During unihemispheric sleep, one hemisphere of the brain rests while the other remains awake and alert. This allows them to maintain their breathing, sensory perception, and ability to respond to potential threats while still getting the necessary rest.
Dolphins typically sleep for short periods multiple times throughout the day. They may spend between 5-10 minutes sleeping with one hemisphere at a time, allowing the other hemisphere to remain active. This pattern helps them balance the need for休息和保持警惕 in their aquatic environment.
Dolphins usually sleep near the surface of the water, but they can also rest while swimming slowly or socializing with other dolphins. They tend to stay in shallow waters or calm areas to minimize the risk of potential attacks.
It's worth noting that not all dolphins sleep in the same way. Some species, such as the bottlenose dolphins, engage in unihemispheric sleep, while others, like the Amazon river dolphin, display bihemispheric sleep patterns, where both hemispheres of the brain rest simultaneously.
Overall, dolphins' sleep patterns are an excellent adaptation that allows them to rest, conserve energy, and stay vigilant in their marine habitat.