How Do Whales Sleep?
How Do Whales Sleep? Find this Answer below - from a List of - 20 of the Most Often Asked Questions about Whales
It is the coolest thing - when whales sleep - most often it's at the surface of the water - as they are conscious breathers.....meaning that they have to be conscious to take a breath - in order to come to the surface for air regularly unlike us humans (we breath unconsciously). Since whales need to be conscious to take a breath - and they "Do" need to sleep - they shut down only half of their brains while sleeping - with one side in a semi-conscious state to alert them to dangers. They float near the surface described as "logging" because they look like a log floating aimlessly when they are asleep. This is the way Sperm Whales generally sleep, but they have been known to catch "cat-naps" while diving as well. Most other whale species sleep horizontally at the surface just "drifting" or "logging" so as to be able to consciously take a breath when needed. As a matter of fact that is one reason for whales being hit by large sea-going vessels......the whales have the side of their brains that are facing the ships - turned "off" in a sleep state...and with the increase of shipping - we are seeing more fatal whale strikes all the time! - return to - "Questions about Whales" - on Facts about Whales page - - return to - "Top of Page" - How do Whales Sleep? - return to - "Home Page" - Photo courtesy of.... whale-spout-flicker-havankevin.jpg
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