I walked up on a doe that was down and out.Scared the heck out of her.She jumped up and took off so fast she tripped over her own feet and rolled head over heels a couple of times.One of the funniest things I ever saw in the woods.BTW, her head was down and eyes closed.

I don't know how true this is but;

I was young at the time and a Deputy Game Officer once told me that "No split hoofed animal ever sleeps. They rest but they don't sleep."

Is this true, I don't know. That's what he said.

I wonder if they dream? - If so - I know of a couple that have nightmares!

I say they sleep best in the coolness of my freezer

With his favorite girl (Doe) by his side and plenty of friend around camp to watch for coyotes. HEHE

Here they lay in small groups in a circle to help detect coyotes
or other danger lerking around.

Are you sure it's all about coyotes - I thought they told stories about old man tom who couldn't shot straight if his life was on the line!

I've read that deer rest more than they do sleep. But yes, they will lay down and put their heads down just like a dog.......but I've never seen one sleep on its side or back in the spread eagle position though! haha Wish I could find that article I have about their sleep patterns....it's in my archives somewhere.

I want to thank everyone for their input. Now I know.

I watched two does and a button buck bed down about 60 yards from me one day. Watched them for about 4 hours. They curl up ad put their heads down to sleep. It looked like they closed their eyes through my binos. Not once did all three sleep at the same time. One was always awake and looking around. They took turns keeping watch.