Sleep and rest in animals

For every living organism, the cycle of rest and rejuvenation is a necessity of life.

So relax, put your feet up, and enjoy Sleep and Rest in Animals. Explore the world of insects where a body at rest is usually treated as a meal.

Many insects use camouflage -- looking like moss, bark, twigs, leaves, even bird droppings -- to avoid predators during naps.

Other insects, such as the sulfur butterfly, simply roll over and play dead when they need a little rest. In the diverse world of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, sleep becomes more complex.

Discover why crocodiles sleep with their mouths wide open. Or how snakes get any shut-eye when they lack any eyelids. Birds employ an array of sleep techniques. The albatross is capable of sleeping while in flight.

Similarly, penguins manage to sleep and swim at the same time. All mammals share the same sleep and rest characteristics: yawning, dreaming, and REM.

However great variations exist among species. Some sleep standing, others while hanging. The shrew suffers from insomnia. And the dolphin seems to rest one brain hemisphere at a time - staying half-awake to avoid drowning. Written for a wide audience, Lacrampe consulted with scientists from around the world to ensure scientific accuracy.

Abundantly illustrated with vivid, close-up photographs, Sleep and Rest in Animals offers a unique perspective on wildlife ranging from mollusks to primates.