Scientists already knew that birds, like humans, experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM sleep is linked with dreams in humans. As we grow older we spend less time in that stage and now there is a study showing that baby owls sleep a lot like human babies.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Ornithology in Germany and the University of Lausanne in Switzerland used tiny sensors to monitor the brain waves and body movements in 66 baby barn owls of different ages for 5 days. The results revealed the changing sleep patterns in the owlets and its link to a gene producing melanin. Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment; melanism is the development of dark skin in humans. The findings are significant to help scientists understand what REM sleep actually does for the developing brain in owls, as well as humans.
It is fascinating to see how much we can learn about ourselves from the animals around us. Sleep health is vital to every aspect of lives. Be sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep every night.
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