Can cows nap standing up?

Cows need their sleep to stay healthy; just as other animals do -- although they do tend to sleep far less than most of them, including humans. Standing vs. Lying Down It's a common misconception that cows don't lie down to rest and that they sleep standing up, just like horses do much of the time. read more

For instance,"when horses appear to be sleeping standing up, they can either be in a state of drowsiness or what is known as slow-wave sleep, which is not quite as deep as REM [rapid-eye movement] sleep," Amy Johnson, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says via email. read more

Cow tipping is the purported activity of sneaking up on any unsuspecting or sleeping upright cow and pushing it over for entertainment. The practice of cow tipping is generally considered an urban legend, and stories of such feats viewed as tall tales. read more

While cows may doze off for a few minutes at a time while standing up, they typically lie down to sleep or simply to rest, usually leaning forward on their chest and forelimbs or lying completely on their sides. read more

For instance, "when horses appear to be sleeping standing up, they can either be in a state of drowsiness or what is known as slow-wave sleep, which is not quite as deep as REM [rapid-eye movement] sleep," Amy Johnson, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says via email. read more