Giraffes can survive on just 30 minutes of sleep per day.

Giraffes have some of the shortest sleep requirements of any mammal. Research published in journals like Nature and studies by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation show that wild adult giraffes typically sleep between 30 minutes and two hours every 24 hours. This behavior is an evolutionary adaptation to their environment, where prolonged unconsciousness leaves them vulnerable to predators like lions and hyenas.Their sleep consists of power naps lasting about five minutes each. During these intervals, they often remain standing with their eyes partially open or rest their heads on their hindquarters. This keeps their muscles engaged enough to flee instantly if needed. While they do experience deep REM sleep, this stage typically lasts only a minute or two at a time to minimize vulnerability.Giraffes in captivity tend to sleep more—sometimes four to five hours daily—because they feel safer from predators. Even in zoos, however, they maintain their natural pattern of sleeping in short intervals rather than one continuous block. This unique trait is supported by their complex circulatory system, which rapidly manages blood pressure changes when they raise or lower their heads. These brief rest cycles make giraffes among the most vigilant herbivores on the African savanna.