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General Knowledge: We only know in the Ramayana that Ravana’s brother Kumbhakaran used to sleep for 6 months. But there are 1 such creatures on earth which only sleeps for 3 years but only for 3 years. This state is called hyvernation or dormant. Now the question is which organism is it and what is the reason behind it? Let us tell you.
We all need sleep. There is no creature that does not need sleep. If we do not sleep, we can stay alive for a few days. Our body continues to be repaired during sleep. An adult human usually needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep. However, it changes in every human being according to his work, physical structure, needs etc.
Our world is full of many mysterious things that we cannot live without being amazed. Similarly, it is a mysterious world of organisms. The world’s largest creature is Blue Whale whose size is equal to hundred elephants. At the same time, there are so many small creatures that we cannot even see with naked eyes. If a creature survives for 200 years, then an organism dies within a minute. Similarly, there is a mysterious creature who sleeps for 3 years.
This bizarre organism is a sea snail which lasts in a sleeping state for 3 years. This is called hyvernation or dormant. Due to change in environment, lack of food or excessive heat, some sea snails go into deep sleep state to protect themselves. During this time they do not do any activity. All the procedures of their body almost stop and they are completely sleepy. This sleep can last for a few weeks or months, but some sea snails can sleep for three years at a time.
Snails have a special life -saving system that helps them survive in hard environmental conditions. When the weather becomes very cold, they go to Hibernate. When there is a very hot and dry season, they go into the summer. These statements of inactivity help them to save energy and maintain moisture, especially when there is a lack of food, water or favorable environment.
Although it has been reported that snails can last for three years in this stage, but it is very unusual. Most of the snails last for a few months. It depends on the species and the environment. During this time the snail is reduced to the depth in its shell and the body’s arms form a layer of a mucus (sticky substance). This layer protects him from weather and hunting of outer animals. When the circumstances become favorable again, the snail wakes up from sleep and resumes its normal activities.
