Why do giraffes sleep so little?

Giraffes get very little sleep because they must remain alert for attacks from predators, according to Live Science. They usually sleep for five minutes at a time and get 30 minutes to two hours of sleep a day.

Giraffes sometimes sleep standing up since it is difficult for them to sit or lie down. They lower their necks and tails, and their eyelids droop. When giraffes lie down, they fold their legs under them and keep their necks straight. They may briefly rest their heads back on their rumps, but this puts them in a vulnerable position for attack by a predator. If a herd of giraffes lies down, one member stays awake to keep watch.