Jumping spiders show rapid eye movement sleep stages in laboratory study

Researchers at the University of Bonn have observed distinct stages of sleep in spiders, including a phase similar to rapid eye movement, known as REM, sleep found in humans. ScienceDaily Biology reported that the scientists conducted their study by monitoring the Australian jumping spider, species name Portia fimbriata, over multiple days and nights. [1]

The study utilized continuous recording to track the physical behaviors and activity cycles of the arachnids during rest periods. According to ScienceDaily Biology, the collected data revealed clear evidence that Portia fimbriata experiences recurring sleep architecture rather than simple periods of inactivity. [1]

Rapid eye movement sleep in mammals and birds is typically associated with high-frequency brain activity and dreaming. ScienceDaily Biology reported that the detection of a comparable REM-like state in jumping spiders suggests that complex sleep structures evolved earlier or more broadly across animal phyla than previously understood. [1]