Watch The Secret World of Animal Sleep

2017
1 Season

The Secret World of Animal Sleep is a mesmerizing documentary series that takes viewers deep into the bizarre, fascinating and sometimes downright perplexing world of animal sleep. Produced by Smithsonian Earth, the show explores the sleeping habits of a wide range of creatures - from insects to mammals - and seeks to uncover the secrets of why these behaviors evolved and what purpose they serve.

The series is divided into six episodes, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of animal sleep. Episode one, for example, examines the phenomenon of torpor - a state of reduced metabolic activity that some animals enter into in order to conserve energy during periods of extreme environmental stress. Through stunning wildlife footage, expert analysis and cutting-edge scientific research, the show uncovers the intricate mechanisms that allow creatures like hummingbirds and bats to survive and thrive in the most challenging of conditions.

Subsequent episodes delve into other intriguing aspects of animal sleep, such as the role of dreams and the mysteries of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Episode three, for instance, explores the ways in which animals use sleep - and dreams - to process memories, learn new skills, and even solve problems. Meanwhile, episode four looks at the unique physiological and behavioral adaptations that allow certain species to get by with remarkably little sleep, such as the African elephant, which can go for days on end without closing its eyes.

One of the standout features of The Secret World of Animal Sleep is its striking cinematography. From the vast African savannah to the depths of the ocean floor, the series takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through some of the world's most stunning landscapes and habitats. Whether it's a slow-motion shot of a bat taking off into the night sky or the mesmerizing dance of a bioluminescent jellyfish, every frame of this show is beautifully shot and expertly edited.

In addition to its visual splendor, the series also boasts a wealth of scientific insights and expert analysis. Over the course of the six episodes, viewers are introduced to a wide range of animal sleep experts, including biologists, neuroscientists and sleep researchers. These experts provide fascinating context and background information, helping viewers to understand the complex physiological and behavioral mechanisms that shape animal sleep patterns.

Overall, The Secret World of Animal Sleep is a must-watch series for anyone with an interest in the natural world. From its stunning visuals to its insightful scientific analysis, this show offers a thoughtful and engaging look at one of the most intriguing and mysterious aspects of animal behavior. Whether you're a seasoned nature lover or simply curious about the science of sleep, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. So sit back, relax, and let this captivating series transport you to the wonderful, weird and wondrous world of animal sleep.

The Secret World of Animal Sleep is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 3, 2017 and on Smithsonian Earth

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Seasons

6. Strange Slumber

November 3, 2017

All animals sleep--but few do so in exactly the same way. Horses snooze standing up, and snakes sleep with their eyes wide open. As for some species of jellyfish, they sleep despite lacking a brain! Uncover some of the more unusual features of animal slumber, many of which remain a mystery to us.

5. Mysteries of Hibernation

November 3, 2017

Arctic ground squirrels survive harsh Canadian winters through skilled hibernation. Entering a state of controlled hypothermia, their body temperature drops to 27°F--the lowest-ever recorded in a mammal. This suspended animation isn't sleep exactly, but it's an equally vital part of their unique survival plan.

4. Sleeping Like a Baby

November 3, 2017

Owls and foxes are born with undeveloped brains. And to grow, they need a special kind of deep sleep known as REM, or rapid eye movement--a state marked by brain regeneration, memory development, and a lot of movement. Take an intriguing look into the role of sleep in helping different species develop.

3. Asleep on the Wing

November 3, 2017

When birds need sleep, they do it on the fly--quite literally. They're able to enter a special kind of half-sleep state that lets them rest midair, which is especially important if you're a migratory bird, like the Alpine swift, clocking thousands of miles at a time. Glide into the astounding world of avian sleep.

2. Dozing Dolphins

November 3, 2017

We know marine mammals like dolphins need air to breathe, but what happens when they rest? The solution is a fascinating form of half-sleep that allows them to emerge for air without waking up. Dive into the weird world of underwater slumber.

1. Sleepless on the Savanna

November 3, 2017

In the animal kingdom, the higher up the food chain you are, the more sleep you get. That's why prey species like giraffes can only afford mere minutes of sleep at a time, while lions revel in over 20 hours of luxurious slumber a day. Take an eye-opening look at sleep as a survival strategy.

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Where to Watch The Secret World of Animal Sleep

The Secret World of Animal Sleep is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Earth website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Secret World of Animal Sleep on demand at Amazon Prime.