Sperm Whales blow bubbles to achieve restful, vertical sleep

# Summary Researchers from the University of St Andrews and Université de Neuchâtel discovered that sperm whales release gas bubbles while sleeping vertically near the ocean surface to regulate their buoyancy and remain submerged. Sperm whales are naturally buoyant due to large amounts of oil in their heads, and releasing bubbles allows them to counteract expanding lung gases and maintain near-neutral buoyancy during rest. This unique sleeping behavior enables them to rest effectively without expending energy on deep dives while staying protected from surface wave action.