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Sleep
Radiolab
Evolutionary Perspectives on Sleep Patterns in Animals
Certain animals exhibit the ability to sleep with half of their brain active while the other half is resting, a behavior observed in various sea mammals, flying creatures, and reptiles. This adaptive strategy allows them to remain vigilant against predators. In contrast, terrestrial mammals, including humans, generally do not possess this capability, potentially due to an evolutionary shift influenced by safety. The theory posits that a scaly ancestor once sought refuge by digging a hole, providing the safety needed to close both eyes and enter into deeper sleep. This marked a significant change, indicating that the ability to fully relax and sleep unguarded is linked to an environment perceived as safe. Thus, the way and duration of sleep across species can often be attributed to their perceived safety and ecological niche, with humans living in a relatively secure environment enjoying uninterrupted sleep.
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