1. Observations of animal sleep in their natural environments led to ecological accounts of sleep functions. 2. One account is that sleep conserves energy, as animals need periods of inactivity (like hibernation) to reduce their metabolic rate. The amount of sleep varies by animal size and metabolic rate. 3. Predator avoidance may also influence sleep, as prey species need to remain alert to avoid predators, reducing their sleep. According to this view, sleep ensures animals remain still during vulnerable periods.