Mad Barn Academy

39. Sleep Deprivation in Horses

Mad Barn Academy

Show Notes

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.

More from Mad Barn Academy

Nov 25, 2023

Thrush describes an infection that develops in the frog of one or more of the horse’s hooves, caused by a fungal or bacterial pathogen.

Nov 23, 2023

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) is a chronic condition in horses that affects connective tissue, including the suspensory ligament and other ligaments and tendons. This painful condition commonly leads to debilitating lameness.

Nov 22, 2023

Riding and working with horses poses some inherent risk of danger, but the risk is greater when working with an aggressive or moody horse.

Nov 21, 2023

Swayback, or equine lordosis, is characterized by a large dip in the spine of a horse, often resulting in a high wither and severe downwards curve to their topline.

Nov 20, 2023

A large, round belly doesn’t always mean your horse is overweight. Some horses have a hay belly that makes them appear pregnant, yet they may struggle to maintain enough body condition to cover their ribs.

See all episodes →