About this episode
Horses may not require as much sleep as humans, but quality sleep is still vital for your equine’s overall health and well-being. Although horses can sleep standing up thanks to their unique stay apparatus, REM sleep is only possible when they are lying down, and their muscles can relax. Many factors can prevent a horse from getting enough quality sleep and lead to signs of sleep deprivation. Factors include pain, injury, health conditions, loud or bright barn environments, and even social hierarchy. While equine sleep disorders are still poorly understood, horse owners should be aware of the signs of sleep deprivation in horses and take action to improve their horse’s sleep quality. This podcast will review the current science on equine sleep patterns and the consequences, signs, and treatment of sleep deprivation in horses. Read more: https://madbarn.com/sleep-deprivation-in-horses/ _______________________________ Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners and equine practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us at https://madbarn.com for more resources, videos and articles.