Do Spiders Sleep in REM Sleep?
WouterSpiders sleep in a way that is unlike that of humans. While sleeping, they do not shut their eyes, and are unable to dream. Instead, they use vibrations to help them sense danger.
As a result, some people have doubts about whether or not spiders actually sleep. Despite this, scientists continue to try to determine how and why spiders are asleep.
One question that has been raised is: do spiders sleep in REM sleep? This is the stage of sleep during which most human dreams occur.
Researchers have been trying to determine if spiders are in REM sleep for years. But despite their success, there’s still no clear evidence that they are. There are other factors that may affect how they sleep.
For instance, if food is scarce, a spider might prefer to spend the day in a quiet area. Alternatively, a spider might choose to sleep in a place where there is an opportunity for a snack. In either case, the animal will conserve energy.
But does the presence of sleep mean that the animal is able to change its mind? Scientists aren’t sure how to measure this. And in order to determine how a spider’s brain works during sleep, further research will be needed.
Some scientists have inserted electrodes into spiders’ brains without killing them. However, this is a tricky process. The animal’s brain may be too small to monitor electrical activity.
If you’ve ever slept next to a spider, you might have noticed that they don’t close their eyes. They can also be quite active during the day, as they’re able to sense air currents.
