How does the hibernation ? work

In the cold, dark season, many people suffer from tiredness, lack of motivation and sleep disorders. But why don't people actually hibernate? Here you can find out how the famous hibernation actually works and what we can do while awake to get through the cold days well-rested and motivated.

Table of contents

1. Winter & our Sleep
2. Why do animals hibernate?
3. How Hibernation Works
4. Can humans hibernate?
5. Sleep Better in Winter
6. Conclusion

1. Winter & our sleep

Gloomy weather, cold winds and frosty snowfall not only affect our mood, but also make us one thing above all: tired! Our sleeping habits depend on a variety of internal and external factors. So it is quite natural that our need for sleep varies at different times of the year and we in winter basically need a little more sleep – because there is a lack of daylight, which our internal clock Our body then produces fewer happiness hormones and releases more melatonin which leads to the well-known daytime tiredness and promotes the development of the famous winter depression. The lack of daylight, cold temperatures and little exercise disrupt our sleep-wake rhythm and stand in the way of healthy, restful sleep.

Like us humans, animals also have an internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake rhythm. For many wild animals, hibernation is an effective method of braving the challenges of the cold season and surviving the dark winter days unscathed despite the low temperatures and food shortages. Of course, we humans don't have to rely on this, but scientists assume that humans are at least genetically predisposed to being able to hibernate. But what exactly happens during hibernation?

2. Why do animals hibernate?

We use less energy when we sleep than when we are awake. Some animals use this to overcome the stressful periods of cold and hunger until there is enough food available again. Under the influence of increasingly cold temperatures and low food availability, hibernation is particularly useful for ensuring survival. Hibernation allows animals to react more flexibly to the extreme external conditions and reduce their energy requirements in order to need less food and get through the cold days by using up previously stored fat reserves.

Various studies have shown that the chromosomes in the genes of hibernators are better protected, meaning that hibernation is actually a very effective means of preserving the species. It not only protects against death from cold or starvation, but also against predators.

3. How hibernation works

Hibernation is not actually sleep, but a sleep-like state. It is similar to rest or rigidity and can have different triggers, such as increasingly cold temperatures, changes in daylight or a certain body fat limit. In winter, the organism of the affected animals then switches to the stage known by experts as "torpor". The body's metabolism is reduced by up to 90%, breathing and heart rate slow down and the body temperature drops to a few degrees above zero.Scientific studies also show that the brain waves of an animal change during hibernation and that the brain waves typical for nighttime sleep are absent. It has also been proven that during hibernation the brain waves we know do not sleep phases and neither non-REM nor REM sleep can be detected.

Contrary to popular belief, an animal's hibernation is often interrupted by periods of wakefulness. The central nervous system monitors the body's functions during the twilight state and wakes the animal, for example, if the body temperature drops too much. Unlike at the awakening However, the waking times last longer than normal nighttime sleep and are mainly used for foraging and reproduction. Whether a living being spends several months or just a few hours in torpor varies from species to species.

4. Can humans hibernate?

Some experts suspect that we humans also hibernated a long time ago and are genetically capable of falling into a torpor-like state. Of course, we no longer need to do this today, because we do not need to protect ourselves from food shortages or freezing temperatures to survive the cold season. Nevertheless, we humans should also react to the external circumstances in winter and support our bodies in functioning optimally despite increased tiredness and an increased need for sleep.

5. Sleep better in winter

To stay healthy and efficient during the day, so that a strong immune system To protect us from numerous pathogens and to ensure that our psyche does not suffer, sufficient relaxation and restful sleep are very important. In addition to the right sleeping equipment and a good sleep hygiene can also be an individual morning routine support your sleep. You can find detailed information and tips for sleeping in winter here. The most important things at a glance:

➥ Consume plenty of daylight & avoid artificial light sources
Light is an important stimulator of the internal clock and helps regulate hormone levels. This supports a balanced mood, a healthy sleep-wake rhythm and restful sleep.

➥ Get enough exercise and stay active
Exercise keeps the circulation going, improves metabolism and has a positive effect on health and sleep.

6. Conclusion

• In winter, the natural need for sleep increases because a lack of daylight, cold temperatures and little exercise disrupt the sleep-wake rhythm.

• Hibernation is an effective method to overcome cold and food shortages and survive the winter.

• Today, we humans no longer need to hibernate, but we should make sure we get enough sleep, especially in winter, to stay healthy and productive.

Best regards and see you soon!