Ostriches Sleep like Platypuses
Author Information
Author(s): John A. Lesku, Leith C. R. Meyer, Andrea Fuller, Shane K. Maloney, Giacomo Dell'Omo, Alexei L. Vyssotski, Niels C. Rattenborg
Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute for Ornithology
Hypothesis
Whether sleep in basal birds resembles that of monotremes or other mammals and birds is unknown.
Conclusion
Ostriches exhibit a unique REM sleep state that combines features of both REM and SWS, suggesting a recurring evolutionary pattern in sleep.
Supporting Evidence
- Ostriches spend 88.6% of the day awake and 13.8% of the night awake.
- The amount of REM sleep in ostriches is greater than in any other bird.
- Episodes of REM sleep in ostriches can last up to 5 minutes, the longest reported for any bird.
Takeaway
Ostriches have a special way of sleeping that is different from most birds, similar to how platypuses sleep.
Methodology
The study involved implanting electrodes in six female ostriches to measure brain waves, eye movements, and muscle tone during sleep.
Limitations
The small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Six female adult ostriches, mean weight 82±4 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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