Hibernation

When we think of hibernation, many of us tend to think of bears snuggling down for their winter sleep. Like many other hibernators, they pig out in the warmer months, eating carbs and gaining weight, while also preparing a den lined with leaves and twigs. When winter sets in, the bears hole up in their dens and go without eating, drinking, exercising, urinating or defecating for as long as 100 days.

True hibernation involves physiological changes such as a drop in body temperature and slowed metabolism. Heart rates slow to only 4 beats per minute, and oxygen consumption drops by as much as 75 percent with bears taking only one or two breaths per minute. They wake up somewhat lighter but apparently none the worse for wear.

Interestingly, the science of animal hibernation may have positive impacts for humans.

😴 the ability of hibernators’ cells and tissues to survive very cold temperatures could enable us to better preserve and transport human tissues for transplantation

😴 the fact that hibernating animals don’t experience muscle deterioration after long periods of not moving could help us prevent muscle deterioration due to hospital bedrest or to treat muscle disorders

😴 the lack of bone deterioration in hibernating animals could lead to new ways of treating degenerative bone problems or diseases

😴 and, probably most fascinating, is an animal’s ability to scour the protein “tau” which builds up in their brain cells while hibernating and also in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease

As people we don’t hibernate to these extremes, but we do stay indoors more in the winter months. We conserve energy more to stay warm! Our winter hibernation is a mysterious time of rest and rediscovery.

I think of winter as a time to reevaluate and plan for the seasons ahead. I don’t necessarily sleep more but do rest my body more than in the summer months, cook and eat slower meals, and replenish my brain with books, art and travel.

A little hibernation is good for the soul.

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Bear emoji: Courtesy this is Finland (Finland Promotion Board).