Do Spiders Take Naps?
WouterIt is often thought that spiders sleep but in fact they don’t. They can’t close their eyes and they don’t appear to be asleep at all. But they do have a unique way of settling down.
While all animals have a daily rhythm to their activity, spiders have their own. They spend less time during the day and more time at night. It is during these times that they conserve energy. They do this by lowering their metabolic rate. They also keep themselves up to date with their internal biological clock. They also adjust this rhythm as needed.
Unlike humans, who usually go to bed and get up at the same time every day, spiders do not have a set bedtime. They often spend the day hiding and resting. If food is scarce, they may rest more. If a predator comes near, they will spring into action.
The amount of sleep that spiders get varies from species. Some sleep upside down, while others suspend themselves from a web. They can nap while tucked under their legs, or in the bark or bark tufts. They might also be laying in a leaf or in a burrow.
Scientists have not yet fully understood how spiders go to sleep. One scientist has speculated that they may be asleep during a REM cycle. However, there is little research to support this idea.
Researchers have observed jumping spiders while sleeping. These spiders occasionally curl limbs, shimmy, and unfurl their limbs. These movements are reminiscent of a napping pet.
