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How do dolphins sleep if they need to breathe air at the surface? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Because they’re always coming to the surface of the water for some air, it seems like it would be hard for a water-dwelling mammal like a dolphin or whale to ever lie down and get some sleep!
To fix this problem, creatures like dolphins and whales have some special methods of getting their zzz’s. For example, a dolphin or whale might “sleep” while still keeping half of its brain slightly awake! The part that stays awake reminds the animal about when it needs to go up to the water’s surface for a breath.
Sometimes dolphins and whales also help themselves get some sleep by taking fewer breaths per minute when resting. They’re able to do this because their lungs are large compared to the size of their bodies, and because their red blood cells deliver more oxygen at a time as their blood circulates. Some dolphins also manage to sleep more deeply by spending their resting time floating at the water’s surface, where air is readily available!
Sleep in the animal world!
What are some other animals you know about who have interesting sleeping habits??
One example might be bats, who sleep hanging upside down! Do you know why bats chose to sleep in this seemingly odd way?
Bears also have a different kind of sleeping habit, because they sleep all winter long, until spring arrives with more food for them to eat!
What other animals do you know about who have special sleeping arrangements??
To fix this problem, creatures like dolphins and whales have some special methods of getting their zzz’s. For example, a dolphin or whale might “sleep” while still keeping half of its brain slightly awake! The part that stays awake reminds the animal about when it needs to go up to the water’s surface for a breath.
Sometimes dolphins and whales also help themselves get some sleep by taking fewer breaths per minute when resting. They’re able to do this because their lungs are large compared to the size of their bodies, and because their red blood cells deliver more oxygen at a time as their blood circulates. Some dolphins also manage to sleep more deeply by spending their resting time floating at the water’s surface, where air is readily available!
Sleep in the animal world!
What are some other animals you know about who have interesting sleeping habits??
One example might be bats, who sleep hanging upside down! Do you know why bats chose to sleep in this seemingly odd way?
Bears also have a different kind of sleeping habit, because they sleep all winter long, until spring arrives with more food for them to eat!
What other animals do you know about who have special sleeping arrangements??
