Nov 30, 2025 · Yes, but not like humans! These marine mammals engage in a unique form of rest called unihemispheric sleep, allowing one half of their brain to sleep while the other remains active. Orcas …

Aug 13, 2025 · Orcas periodically switch which side of the brain is resting, allowing both hemispheres to recover. This alternating pattern ensures both sides of the brain receive rest over time, while the orca …

Dec 1, 2021 · In short, they don't – at least, not fully. Like all other cetaceans (whales and dolphins), orcas do not entirely shut down their brain for sleep the same way that you do. Instead, they sleep …

Aug 25, 2014 · While half of the killer whale’s brain catches up on sleep, the other half controls the breathing. What’s more, one eye remains open (on the “awake” side of the brain”) while the other …

Nov 30, 2025 · Key Takeaway: Orcas don't truly "sleep" in the way humans do; they employ a remarkable strategy called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS). This allows one half of their …

Jun 24, 2025 · New research in Science provides a clue: a group of neurons in the thalamus that activate during sleep deprivation and promote sleep recovery and depth.

Mar 24, 2025 · Despite being in the water, whales have several sleep-related behaviors that enable them to get the rest they need. The most common sleep positions for whales are either horizontal or …

Orcas sleep in short periods, usually about 5-20 minutes, and can do this multiple times a day. They can sleep while swimming slowly or floating vertically in the water.

Jan 20, 2025 · Research has shown that killer whales can shut down one hemisphere of their brain while keeping the other hemisphere awake. This phenomenon is known as unihemispheric slow-wave …

Sep 21, 2023 · Orcas have a remarkable adaptation known as Unihemispheric Slow-Wave Sleep. This means that only one hemisphere of their brain sleeps at a time, allowing them to remain partially alert …