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Even though patterns vary widely among species, sleep appears to be a requirement for most animals. It has been observed in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fish as well as insects and even simpler organisms, such as nematodes.

To see how the ones closest to us get their rest, we at Bored Panda invite you to take a look at the appropriately titled subreddit 'Animals Being Sleepy.'

Created back in 2018, it now has 42.5K members who are constantly sharing footage of our adorable friends giving in to their peaceful slumber. Enjoy!

#1

Sharing Is Caring

Sharing Is Caring

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Mammals, who are the main stars of this list, sleep to restore their mental and physical energy. The amount that they need depends on several factors, including age, body size, environment, diet, and the safety of their resting spot. Whether a mammal lives on land or in the sea can also affect how much sleep it needs.

Moreover, different mammals also spend varying amounts of time in non-REM and REM sleep. However, all of them studied thus far do exhibit signs of REM sleep, suggesting that mammals dream just like humans do!

#3

All Tired Out

All Tired Out

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The Random Merp
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heya! Cute pic, but just btw these wheels are super dangerous for hamsters! There's countless cases of them getting their paws stuck between the bars or hurting them on them. Please get your hammy a wheel without holes!

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#4

A Good Place To Nap! The Neighbor Had To Check In To See If He Was Ok

A Good Place To Nap! The Neighbor Had To Check In To See If He Was Ok

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#5

Now, That's A Sleep-Smile (& A 1/2) If I Ever Saw One!

Now, That's A Sleep-Smile (& A 1/2) If I Ever Saw One!

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Mammalian sleep is often categorized as monophasic or polyphasic.

The former describes animals who generally receive their sleep in one concentrated period of time. Humans are an example of monophasic sleepers — our circadian rhythms encourage us to sleep for extended periods at night and be active and alert during the day.

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Polyphasic sleepers, on the other hand, tend to sleep multiple times throughout a 24-hour cycle. In nature, polyphasic sleep is more common, as many animals need to maintain some level of vigilance against predators. However, if threats are minimized, they can enjoy monophasic sleep. Marmosets, for example, sleep in trees surrounded by their family, enabling them to feel more protected and enter monophasic sleep phases.

#6

We Were Gone For 10 Days. I Think She Missed Us

We Were Gone For 10 Days. I Think She Missed Us

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#7

Cats That Actually Want Your Love And Affection

Cats That Actually Want Your Love And Affection

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LegendsNeverDIE
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awwww 🥰 but the title implies that they don't usually want affection - I think humans assume they don't so the cats are more reluctant to give it

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#8

Biscuit The Tiny Lop Does A Snooze And A Flop. We Need To Get Her To Stop

Biscuit The Tiny Lop Does A Snooze And A Flop. We Need To Get Her To Stop

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#9

I Got Too Comfortable And Now Must Snooze

I Got Too Comfortable And Now Must Snooze

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Interestingly, birds sleep unihemispherically, with one side of the brain dozing off while the other stays awake. As they sleep, only the eye associated with the sleeping hemisphere of their brain is closed. Unihemispheric sleep allows them to protect themselves from predators. For example, mallard ducks can sleep in a row, and those at the end will be most likely to sleep unihemispherically, with their outward eye remaining open, while ducks in the middle sleep with both eyes closed.

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#10

Puppy Is Sleeping In The Cutest Positions Ever

Puppy Is Sleeping In The Cutest Positions Ever

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#13

At 14, She Doesn’t Play With Toys Much Anymore, But She Still Loves Cuddling With Them

At 14, She Doesn’t Play With Toys Much Anymore, But She Still Loves Cuddling With Them

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

14! How wonderful! I hope you have many more years ahead of you. My current saluki is almost 14 and my oldest saluki lived to 17.

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Unihemispheric sleep also enables migratory birds to make their long flights. These animals may sleep while gliding, when their wings don’t need to flap as much. Birds, like the Alpine swift, have been documented flying for up to 200 days non-stop 

#14

Sometimes He Gets Scared That He's All Alone So I Scratch Behind His Ears Until He Falls Asleep

Sometimes He Gets Scared That He's All Alone So I Scratch Behind His Ears Until He Falls Asleep

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#15

Last Week He Was Living Outside, This Week Ramsay Is Learning To Trust Humans

Last Week He Was Living Outside, This Week Ramsay Is Learning To Trust Humans

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#16

The Nap Gang Is In The Town

The Nap Gang Is In The Town

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But these wholesome pictures might be beneficial to us even more than we realize. A study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, in partnership with Western Australia Tourism, has found evidence to suggest that watching cute animals may contribute to a reduction in stress and anxiety.

So thank you, 'Animals Being Sleepy,' for sharing them with us!

#19

Shhh, Suspect Is Asleep

Shhh, Suspect Is Asleep

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#20

My Dog Likes To Sleep Sucking A Blanket

My Dog Likes To Sleep Sucking A Blanket

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Happy Homemaker
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine will be 10 on January 8th. She still loves sucking on my pillows and making holes in them as she falls asleep, or when she gets anxious. As much as having to sew the hole gets frustrating over and over, and over and over again, I still think it’s cute. 🥰

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#21

Smol Is Tired

Smol Is Tired

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG! Totally irresistible! It's like a black hole pulling me in to cuddle with it! 😻

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#22

She Was So Sleepy She Didn't Even Wake Up When My Boyfriend Moved Her

She Was So Sleepy She Didn't Even Wake Up When My Boyfriend Moved Her

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#23

Well-Earned Nap On My Jacket. The Hike Was A Lot For My Old Girl

Well-Earned Nap On My Jacket. The Hike Was A Lot For My Old Girl

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#25

Tuckered Out From A Hard Day Of Barking At The Wind

Tuckered Out From A Hard Day Of Barking At The Wind

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#26

Little Beauty Sleep

Little Beauty Sleep

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That single brain cell needs to get its beauty rest, you know!

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#27

This Is Phoebo. He Likes Letting His Feet Dangle Off The Edge Of The Bed While Getting Scritches

This Is Phoebo. He Likes Letting His Feet Dangle Off The Edge Of The Bed While Getting Scritches

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#28

I Promise, He Looks Majestic When He's Awake

I Promise, He Looks Majestic When He's Awake

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#30

Our Relationship Is Symbiotic. I Am Pillow. She Is Hot Water Pup

Our Relationship Is Symbiotic. I Am Pillow. She Is Hot Water Pup

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#31

Asleep In 10-Seconds

Asleep In 10-Seconds

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Madam Puddyfoot
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of little kids. I'M NOT TIRED! I DON"T WANT A NA......Zzzzzzzzz

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#34

You’re... Getting... Sleep... Yyyyy

You’re... Getting... Sleep... Yyyyy

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#35

Can't Move. Sawyer Is Sleeping

Can't Move. Sawyer Is Sleeping

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#40

Garak Found A Comfy Nap Spot

Garak Found A Comfy Nap Spot

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#41

Saffron Accepts The New Turquoise Baby

Saffron Accepts The New Turquoise Baby

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#42

The Sacred Yawn Photo™. Many Months I Have Waited For This Opportunity. I Have Been Blessed This Day

The Sacred Yawn Photo™. Many Months I Have Waited For This Opportunity. I Have Been Blessed This Day

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#43

This Is Toby. His Favorite Pillow Is Whatever Piece Of Technology You're Trying To Use Right Now

This Is Toby. His Favorite Pillow Is Whatever Piece Of Technology You're Trying To Use Right Now

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#45

His Own Bed In The Sitting Room, His Own Bed In The Bedroom, Choses The Kitchen Floor

His Own Bed In The Sitting Room, His Own Bed In The Bedroom, Choses The Kitchen Floor

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#46

Nothing Like Sleeping On Your Brothers To Make A Pup Smile

Nothing Like Sleeping On Your Brothers To Make A Pup Smile

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#47

Long Day Of Zoomies (And Biting Mommy's Shoes) Can Be Exhausting

Long Day Of Zoomies (And Biting Mommy's Shoes) Can Be Exhausting

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#48

Cousin's New Puppy After An Eventful Christmas Afternoon

Cousin's New Puppy After An Eventful Christmas Afternoon

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#50

The Proper Way To Start 2021. Naps With Cats!

The Proper Way To Start 2021. Naps With Cats!

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#52

Me After Being A Jerk All Day

Me After Being A Jerk All Day

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Happy Homemaker
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even sleeps with a Harumph 😤 face, but it’s hard to resist how cute it is! 😂

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#55

With A Foot Of Snow Outside, I Don't Blame Her

With A Foot Of Snow Outside, I Don't Blame Her

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#56

Ruckus Wasn’t Feeling Good And Stayed Home From School Today

Ruckus Wasn’t Feeling Good And Stayed Home From School Today

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#57

My Rescued Cockatoo Mojo Finally Feels Safe Enough To Fall Asleep On Her Perch

My Rescued Cockatoo Mojo Finally Feels Safe Enough To Fall Asleep On Her Perch

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#58

This Is The Doggo Of Good Weekend Sleep. Whisper "Sleep Tight Borker" For Good Sleeps Tonight

This Is The Doggo Of Good Weekend Sleep. Whisper "Sleep Tight Borker" For Good Sleeps Tonight

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#59

My Kitten Bazyli

My Kitten Bazyli

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#60

One Of Lucy's Favorite Napping Spots

One Of Lucy's Favorite Napping Spots

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#61

Do You See This Sleeping Pupper?!

Do You See This Sleeping Pupper?!

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#63

That’s How She Act When I’m Not Home

That’s How She Act When I’m Not Home

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#64

Nessie The Jack Russel Has Been Proper Needy Since This Lockdown!

Nessie The Jack Russel Has Been Proper Needy Since This Lockdown!

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#65

I’m Not Sure Who Likes Me Working From Home More, Me Or My Bird

I’m Not Sure Who Likes Me Working From Home More, Me Or My Bird

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#67

First Time Seeing Peepa With Her Tongue Out While Sleeping

First Time Seeing Peepa With Her Tongue Out While Sleeping

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#68

Woke Him Up From A Very Deep Sleep. He Was Not Happy

Woke Him Up From A Very Deep Sleep. He Was Not Happy

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#69

Recently Adopted Addition To Our Family. His Mama’s Name Was Six And He Got Her Thumbs

Recently Adopted Addition To Our Family. His Mama’s Name Was Six And He Got Her Thumbs

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#70

My Dog Always Sleeps Under Blankets. This Is How He Handles Hot Weather

My Dog Always Sleeps Under Blankets. This Is How He Handles Hot Weather

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#71

Falling Asleep During Belly Rubs

Falling Asleep During Belly Rubs

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#73

Beelz All Tuckered Out After Spazzing On The Curtains

Beelz All Tuckered Out After Spazzing On The Curtains

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#74

He Spends Most Of His Day Like This

He Spends Most Of His Day Like This

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#77

Charles Had A “Ruff” Day Today

Charles Had A “Ruff” Day Today

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nomnomborkbork
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Charles looks like he's a very busy guy when he's awake. Lots to investigate!

#78

Hiroki Taking A Nappy Nap

Hiroki Taking A Nappy Nap

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#79

Grandpa Cat Taking A Nap

Grandpa Cat Taking A Nap

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#80

Sleepy With One Eye Open

Sleepy With One Eye Open

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#81

He Thinks This Is His Bed

He Thinks This Is His Bed

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#82

It's Taken Half An Hour Of Careful Work To Squeeze Myself On The Sofa

It's Taken Half An Hour Of Careful Work To Squeeze Myself On The Sofa

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#85

Fa Mulan Taking Her First Nap In Her Home At 8 Weeks

Fa Mulan Taking Her First Nap In Her Home At 8 Weeks

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#86

2 Week Old Foster Kitten, Bean! She Sleeps Anywhere

2 Week Old Foster Kitten, Bean! She Sleeps Anywhere

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Shark Lady
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you are that small, the world is your oyster when it comes to finding somewhere comfy to sleep.

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#87

Played Herself To Sleep At Last

Played Herself To Sleep At Last

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#88

His Name Is Kasper And He Is Sleeping

His Name Is Kasper And He Is Sleeping

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#89

This Is My Grandparents Cat Tiny Rick

This Is My Grandparents Cat Tiny Rick

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#90

She Has A Snack Waiting For Her When She Wakes Up

She Has A Snack Waiting For Her When She Wakes Up

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dogs would always wake up if I stuck food in front of them when they were dead asleep.

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#92

Pippin Falling Asleep In My Leg Nest

Pippin Falling Asleep In My Leg Nest

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I'm.Just.A.Girl
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pippin is a cute name! This should be higher.. all the posts should be higher! They're all perfect!

#93

She Looks So Peaceful

She Looks So Peaceful

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#95

Pawfessionals In The Sport Of Synchronized Napping

Pawfessionals In The Sport Of Synchronized Napping

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#96

After Staying Up 4 Nights Straight It’s Finally Time To Rest!

After Staying Up 4 Nights Straight It’s Finally Time To Rest!

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