12 Animals Who Barely Sleep

12. Ostriches

10. Goats

Goats are happy to relax, but rarely let themselves sleep. As a precaution, this farm animal always remains upright and partially alert. Even when a goat is in deep sleep, it will easily rouse itself in response to an unusual noise or movement. This quick reaction comes with a price; goats only sleep about five to six hours and almost never allow their muscles to fully relax. (Animal Facts)

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9. Elephants

These impressive animals don't give their feet that much of a break. Elephants only let their trunks hit the ground for about four to six hours of rest a night. Elephants also indulge in brief naps while standing, but can only hold it together for 15 minutes at a time. (National Zoo)

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8. Sheep

You know why you can count sheep at night? Because this farm animal barely gets a chance to rest. These fluffy cuties only sleep about four to five hours a day. Which leaves us wondering, what do they count to help them get shut-eye at night? (BBC)

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7. Cows

Cows stay on the safe side and get their Z's from naps taken throughout out the day. This is an old protective behavior that allows cattle to stay alert to threats even during the night. These naps add up to about four hours of sleep, usually including one hour of deep rest. (Rye and Coke)

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6. Donkeys

Donkeys may have the reputation of being lazy animals, but these creatures are on their hooves most of the time. The average donkey only needs three hours of sleep to easily get through the day. Like many of the other animals on this list, donkeys require very little REM sleep. (Science Mag)

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5. Roe Deer

Take note Bambi: Roe deer stay alert and safe from danger by only sleeping three hours daily. These animals usually venture out around twilight to frolic and gather food. (ThinkQuest)

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