Under the surface of the oceans, millions of marine organisms that governed their lives live mysterious rhythms, including sleep that scientists do not understand well. Although the fish, which fill the seas and rivers, look like in a permanent state of activity, they show signs of rest. But can it be called sleep? The answer to this question depends on the different concept of sleep between humans and marine creatures, according to a magazine report National Geographic.
The nerve scientist at Stanford University of California Philip Mourin confirms that “all the animals that have undergone an accurate examination showing a kind of sleep,” but he explains that it is not limited to just sleeping as we humans know, but its shape and characteristics differ from one type to another. This makes the study of sleep in marine organisms a real challenge.
Scientists appreciate the presence of more than 20 thousand species of fish, each with different sleep behaviors. Some fish show sleep patterns approaching mammals, while others experience comfort -like or “nap” that are different from what we know.
“Although we still do not fully understand the specified purpose of it, whether it is toxins or energy regeneration,” says marine biology at the University of Florida International, Michael Heathus, “although we still do not fully understand the specified purpose of it, whether it is toxin cleaning or energy regeneration,” according to National Geographic.
Are sharks sleep?
Although the prevailing belief was confirming that the shark stopped moving means its death due to suffocation, recent studies indicated that stopping it sometimes means that it entered a sleep -like rest stage.
In 2017, a study of a quiet gathering of a number of white sharks, a still in an underwater gathering, was monitored, which supports the hypothesis that some sharks can enter into a state of rest while preserving breathing.
Some scientists believe that sharks may use a form of sleep called “Sleeping Sleeping Hilate Ball”, as it falls asleep for the hemisphere while the other half remains awake. This feature is known to the dolphins, which remain partially conscious in order to continue breathing, although it is mammals and not a so -called.
In 2019, Mourin and his team achieved an important achievement by monitoring the small Zebra fish under a microscope while it was soapped.
This fish showed a noticeable sleep patterns, even showing fast eye movements, which is a feature of sleep known to be necessary for memory and learning in humans.
Do you sleep at night?
According to studies, the timing of fish sleep varies. Many fish are active during the day and sleep at night, but some do the opposite.
For example, the parrot sleeps in a unique way, covering itself with a layer of mucus that resemble a underwater sleep bag.
This layer protects it from predators and parasites, and also protects them from diseases by containing antibiotics. When you disturb this layer, the fish suddenly wakes up and swims quickly, as if it responds to the alarm.
According to National Geographic, even in the depths of the ocean, where sunlight does not reach, fish continue to have a rest or sleep period, although this sleep may not resemble what we know on the surface.
Research says that the depths of the seas have genes for biological watches that regulate their activities, indicating the presence of regular sleep patterns or rest.
Why do we care about fishing?
According to National Geographic, knowing how fish sleep opens new horizons to understand the development of sleep and the reasons for its existence.
Thanks to this research, fish environments can be better protected, especially with the increase in environmental changes that may affect their sleep, health and existence.
These studies indicate that fish are not simple creatures without loyalty or a need for rest, on the contrary, they are more similar to humans than we imagined.
“Fish was the first vertebrate on this earth. So, the real question is not, do you sleep like us? Rather, do we sleep like them?”, According to his conversation with National Geographic.