Pandas are considered gentle, calm and fluffy. But one of the most interesting things about them is their sleepiness. They are also observed to be lying around, sitting or dotting off in peaceful spots most of the day. Many people are curious to know why pandas sleep so much and what is the significance of resting for the pandas. The reason for this is their diet, energy, body structure, and natural lifestyle. This blog covers the sleeping habits of panda along with the necessity of resting for their survival.
The Sleeping Habits of Pandas
Pandas are very quiet and slow living animals. Their day is spent eating and sleeping. They graze on bamboo for many hours a day and sleep at any time in order to conserve energy. Their bodies are not made for movement or activity. Instead, they are a soft, slow, and peaceful way of life. Not laziness, but just a natural way of survival in the wild. The most significant reason as to why pandas sleep so much is due to their diet. Pandas eat primarily bamboo which is low in nutrients and energy. Though they consume plenty of bamboo every day, it is not giving them enough power to be active at all times. Bamboo moves through their body quickly and does not remain long enough to produce significant levels of energy. Pandas must therefore eat for many hours a day and then hibernate so as to conserve the little energy they do get.
Their guts are similar to carnivores but they consume plants. This makes it hard for them to digest bamboo as it is high in fiber and low in nutritional value. So instead of running around and playing around, pandas save their energy on resting. Bamboo contains a lot of energy that can only be digested properly and slowly by their bodies when they sleep. Panda does not have a fixed sleeping place. They sleep wherever they get safe and comfortable. It could be under a tree, between rock, on a patch of grass or even on a low tree branch. They neither build nests nor special beds for themselves. Their extensive care is an insulation from cold ground, and another key to help them be warm despite most weather conditions.
#1. It’s sliding time
#2. It’s look weird but panda is having fun
They do not sleep for long periods of time, but in small naps, as humans sleep. A panda may sleep two to four hours, wake up, eat bamboo and then fall asleep again. This cycle repeats itself day and night. They sleep often in short bursts as their stomachs need to be re-filled all the time. Long sleep would make them hungry and weak. So, they combine rest and eating in a balanced manner. Pandas are able to sleep for around 10 to 14 hours per day although not consecutively. Their sleeping duration varies according to amount of bamboo intake and the expenditures of energy. Pandas that are well fed may sleep more, those that are looking for food may sleep less. Being a growing panda, it needs more rest to grow and thus sleeps more.
#3. Happy panda family
#4. Very Cute Panda
The habitat of pandas is China, and the area of China has seasons. In the winter it gets cold and in the summer, the climate is warmer. Pandas change their sleep patterns to accommodate these changes. When it is a winter season, they take up more rest in order to save some heat and energy. They sleep in sheltered locations to get away from cold winds and snow. Their dense fur helps to keep them warm even when they sleep on hard ground. During the summer, pandas migrate to higher and colder areas of mountains. They do not sleep beneath the hot sun. Instead they rest in shady spots, in hollow trees or along water streams. The major aim is to remain cool and prevent water loss. They can stay comfortable by sleeping during hot hours.
#5. Just a panda being peacefully perfect
#6. Life is better when you are this adorable
Many animals living in cold regions sleep for the winter in a deep sleep known as hibernation. However, pandas do not hibernate and cannot fall asleep during the winter. The answer is simple: the fat they get from their bamboo diet is not sufficient for them to sleep for a long period of time without eating. Pandas are actually active all year round and eat bamboo and sleep frequently in place of hibernating. Pandas are solitary creatures that rarely move quickly, eat quietly and rest quietly. This is not an option but a means to survive. Since their food does not provide them with a high energy content, they are not able to run or to chase animals. Resting allows them to live longer with the meager amount of energy they receive from bamboo. Every aspect of their life is geared to consume minimum energy.
#7. Nature painted this one in black and white
#8. Soft paws and silent thoughts
They do not go far or fight if they can avoid it. They conserve their energy for eating and fundamental locomotion. Their slow heart rate, calm breathing and easygoing lifestyle is in line with their energy requirements. Their natural design has led to their sleeping habits. The reason for resting is not just to conserve energy. In addition, it keeps panda healthy. While sleeping, their body repairs itself, builds muscles and they are better able to digest bamboo. Sleep maintains their immune system and shields them from disease. Without proper rest, a panda would become weak, tired and unable to find food. Because their bodies are researchers know that Cub’s bodies are tiny and they are growing, they therefore require even more sleep than humans. Health and well-being are primarily dependent on sleep and nutrition. The bones, muscles, and fur of their bodies lengthen while they are resting peacefully beside their mothers. Pandas do not have to worry about hunting and avoiding predators every second of the day.
#9. Relaxing like there is no rush in the world
#10. Happiness is a panda enjoying bamboo
Their black and white pelage blends them in with the snow, rocks and forests. Their calm temperament makes them safe as they do not attract the attention of others. Peaceful lifestyle and sleep in open areas without fear. Their sleeping body posture is also delicate. They can curl up like a ball, lie on their backs or stretch on the ground. Their bodies are relaxed and at peace, regardless of their position of sleep. Theirs is as peaceful sleep as their personality. Pandas have a high metabolism, so they need to sleep a lot in order to survive on their low energy diet like bamboo. Their sleep patterns are determined by nature, food, weather, and survival. They rest taking small naps, feed in between, and thus repeat this soft pattern with each day. They live in their world by an intelligent mode of life that their silent sleeping does not denote laziness. In case you enjoy this blog have share it with others and visit our site where you can have more panda stories and nature blogs.
