Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Dolphins, for example, alternate sleep between brain hemispheres, a phenomenon called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep, allowing them to rest while remaining aware of their surroundings.

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says.

Researchers in Oklahoma have discovered that floating alligators keep half their brain awake as they sleep. Karen Parker/FWC photo As if alligators weren’t intimidating enough, experts have ...

Alligators in Oklahoma marsh are engaging in “unihemispheric sleep,” which means only half of the brain is asleep, study says. Sleeping alligators keep half their brain awake: researchers ...

Researchers in Oklahoma have discovered that floating alligators keep half their brain awake as they sleep. Karen Parker/FWC photo As if alligators weren’t intimidating enough, experts have ...