Why Do Horses Sleep Standing Up? All Your Questions Answered

Exploring the fascinating world of equine sleep patterns, positions, and behaviors

Co-authored by Kate Jutagir and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 16, 2022 References

Do horses sleep standing up?

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How long do horses sleep?

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Where do horses sleep?

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How do you know your horse is getting enough sleep?

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Can horses have sleep disorders?

You may have heard the rumor that horses never lay down. Well, we’re here to debunk the myth and share the cold-hard facts! Horses can sleep laying down, but they spend the majority of their restful hours standing up. We have everything you’ve ever wanted to know about how horses sleep below, so keep reading to learn the facts.

Things You Should Know

Horses sleep standing up about 85% of the time, and sleep laying down the other 15%.
Horses have a group of muscles called a stay apparatus that keeps them upright while they nap.
The best place for a horse to doze off is in a safe, stress-free environment, like a secure stable or open pasture.

Section 1 of 5:

Do horses sleep standing up?

1
Yes, horses spend 85% of their sleep cycle standing up. This seems impossible, right? Well, maybe for humans, but not for horses! Horses have a special grouping of tendons and ligaments called a stay apparatus. This unique autonomic function helps them stay standing while they sleep. It’s also an amazing defense mechanism because if danger comes too close to a horse at night, they can wake up and immediately run away.^{[1]
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Horses spend the other 15% of their sleep cycle lying down. Despite popular belief, horses can sleep on their stomach or sides. This 15% is spent in the REM stage of the sleep cycle. At this stage, the horse has to lay down because their muscles fully relax and their autonomic nervous system slows down.^{[2]
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Research source} Just like you, the REM stage of sleep helps a horse recharge for the next day. But where humans need about 90 minutes of sleep a night, horses only need around 30.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Association of Equine Practitioners
National organization with a mission of improving the health and welfare of horses and providing resources to people who work with them.
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- REM is short for rapid eye movement and is the stage of sleep when the brain is the most awake but the body is paralyzed.^{[4]
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Section 2 of 5:

How long do horses sleep?

Horses sleep for a total of 5 to 7 hours a day. Unlike humans, horses don’t stay awake all day and then go to bed at night. Instead, they take standing naps throughout the day and then sleep on-and-off at night.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Association of Equine Practitioners
National organization with a mission of improving the health and welfare of horses and providing resources to people who work with them.
Go to source} How many hours of sleep a horse needs, however, depends on their age, activity level, and size.^{[6]
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Section 3 of 5:

Where do horses sleep?

Horses can sleep almost anywhere, but they prefer secure environments. They may look majestic, but horses are on their guard 24/7. Having a place to go that’s completely safe and fit for their needs is ideal for making sure they get a good night’s (and day’s) sleep. If a horse is in a stall or stable, they should soft bedding, like hay, to lie on and enough space to lay down without being cramped.^{[7]
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- In the wild, horses will find sleep in groups to protect themselves and will lie down in open pastures.

Section 4 of 5:

How do you know your horse is getting enough sleep?

A well-rested horse will be energized and have a good temperament. Now, all horses are different, but you can usually tell when they’re feeling moody. Like us, horses need their shut eye, and they’ll be sluggish and ill mannered without it.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
American Association of Equine Practitioners
National organization with a mission of improving the health and welfare of horses and providing resources to people who work with them.
Go to source}
- Notice if your horse is misbehaving more than usual or acting out. This could be because they’re not getting enough sleep.
- Check the area they sleep in. Are there any alarming or odd noises, smells, or lights that could be stressing them out? If so, remove them and see if your horse wakes happier in the morning.

Section 5 of 5:

Can horses have sleep disorders?

Horses can experience sleep deprivation, narcolepsy, and hypersomnia. Like us, sleep is extremely important for a horse’s overall health. Not sleeping enough or sleeping too much can result in various health and behavioral problems.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
American Association of Equine Practitioners
National organization with a mission of improving the health and welfare of horses and providing resources to people who work with them.
Go to source}
- Sleep deprivation occurs when a horse doesn’t get enough sleep. The horse may appear sluggish, stressed, or even collapse. This disorder can be caused from an unstable or unsafe environment or lingering injury.
- Hypersomnia is when a horse is extra drowsy. A horse may have a regular sleep schedule, but can’t naturally fall into REM sleep. This causes a decrease in performance, and can stem from neurological diseases.
- Narcolepsy happens when a horse sleeps too much. The horse may start to sleep during the day suddenly and randomly, unable to control their sleep cycle. This disorder can cause cataplexy (a loss of muscle), hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.