Study finds spiders likely sleep and dream a lot like people

Birds do it, people do it, even dogs do it. We all sleep, and dream as we slumber. But do spiders do it, too?  It's a question that's keeping some scientists in Germany up at night.

They may be creepy and crawly, but the researchers have concluded that spiders may be more like us than we think. A new study from a team at the University of Konstanz in Germany has found that arachnids — specifically jumping spiders — can doze in a dream-like state, complete with rapid eye movement. Known as REM sleep, that's the deepest stage of sleep that helps us feel rested and stay healthy.

Scientists can't scan a spider's brain, and obviously can't quiz them about their dreams. So, the next best thing is to observe them at night.