How Do Penguins Sleep? As all living beings have their own time period of sleep, penguins have their own? Penguins are one of these species of birds that are flightless, aquatic. They’re one of those species that have survived through the first epoch of the Paleogene Period in the modern Cenozoic Era. It is a tantalizing question that how do they sleep, when do they sleep and where do they sleep.
Now, the answer to How Do Penguins Sleep; is very simple. Unlike Humans, they don’t sleep at night. They take naps at different times in the whole day. Well, now a days human are becoming more like Penguins, I guess😜. As Penguins have a fear that they might become a prey to their predators, usually they don’t sleep. But the interesting fact about them is that they can sleep while standing or they can sleep even in oceans. Keep reading for more interesting and phenomenal things that penguins do while sleeping.
Have you ever wondered Why Can’t Penguins Fly or Where Do Penguins Live ?
How do Penguins Sleep
As mentioned earlier penguins can sleep while standing. It may sound awkward but it actually is a way to their survival. As we know where do they live and what climatic conditions they have to face in their life. They prefer to sleep while standing because it gives them some space between their body and ground. By doing that, they have to face minimum contact with ground and it helps keep their body warm.
Penguins can easily be preyed upon because they are not an aggressive kind of animal, kinda week or timid. That is also the reason behind their napping habit. They prefer not to sleep or sleep less as possible just to stay alive. So that, no predator can hunt them down such as leopards seal and Galapagos Shark.
The other thing is Penguins sleep in oceans. Find out about their time periods on land and in oceans. As they spend most of the time of year under water, because the lower waves in ocean are warmer than upper side, it helps keep them their body warm. Just like human beings, they prefer to sleep with their tummy full. They sleep in late evenings and early nights after they take their last meal of the day.
Keep reading to explore more interesting facts about penguins sleep and how do Penguins sleep?
Where do penguins sleep?
Usually penguins don’t sleep much, but when they do they take only a few hours nap. They don’t go into deep slumber like we do; they remain attentive while sleeping in order to prevent any kind of physical damage by predators such as leopards seal and Galapagos Shark. They can sleep on land and as well as in water. Emperor Penguins prefer sleeping while standing. They usually lurch in their colony to keep themselves warm but when they feel warmer they go to the edges to cool themselves a bit.
Can Penguins Sleep while standing?
Yes, Penguins can sleep while standing. As a matter of fact they prefer to sleep while standing especially Emperor Penguins. They sleep while standing to prevent touching the cold ground. It keeps them warm during their sleep which is very comforting for them. Hence, just like humans penguins can sleep in any kind of position which makes them safe, warm and comfortable.
Can Penguins Sleep in ocean?
If you are wondering how do Penguins sleep? This thought might come across your mind that can penguins sleep in ocean or under water. Yes, they can. They prefer going deep in the water because the water currents are warm under the ocean which keeps them warm and cozy. But penguins can’t stay long under the water. A recent research has shown that emperor penguin can stay under water for 27 minutes. They can’t breathe under the water, so when they are beneath the ocean they slow their heart beat and completely stop the organs which are not performing any kind of function. Emperor penguins are the only one among the avian specie which can dive to depths of over 500 meters.
Can Penguins Sleep on their Belly?
Well in my observation only King Penguins or other large penguins sleep own their belly, whereas small penguins usually sleep in their burrows. Fun Fact! Penguins not only sleep on their tummy but walk on it as well. This process is called Toboggan. As they have small legs and webbed feet, it makes them difficult to walk; this requires a lot of energy too. So in order to preserve their energies they get down on their bellies and push themselves with their feet (Toboggan). The Penguins in cold environment slide more as compared to the ones in comparatively warmer climate.
How long does a Penguin sleep?
Penguins don’t go into deep slumber like humans instead they take several naps. They do so in order to prevent any physical harm from predators such as leopards seal and Galapagos Shark. They consume less food if they are asleep. So, if conditions give them the right to sleep, they (especially Emperor Penguins) can sleep up to 20 hours or even 24 hours.
Why do penguins sleep while standing?
Well, this is the most intriguing question. I mean, this is like a joke that someone can sleep while standing; isn’t it? BTW it’s not a joke. Penguins actually do that. Emperor Penguins usually sleep while standing. They do so to prevent themselves from cold land. It keeps their body warm and comfortable. That’s why they prefer sleeping while standing.
What is the best environment for penguins to sleep?
Well the best environment for them is when they are sure there is no danger looming large on them. This is when penguins can sleep; otherwise a nap works best for them. If we speak of environment climate wise, it has to be a little warm. In case you haven’t noticed the reason behind sleeping while standing is to get warm.
When do Penguins Sleep?
Penguins unlike human don’t sleep at night. They take nap at different times during day. They like to sleep with their tummy full. Usually, that is after their meal. Some penguins sleep for 20 hours a day, yea that’s right. Emperor Penguin can sleep 20-24 hours a day if provided a suitable environment.
Other Positions
Penguins can sleep while standing. They can also sleep in water and under the ocean. As penguins have a high lung capacity for swimming, in case of emperor penguins; they can stay under water for 27 minutes according to modern researches. Large Penguins can also sleep on their belly. Small ones often nap in their burrows. Some penguins also rest in trees. Some sleep within their colonies.
What do Penguins Drink?
Mostly the penguins have to drink salty water but when they are at shore, penguins drink fresh water from lakes and pools. You may wonder that how can they survive on salty water. The answer to this is that their bodies are naturally designed to accommodate salty kind of water. They convert salty water into fresh water in their body. They have a supraorbital gland located near their eyes which separate salts from their body, while some penguins eat snow as a source of water.
What do Penguins Eat?
Mostly penguins find their prey in sea water. What would you expect? What would they eat? Elephants? Penguins usually prey upon small fish and some squid and shrimps. They don’t each much, but they are still fat. I guess this mystery will remain unsolved XD!
Activities of Penguins
Well penguins don’t have enough things to do in daytime. They swim, they prey, they eat and they eat more. Eat enough to build fat around their bodies to keep themselves warm. They remain in their colonies to stay warm, but when they feel a little hot, they go to the shore to cool themselves. This is when they go for swimming too. The Emperor Penguins can stay under water for 27 minutes. Most of the time Penguins like to stay in their groups together which is known as Rookery. They hunt, swim, eat and nest together.
How do Penguins Communicate?
There are certain physical behaviors that penguins exhibit known as “displays”. They communicate by displays and by vocalizing. Penguins even sing and dance to attract their mates. They warn each other in case of danger through their nesting. Interesting fact about penguin!! They have ears attached to both sides of their heads but they are just holes and covered by feathers. It helps their shape during swimming.