Do humans hibernate? Well, technically 'NO' (though my absence from the blog world - incidentally, right after my very first blog, comes a close second :) ) - My dormancy from the Blog world was so long that even Google AdSense lost any sense and hope of posting ads on my blog :D
As per Wiki, the definition of Hibernation is: "Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, characterized by lower body temperature, slower breathing, and lower metabolic rate. Hibernating animals conserve food, especially during winter when food supplies are limited, tapping energy reserves, body fat, at a slow rate. It is the animal's slowed metabolic rate which leads to a reduction in body temperature and not the other way around.It usually does that in the season of winter during which the climate is harsh."
Well...today sitting in my living room and watching snowfall from the window, I was wondering that why not have we been designed to do so? The world could have been so different then. For example, here in Norway, people would have gone into hibernation from December to March. All offices, all multiplexes, shopping malls, parks, convenience stores and everything else, throughout the country, would have been closed. Life would have just come to a complete stand still - out of office reply would have read something like "I will be out of office from December 1 to March 31 (hibernating). For any immediate issues, please contact the Australia office" - hopefully the salaries would not have stopped flowing - monthly ;)
There would have been lots of fun things pre-hibernation as well...like getting into a 'hibernation shape'. Before going on hibernation, people would have started eating like crazy...lots of burgers, mayonnaise and all the fats one can just dream of...to make sure that your long sleep is not disturbed because you are feeling hungry ;) And to top it off, not exercise !!! Wow...up for this one definitely...!!!
Considering you will be in sleep for like 4months, it would be advisable to prepare a comfortable bed for yourself. A big double bed with a very comfortable mattress and a cozy blanket would have been just perfect !
A Tip: I would have made sure to put on earplugs and switch off my mobile phone...I would not want to be disturbed by some noises made my neighbour's dog or any other non-hibernating living being !
And...not to mention the positive effect this would have been on the environment - "imagining to make a greener world" ;). In addition, it would saved a bunch not to be spending for almost 4months, every year !!!
Well well well, the snowfall has stopped now...and so its time for me to be out of 'my hibernation' and prepare for my 'brunch' :)
