Axolotls, the mystical salamanders that never fully mature, are famous for their regenerative abilities and unique life cycle. But what about their sleep patterns? Sleep is an essential part of life for all animals, yet the sleep habits of axolotls remain relatively unknown. In this blog post, I explore whether axolotls experience REM sleep and how their rest patterns differ from other amphibians.

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What is REM sleep?

REM sleep, or Rapid Eye Movement sleep, is a sleep phase in which the brain is more active, and many animals dream. In humans and mammals, most dreams occur during REM sleep. This phase is also crucial for processing memories and restoring cognitive functions. Animals that experience REM sleep often exhibit increased brain activity, rapid eye movements, and sometimes muscle twitches.

Do axolotls experience REM sleep?

While REM sleep is well-documented in mammals and birds, much less is known about its occurrence in cold-blooded animals like amphibians. So far, there is no compelling evidence that axolotls experience REM sleep. Their brain activity and sleep cycles are simpler than those of mammals, suggesting that they do not dream as we do. No signs of rapid eye movements or other indicators of REM sleep have been observed in axolotls.

Photo by Kaan Sezer via Getty Images Signature

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