Sudden 'Zombie' Behavior in Dogs: Why They Sleep Sudden

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Dogs' lives are a cycle of eating, sleeping, and playing fetch.

From the moment they're born to when they're weaned, puppies spend most of their time sleeping, with their slumber accounting for a significant portion of their daily routine.

On average, puppies sleep for about 19 to 20 hours, with some even clocking in at 22 hours; adult dogs typically sleep between 10 to 18 hours, meaning they spend a large part of their day dozing off.

What is Light Sleep and Deep Sleep?

Dogs experience two stages of sleep: light and deep sleep.

When a dog seems perpetually ready to fall asleep, it's in a light sleep state. During this time, they are in a prone position, with their head resting between their front paws, and one ear often close to the ground.

Light sleep makes dogs easily startled, which is actually a form of alertness.

However, once they're in a deep sleep, they let their guard down, relax their bodies, and may twitch their limbs, gently摇 their heads, and even roll over, sometimes making soft whining sounds.

While it's hard to wake a dog from deep sleep, they are still sensitive to unfamiliar noises. If disturbed, they may express their frustration.

Julia Robertson, a British physiotherapist, notes that it's crucial for dogs to have the opportunity to create a comfortable environment and choose the right sleeping position. So, if your dog is tired, provide a cozy spot for them to rest.

The Secrets of Dog Sleep

The Four Stages of Sleep

For dogs and other advanced mammals, sleep not only allows the body to rest but also gives the brain a chance to rejuvenate.

The deep sleep that allows the brain to rest is known as "nonREM sleep," which is similar to "REM sleep" that helps the body relax.

"REM sleep" refers to a semisleep state where there is still some consciousness, characterized by highfrequency brain waves that can influence the secretion of growth hormones during sleep.

When a dog feels safe in its environment, this sense of security is sent to the brain, leading the dog into a deeper sleep, or "nonREM sleep," which in turn allows the brain to rest fully.

Dogs cycle through sleep states every 45 minutes, nearly half the time humans do. Their bodies and brains alternate between "REM sleep," "nonREM sleep," and wakefulness.

Scientific research has identified four main stages:

① The falling asleep phase, where brainwave frequency slows down;

② The light sleep phase, with irregular brainwave patterns;

③ The transition into deep sleep, characterized by significant changes in brainwave patterns, lower frequencies, and larger amplitudes;

④ Deep sleep. NonREM sleep typically accounts for 80% of the total sleep time.

Interpreting the "Zombie" Phenomenon:

The "zombie" phenomenon is a direct reflection of a stress response. When dogs are in light sleep, even a slight movement can wake them up. They are on high alert, confirming the safety of their surroundings immediately.

In deep sleep, it's not the owner or familiar people who are easily awakened, but strangers or loud noises that can disturb them.

Stress Response:

The stress response is the archnemesis of sleep, as it can directly hinder the body and brain's ability to recover from fatigue.

Conditions like the common cold, heart disease, stomach ulcers, and diabetes can trigger a stress response in dogs.

If this state persists for too long, sleepdeprived dogs may exhibit various behavioral issues, such as aggression, fighting with other dogs, and disobedience.

Caution:

Never tease a sleeping dog; the consequences can be severe!

The Dangers of Insomnia:

Longterm sleep deprivation can weaken a dog's immune system, leading to colds, illnesses, and making them harder to treat.

Even the most docile dogs can become restless and may bark continuously, even biting the person who woke them up.

Sleep is crucial for animals, but what exactly is its purpose? Does sleep truly repair brain damage and process information? Is it necessary for the body's various regulatory functions?

However, in longterm sleep studies of most animals, a pattern emerges: no animal can completely avoid sleep.

In other words: even the smallest amount of sleep is essential.