong muscles

They have strong leg muscles and sturdy bone structures that provide stability and support while standing. 

Their legs are positioned in a way that distributes their weight evenly, reducing the need for constant muscular engagement.

The ability of light sleep

Certain animals have the ability to enter a state of "light sleep" while standing. 

During this sleep phase, they are still somewhat alert and responsive to their surroundings. 

This enables them to quickly awaken if there is a potential threat or the need to move.

But they still need deep sleep

Deep sleep is essential for restorative processes such as muscle repair, memory consolidation, and hormonal regulation. 

Animals that sleep while standing will seek out a safe and comfortable location to lie down and enter these deeper sleep stages when necessary.
 

• Related news:
• horses
• animals
• animal facts
• 15 June 2023

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