Did you know: Seals only sleep with half their brain when out at sea?
seals, particularly fur seals, are known to sleep with only half of their brain at a time when they are in the water, allowing one side to remain alert for potential threats while the other side rests, similar to how dolphins sleep.
Key points about seal sleep:
Unihemispheric sleep:
This unique sleep pattern is called "unihemispheric sleep" where only one hemisphere of the brain sleeps at a time.
Reason for adaptation:
This adaptation is thought to be crucial for seals to stay vigilant against predators while still getting some rest in the water, as they need to surface regularly to breathe.
Brain chemistry:
Studies have shown that the active side of the seal's brain has higher levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with alertness.
Key points about seal sleep:
Unihemispheric sleep:
This unique sleep pattern is called "unihemispheric sleep" where only one hemisphere of the brain sleeps at a time.
Reason for adaptation:
This adaptation is thought to be crucial for seals to stay vigilant against predators while still getting some rest in the water, as they need to surface regularly to breathe.
Brain chemistry:
Studies have shown that the active side of the seal's brain has higher levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with alertness.
