Lets talk about..... Sleep

We all know that without sleep us humans can struggle with everyday functioning, mood and cognitive abilities. However what about your horse??

A recent article by Christine Barakat for Equus magazine gave us a good insight into Equine sleep and the effects of sleep deprivation ...

Horses have 3 phases of sleep

DEEP RESTFULNESS- where the horse is relaxed but easily awaken. Still standing

SLOW WAVE - the horse is even more relaxed but still retains muscle tone and slow/large brain waves (on an electroencephalogram). Still standing

PARADOXIAL SLEEP - horses REM sleep characterised by rapid movement of the eyes, loss of reflexes function, and increased brain activity occur. The horse must be lying down and comfortable/feel safe in their environment to enter this stage.

Horses need from 30 to 60 minutes per day of paradoxial sleep. Otherwise sleep deprivation can cause exhaustion, poor performance and in severe cases collapse.

Sleep deprivation can arise from both -

* Physical causes - pain, tightness, tension and conditions which make it difficult for the horse to lie down or get back up. * Mental/emotional causes - too much stimulation, not enough rest or time to relax, too much light, feeling unsafe in their environment or uncomfortable in their surroundings.

So the question is .... is your horse getting enough sleep??

If not why not??

* Equine sports massage can help with both the physical causes and relaxation. * Ensuring the horse's environment, living space allows them to feel comfortable and safe enough to lie down. * Giving your horse time and space for relaxation and minimal stimulation * Veterinary advice needs to sought to understand slme the underlying causes, especially when related to pain, if the problem is ongoing and causing significant sleep issues.

Much Love

Equine Wellbeing co.

Link to article https://equusmagazine.com/.../horse_sleep_deprived_092308...