Horses can sleep both standing up and lying down. Most of their daily rest happens on their feet, but they must lie down to reach deep REM sleep. Understanding these patterns helps you spot stress, improve stable comfort, and keep your horse healthy.
Do Horses Sleep Standing Up?
Yes—horses often sleep standing up, but not the same way humans do. Because they’re prey animals, horses evolved to rest quickly and remain ready to flee if danger appears. Standing allows them to react fast without wasting time getting to their feet.
How can horses sleep while standing?
Horses rely on a built-in anatomical support system called the stay apparatus. This network of tendons and ligaments locks their legs in place, letting them relax without constantly using muscle energy. Similar systems exist in other large prey animals like cattle, giraffes, and elephants.
What kind of sleep happens standing up?
When standing, horses typically enter slow-wave sleep (SWS), a light-to-moderate, restorative stage similar to a human power nap.
Typical standing rest:
- 5–7 hours/day standing in a relaxed or drowsy state
- 3–5 hours in deep restfulness
- 1–2 hours in slow-wave sleep
This standing sleep is important, but it isn’t enough on its own.
Do Horses Lie Down to Sleep?
Yes—horses need to lie down for REM sleep, the deepest stage of sleep that supports brain function, memory, and full-body recovery. REM requires total muscle relaxation, which can’t happen while standing.
How long do horses sleep lying down?
Most horses lie down for 2–3 hours per day, usually in short sessions. Out of that time:
- 30–45 minutes is REM sleep
- REM comes in quick bursts (often 5 minutes at a time)
A horse can skip REM for a day or two, but not forever.
What happens if a horse doesn’t get REM sleep?
A REM-deprived horse may show signs like:
- crankiness or is mean
- sluggishness
- lower performance
- frequent dozing during the day
In serious cases, the horse may experience “sleep attacks,” where they suddenly collapse from exhaustion.
How Long Do Horses Sleep Each Day?
Horses aren’t strictly nocturnal or diurnal. They spread their sleep across day and night in multiple short periods, mixing it with grazing and movement.
Typical daily total:
- 6–9 hours/day of rest (mostly standing)
- 2–3 hours/day lying down
- 30–45 minutes/day REM
Stabled horses often align sleep with barn quiet times, resting most in the late evening and early morning.
Why Some Horses Don’t Lie Down to Sleep
Horses only lie down if they feel safe, secure, and comfortable. If your horse never lies down, it’s usually a red flag for stress.
Common sleep stressors in horses
- Predators or external threats
- Even the scent or sound of coyotes, mountain lions, or unfamiliar animals can keep a horse standing.
- Herd tension or social insecurity
- A new horse, bullying, or an aggressive pasture mate can make a horse feel unsafe.
- Loneliness
- Horses are herd animals. Many rest better with a trusted companion—another horse, goat, or even a donkey.
- Noise or routine changes
- Busy show barns, loud equipment, or frequent schedule shifts can interrupt sleep.
- Uncomfortable bedding or stall size
- Horses prefer a soft surface and enough room to fully stretch out. Hard floors or cramped stalls discourage lying down.
When Lying Down Too Much Is a Problem
While not lying down enough can signal stress, lying down excessively can indicate pain or illness.
Call your vet if your horse:
- lies down for long periods
- seems weak or reluctant to rise
- shows signs of colic, lameness, or fever
Horses that stay down too long risk reduced blood flow to organs and limbs, which can become dangerous quickly.
Quick Answers
Do horses sleep standing up?
Yes. Horses often sleep standing using the stay apparatus, which lets them rest without falling.
Do horses need to lie down to sleep?
Yes. Horses must lie down for REM sleep, the deep sleep stage essential for health.
How many hours do horses sleep?
Most horses rest about 6–9 hours daily, with 2–3 hours lying down and only 30–45 minutes in REM sleep.
Why won’t my horse lie down to sleep?
Usually stress, herd issues, loneliness, predators, noise, or an uncomfortable stall.
Bottom Line
Horses rest in short bursts, mostly while standing, but they only experience deep REM sleep when they lie down. If your horse isn’t lying down regularly, focus on making their environment safer, quieter, and more comfortable. Healthy sleep is a major part of a healthy, happy horse.
