Those who have visited giant pandas in captivity, the national treasures of China, often exclaim after the visit that "eight out of ten giant pandas are sleeping". Do giant pandas really have so many naps?

The way Da Mao and Fu Shuang sleep with their faces propped up.
 

    According to observational studies related to the daily routines of giant pandas, giant pandas sleep for about 10 to 12 hours a day. Captive giant pandas can sleep for more than 12 hours a day, while wild giant pandas sleep for a relatively shorter time, about 10 hours. In the wild, they usually sleep for 2 to 4 hours between every two meals. The reason for having such a sleep pattern is that the digestive system of giant pandas is less efficient. Long periods of sleep help them digest food and maintain their body temperature. It also allows giant pandas to relax both physically and mentally, reserve sufficient physical strength, which is convenient for foraging and beneficial to their health. It is one of their important survival strategies. Thus, "having a lot of naps" has become a unique sleep pattern of giant pandas. 

The cozy sleep of Miao Miao
 

The way Zhi Hua sleeps on in the fork of a tree
 

    If you come to see giant pandas next time and find them lying down and sleeping again, it may be that the giant pandas are storing up physical strength for the upcoming big meal. It is advisable to be a little more patient and wait. You will definitely be able to see giant pandas feasting heartily.