Do Not Disturb
A closer look at animals at rest

from Ducks Unlimited's Puddler magazine Winter 1999

Animals need their rest just like humans do. For animals, of course, taking a snooze doesn't mean putting on PJ's and climbing into bed each night. In fact, some animals go to sleep without lying down at all. Others get their shut-eye in the middle of the day. In this Special Feature, we bring you surprising sleep facts and a look at animals lazin' around.
 

What is animal sleep?
Sleep is the same for animals as it is for humans: a time when the brain and the body are less active.

 

Who sleeps in the animal world?

Not all animals sleep.
While some animals actually fall asleep,
others simply have times of rest.

 

Why do animals need sleep?
Animals sleep or rest to give their bodies
a chance to "re-charge" energy.

 

When do animals sleep?
Many animals spend their time sleeping whenever they aren't feeding.


 

Where do animals sleep?
Animals sleep wherever they
can find a safe spot.

 

How long do animals sleep?
Some animals take short naps while others fall
into a special kind of deep sleep for weeks at a time.