Reindeer can multitask and chew while they sleep, study shows

Researchers found that the reindeer brain, like the human brain, knows how much sleep it needs. Photograph: pawopa3336/Getty Images/iStockphoto

If your ceaseless feasting at Christmas leaves you exhausted, it may be worth taking inspiration from reindeer: research suggests the animals can sleep while chewing.

During the summer months, reindeer spend most of their time munching foliage – an important activity given food can be scarce in the winter. However, a study suggests one way they balance their need to digest with the need to sleep is by multitasking.