Understanding Sperm Whales' Sleep Behavior

Unlike humans, sperm whales have a unique way of sleeping. They rest vertically in the water, heads slightly tilted upwards, and remain motionless during this resting state.

Sperm whales do not sleep for long periods. Instead, they take short naps that can last between 6 to 24 minutes, occurring several times each day.

Sperm whales experience unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. This means they shut down only one half of their brain while the other half remains alert, helping them maintain basic life functions and awareness.

Occasionally, sperm whales sleep together in groups, forming a pattern resembling a synchronized, vertical raft. This collective behavior is not yet fully understood.

During these rest periods, sperm whales don't breathe. They can hold their breath for about 90 minutes, which encompasses their entire nap time before resurfacing for air.

While in this state, sperm whales are more susceptible to threats. Their stillness and the close proximity of group sleep can make them easy targets for predators and human threats.

Noise pollution from ships and marine exploration can disrupt sperm whales' sleep patterns, contributing to stress and affecting their ability to rest effectively.

A sperm whale once dived over 7,000 feet deep, demonstrating their incredible adaptability to extreme ocean depths.