Do plants sleep?

Plants do sleep by taking cues from light and temperature changes. This process is enabled through an internal mechanism called the circadian clock. The circadian rhythm allows plants to rest by shutting down certain processes once the sun goes down.

Although plants still perform glucose distribution during sleep, growth processes such as photosynthesis are stopped. Growth processes are controlled by the release of hormones called auxins, which are triggered by sunlight. Scientists have determined, however, that the circadian clock controls a plant's sensitivity to auxins. This means that the circadian clock enables plant growth and rest, even without light and temperature cues.