Owning a pet requires care and attention to ensure that they grow healthy, happy, and strong. For a bearded dragon, one vital factor to consider is the amount of sleep they are getting. Therefore, it is crucial to understand your pet’s sleeping habits and the maximum amount of sleep they need.
So, how long do bearded dragons sleep? Typically, the bearded dragon sleeps for 8-12 hours, with most of them requiring a minimum of 10 hours. The reptiles are also diurnal; hence, they observe the same sleeping pattern as humans; sleeping at night and staying awake throughout the day. Naturally, they sleep at night when it is cold and stay awake in the day to absorb enough sun. As soon as you create a routine for them, they will gradually maintain good sleeping habits as they do in their natural settings.
Finding out how much sleep your bearded dragon needs is important to maintain their health. Their sleeping habits and what you can be done help them maintain a healthy sleep schedule, along with understanding their sleeping patterns is extremely important.
The amount of sleep is crucial for a bearded dragon, as it helps them grow strong and healthy. Most pet owners try to ensure that they help them maintain the same sleep cycle; this way, your pet will sleep for the same duration and around the same time.
A bearded dragon requires 8-12 hours of sleep, and like humans, they will observe a diurnal sleep pattern where they will sleep as soon as it gets dark. You will also notice that they prefer to sleep at night and remain awake during the day; whenever you are awake, so will your pet.
However, there are so many factors to consider when determining how much sleep they need. Some beardies may sleep longer, with others even taking naps during the daytime. First, your pet may sleep longer if they are unwell, so if you notice any changes in their patterns, it would be necessary to consult a vet.
Similarly, your pet could be struggling with relocation anxiety in case you recently purchased or relocated it. This situation causes them stress, and they are prone to sleeping longer as they try to fit into their new environment.
Your pet’s diet is also an essential factor in their sleep pattern. The type of food the pets eat and how frequently they do so will determine how long they will sleep. If they are not getting enough food, their bodies will naturally detect that the seasons have changed. Thus, they will tend to sleep more to prepare for rumination. If you feed them the right food and do so frequently, they will maintain a healthier sleeping pattern.
How Do You Know If Your Bearded Dragon Is Sleeping?
Usually, you expect your pet to be asleep with their eyes closed; however, this is slightly different for the bearded dragon.
So, how do you know if your bearded dragon is sleeping? As much as they are mostly asleep when their eyes are closed, bearded dragons may still sleep even with their eyes open, especially when they have a sleep schedule. Also, they may sleep while lying flat or vertically against their enclosures. It is also common to find them turning a lighter shade while they sleep. They also tend to breathe slowly when in a deep sleep due to reduced metabolism.
Typically, they sleep whenever the lights are off, and they need up to 10 hours of sleep, almost like humans. On the other hand, if you expose them to too much light, it may interfere with their routine, and you will notice that they will sleep with their eyes open.
They may also close their eyes when you pet them, but this doesn’t mean that they are sleeping. If your pet is fond of human contact, they may snuggle up to their handler and continue sleeping.
What Time Should I Turn My Bearded Dragons Light Off at Night?
The beardies, when in their natural set up, need adequate sunlight for basking. Therefore, it is best to provide them with the best environment, mimicking a natural setting. If the lighting is inadequate, the pets can suffer from bone diseases, mental disorders, lack of crucial vitamins, and appetite loss. Hence, having proper lighting in your pet’s enclosure is a vital decision.
So, what time should I turn my bearded dragon’s light off at night? If you are using the white light bulbs, it is necessary to turn them off at night so that the bearded dragon can obtain adequate sleep. Since the animals are sensitive to light, they can sense it even when it is dim. Thus, it would help to avoid disturbing their sleep by turning it off.
Therefore, for proper lighting inside the enclosure, provide enough basking lights. You can also time it for approximately 10-12 hours within the day; this way, you can switch off all the bulbs at a specific time to allow adequate sleep for your pet.
It is also important to note that letting your bearded dragon sleep for longer hours without light is dangerous since it can cause illnesses. Hence, you should ensure that the temperature within the tank is favorable for the animal’s health. You can do so by monitoring temperatures inside the tank and ensuring that it doesn’t go below 18°C.
Similarly, you can install a thermostat that will regulate the enclosure’s temperatures, so in case there is a drop, the device can reverse it to normal. It is essential to ensure that you provide adequate lighting for the pet for at least ten hours. Most owners would go for automatic lights that run for 12 hours like 7 am- 7 pm. Ultimately, this will help the pets create a regular sleep schedule.
Do Bearded Dragons Sleep With Their Eyes Closed?
Just like humans, beardies are diurnal. Therefore, they are awake when the sun is out and go to sleep at night.
So, do bearded dragons sleep with their eyes closed? Bearded dragons can sleep with their eyes open or closed depending on how lit their habitat is. It is possible to find the pet fast asleep with their eyes closed in a particular corner where it hides or some other place in a dark enclosure. The pets can sleep pretty well with their eyes closed at night, but they will open them once there is a light source inside the tank.
Ironically, the animal can sleep with both or one eye open. This instance may occur when the pet is suffering from an illness that forces them to stay with the eyes open even as they sleep. Secondly, it may be due to the presence of foreign materials inside their eyes. For such health reasons, the best cause of action is to consult a vet for assistance.
When the dragons sleep with their eyes closed, they can enjoy adequate and undisturbed sleep. However, the beardies closing their eyes is not a clear indication that they are sleeping. It is usual for them to close their eyes when you handle them. This act may be to avoid eye contact, especially if they find you to be a threat. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy sleep pattern using the right bulb, ensuring that it won’t affect their eyes.
Finally
Sleep is vital for both humans and animals. When it comes to your pet dragon, you need to ensure that you provide the optimum amount of sleep. They need 8-12 hours of sleep as it is adequate for their development and general health. Therefore, the best action to take is to bear in mind their natural sleep cycle so that you create the same in their enclosure.
Since they observe a sleep schedule that is similar to that of humans, it will be easier to regulate the pattern. Some prefer a 7 am – 7 pm, while others choose a 9 am – 9 pm routine. Whichever way you go, it would help to maintain a maximum sleep time of 12 hours.
