We all know as humans that sleep is vitally important to our wellbeing. Without the right amount of sleep getting through everyday activities can be hard work. Well your horse is the same. Horses need sleep as well. Often we see horses snoozing standing due to the stay mechanism allowing them to sleep in this way. However this is not deep sleep (REM). Horses need to lie down to get deep sleep.
Horses need about 30 min of deep sleep a day depending on their age. Younger horses tend to need longer. If they are unable to lie down then a horse will become sleep deprived. Signs of sleep deprivation can include
- Increased drowsiness during the day
- Poor performance
- Mood changes, becoming more grumpy, irritable and having temper tantrums
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased alertness
- Slower reaction time
- Collapsing when snoozing
- Collapse of front end into a bowing position
- Fetlock or carpal abrasions from falling
- No evidence of lying down
There can be a number of reasons for sleep deprivation in horses which include anxiety and pain. This could be due to not feeling secure in their environment or anxieties related to herd dynamics. The most common reason for sleep deprivation in horses is pain. If horses have been diagnosed with joint disease, gastric ulcers, polysaccharide storage myopathy or another musculoskeletal disorder then lying down can be quite painful and sleep deprivation can occur. This can often make the musculoskeletal disorder worse as well due to the body not being given the time to rest and heal.
As a result it is really important to get regular musculoskeletal treatment for your horse so that they are comfortable enough to lie down and get enough deep sleep to help their wellbeing. This includes horses of all ages.
As humans we have all experienced something sore preventing us from sleeping or being comfortable in certain positions and as a result we often seek out treatment in some form or another. One huge problem with horses is they are stoic and can’t tell us when something might be a little sore and stopping them from sleeping. As a result regular massage and chiropractic can help prevent this from occurring which helps improves the well being of your horse.
Pollyanna FitzGerald (Msc³, Bsc² (Hons), EBW, MMAA, MRAMP) 