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Do Whales Sleep and How Do They Breathe?
Whales sleep and breathe in a different way than humans do - but they don't need to come up to the surface very often. Whales, unlike humans, don't physically need to sleep. Since whales live in water and not on land, they can rest and sleep while still being in the water.
How Do They Breathe?
Unlike humans who need to take frequent trips to the surface to breathe, whales can stay underwater for long periods of time while still oxygenating. They are able to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide through a process of voluntary and involuntary breathing.
Voluntary breathing is when the whale takes in oxygen and expels CO2 while at the surface of the water. Involuntary breathing is when the whale, while submerged, takes in oxygen from pockets of air found in its blubber and exhales CO2 from its blowhole.
Why Don't They Drown?
Unlike humans, whales are designed for aquatic life and have anatomical features that do not allow them to drown. The areas between their ribs are full of ligaments and elastic cartilage that keep them afloat, even when they are not actively swimming. Additionally, whales have muscles in their lungs which offer extra buoyancy and allow them to breathe without coming to the surface.
Whales may also possess a form of “conscious breathing” that enables them to remain calm and breathe slowly even when in shallow waters or in unfamiliar environments. This contributes to their ability to stay underwater for long periods of time without the risk of drowning.
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