How Much Sleep Does Your Horse Need?

or requiring a larger shift in nervous system or endocrine function.
For some horses like people their nervous system is hypervigilant stuck in the flightfight impulses of the sympathetic nervous system and not conducive to deep rest which needs healthy vagal tone in the parasympathetic system. Good vagal tone an expression of the health of the vagus nerve the tenth cranial nerve supports the rest and digestive capacities of the autonomic nervous system and can be compromised in situations of high stress and trauma. Thankfully it can also be repaired and restored by building a solid foundation of trust creating a supportive environment for rest relaxation and social engagement and supporting healthy nervous system function. With these horses I tend to do a lot of cranial work to open the pathway of the vagus nerve as well as work at the poll diaphragm rib cage digestive system and heart all in support of healthy function of this essential part of the nervous system. Incredibly the vagus nerve is highly involved in the function of the heart lungs and the digestive elimination endocrine and immune systems and supporting this one nerve naturally improves the function of all of these systems.
Recently I worked with a human client who had suddenly stopped sleeping a few weeks previously I found that her vagus nerve was being compressed both at her cranial base where it exits through the jugular foramen as well as on its transit between her heart and left lung on its path through the diaphragm. After getting these areas opened up she started sleeping again. It really is an excellent place to work to support whole body health and I encourage you to research ways to support your own vagus nerve function there is a lot of research coming out in this area.
Related How to Get and Keep Your Horses Attention
If you suspect your horse is not getting an adequate amount of sleep especially paradoxical sleep here are some ways to support him
Assess the horses environment and change what you are able. Many horses are sensitive to noise light electric fences and proximity to traffic both human and vehicular. Sugary feeds can increase adrenal stimulation which can impact sleep. It is also critical that horses have enough space to lie down and get up safely and that they have an area with softer footing to lie on. Ask your barn friends about your