Typical Sleep Patterns for Dogs
Like humans, dogs experience different stages of sleep including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. During light sleep, dogs are easily awoken while deep sleep is characterized by less movement and slower breathing and heart rate. REM sleep is the dream stage when a dog’s eyes move beneath their eyelids as they experience vivid dreams.
On average, dogs sleep more than humans. Adult dogs typically sleep 12-14 hours per day, while puppies may sleep as much as 18-20 hours. This is because sleep is critical during a dog’s rapid development early in life.
Puppies that are still growing tend to need significantly more sleep than adult dogs. Where an adult dog can often get by on 12 hours, puppies require upwards of 18-20 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. This allows time for growth and development while they are young.
Ideal Bedtime for Dogs
Having a consistent bedtime routine is beneficial for dogs of all ages. It helps regulate their circadian rhythm so their bodies know when it’s time to settle down and sleep. Maintaining a schedule allows for deeper, more restorative sleep. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs do best with an established bedtime.
For puppies under 4 months old, an ideal bedtime is around 8-10 PM. Puppies need 18-22 hours of sleep per day for healthy development. Setting an earlier bedtime prevents disruptive nighttime waking. As puppies reach 4-6 months old, aim for a bedtime between 10 PM to midnight.
For adult dogs 1-7 years old, a good bedtime is anywhere from 9 PM to midnight. Most adult dogs sleep 12-14 hours per day. Work schedules and individual preferences help determine the optimal bedtime. Some dogs can adjust to later bedtimes, while senior dogs often need to turn in earlier.
Older dogs 7-15+ years old benefit from an earlier bedtime around 8-10 PM. Senior dogs sleep more – up to 16-20 hours a day. Going to bed earlier accommodates their increased need for sleep and allows more rest overnight.
Factors That Influence Sleep
Your dog’s sleep can be influenced by several factors, including their diet, exercise routines, living environment and health. Some of the ways these factors impact sleep are:
Diet – Foods that are high in fat or sugar can cause energy surges and make it difficult for dogs to wind down at night. High-protein diets, on the other hand, can promote calmness before bed.
Exercise – Getting plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation during the day helps tire out dogs so they are ready for some deep, uninterrupted sleep at night. Not enough exercise can leave them restless.
Environment – Exposure to bright lights, noisy households, extreme temperatures or uncomfortable sleeping areas can disrupt a dog’s sleep patterns. Providing a quiet, relaxing space helps dogs feel secure and settled.
Health Issues – Conditions like chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems or cognitive decline can interfere with sleep by causing discomfort, disruptive symptoms or disorientation at night.
Getting your dog on a consistent daily schedule with regards to their meals, playtime, walks and bedtime makes it easier for them to relax and drift off to sleep.
Signs Your Dog is Ready for Bed
Your dog’s natural day and night cycles provide clues on when they are ready for bed that you can observe in their behaviors and moods. Here are some of the most common signs your dog is getting tired and ready to wind down for the night:
Slowing Down in the Evening
As it gets later in the evening, an adult dog will typically start to run out of steam after a long day of activity. You’ll notice your dog getting less playful, seeking less stimulation, and generally slowing down their movements as they prepare for sleep.
Yawning and Whining
Frequent yawning and whining are telltale signs a dog is feeling drowsy and ready for bed. Yawning helps relax their body for sleep. The whining indicates they are seeking your attention to let them into the bedroom or have you join them in their sleep area.
Following Owners to Bedroom
Many dogs have learned that when their owners go to the bedroom or get ready for bed, it’s also their signal to settle in for sleep. Your dog eagerly following you to the bedroom or sleep area shows they have associated this space and routine with their own bedtime.
Preparing a Comfortable Sleep Area
Creating a cozy sleep space for your dog is important for ensuring quality rest. The location of your dog’s bed matters – choose an area that is quiet, low-traffic, and relaxing. Their bed should also be up off the floor away from drafts. Place it in an area your dog already likes to sleep, like a corner of the bedroom or family room.
Proper bedding helps dogs get comfortable and settle in for the night. Use a padded orthopedic or memory foam dog bed for cushioning older dogs’ joints. Younger dogs may enjoy the snug fit of a donut bed. Always make sure bedding is machine washable for easy cleaning. Avoid loose blankets or bedding that could twist around your dog’s limbs during sleep.
The temperature of the room also affects your dog’s sleep. Most dogs sleep best in a slightly cool room around 65-70°F. Making sure the space isn’t too hot or cold will allow your dog to get cozy and drift off to sleep.
Crate training is highly beneficial for getting puppies and dogs comfortable with a designated sleeping area. Place familiar toys and treats in the crate and praise them for going inside. New puppies may fuss at first but will learn to view their crate as a safe den. Avoid using the crate solely for punishment. With time, your dog will happily enter their crate at night when it’s time for bed.
Calming Bedtime Routine
Establishing a calming bedtime routine is crucial for helping your dog wind down at night and get quality sleep. Having a consistent schedule and set of relaxing activities before bed makes it clear to your dog that it’s time to settle in for the night.
A calming pre-bed routine signals to your dog’s body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep. This can help reduce anxiety, restlessness, and sleep issues stemming from an irregular schedule. The predictability also reduces confusion about when it’s time for bed.
Make the last 30-60 minutes before bedtime all about helping your dog decompress from the day. Soothing activities to incorporate may include:
- Grooming or massaging your dog
- Playing gentle music
- Dimming the lights in the home
- Reading quietly together
- Doing some basic training exercises
- Giving your dog a chew toy to settle down with
Try to avoid rowdy playtime right before bed, which can rile your dog up. The goal is to create an environment and routine that says “time for bed” to your dog’s body and mind.
Sleep Training Puppy
Getting your new puppy into a good sleep routine early on is crucial for setting them up for success. Crate training and positive reinforcement are effective methods for sleep training puppies.
Crate training utilizes a dog’s natural instinct to not soil their sleeping area. Puppies should be gradually introduced to the crate during the day, with lots of rewards and praise for going inside. At night, puppies can be placed in the crate with a chew toy to settle down. It’s important they are taken outside immediately before bedtime to relieve themselves.
If the puppy cries or whines at night, resist the urge to immediately let them out. This reinforces the behavior. Instead, try waiting until they settle down before taking them out. Keep takings outs brief and calm, then return to the crate. Gradually increase intervals between night wakings as bladder control improves.
Positive reinforcement is also key. Praise and reward calm behavior in the crate during the day and night. Puppy pads can be used temporarily for easy clean up while housetraining. Be patient and consistent, accidents will happen. With time, your puppy will learn to sleep soundly through the night in their crate.
Common Sleep Issues
Just like humans, dogs can experience a variety of sleep issues that disrupt their rest. Some of the most common sleep problems dog owners may encounter include:
Difficulty Falling Asleep
Some dogs may have trouble settling down and falling asleep. This can be due to anxiety, stress, noise, discomfort, or other distracting factors in their environment. Trying to establish a calming pre-bedtime routine and ensuring their sleeping area is comfortable can help.
Night Waking
Frequent night waking and restlessness is another common issue. Dogs may pace, seem anxious, bark or whine during the night. Causes can include needing to urinate, hunger, pain, cognitive decline in senior dogs, or other medical issues. Checking with a vet and addressing any underlying causes can help.
Medical Causes
Certain health problems in dogs can disrupt sleep. Issues like canine cognitive dysfunction, arthritis, gastrointestinal upset, urinary incontinence, and heart conditions can all interfere with a dog’s ability to sleep through the night. Consulting a veterinarian to diagnose and treat any medical issues is key.
What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Sleep
If your dog is having trouble sleeping through the night or falling asleep in the first place, there are some steps you can take to help set them up for a good night’s rest.
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise during the day. Dogs that don’t exercise enough tend to have extra energy at night that keeps them from settling down. Try taking your dog for a long walk or play session in the evening to tire them out.
Evaluate your dog’s diet. Foods with excess sugar, fat, or other additives can lead to hyperactivity. Switch to a healthy, natural dog food without artificial ingredients. Don’t feed your dog right before bed, as a full stomach can prevent sleep.
Have your vet examine your dog to rule out any underlying medical issues that could interfere with sleep, like thyroid problems, pain, or anxiety.
Work on additional training if your dog has trouble settling at night. Teach them cues like “go to bed” or “settle” and practice having them relax in their sleeping area during the day.
Manage the sleep environment by making sure it’s cool, quiet, and comfortable. Turn off lights, TVs, or music at bedtime. Use a fan or white noise machine to block disruptive sounds. Ensure your dog has a cozy bed away from high-traffic areas.
With patience and consistency, these steps can help your dog develop better sleep habits so you both get some much-needed rest.
The Importance of Sleep
Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for your dog’s health and behavior. When dogs don’t get the rest they need, it can negatively impact both their physical and mental wellbeing in several ways:
First and foremost, sleep is when your dog’s body repairs itself and recharges for the day ahead. Without adequate rest, cell repair and tissue growth can be disrupted. Lack of sleep may also affect your dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems over time.
Beyond physical health, lack of sleep also impacts your dog’s brain. It can impair memory, learning, and decision making. Dogs that don’t get enough rest tend to be more irritable, anxious, hyperactive, and aggressive. They may even experience depression or other mood disorders.
Well-rested dogs simply behave better. They are happier, more playful, and better able to concentrate on tasks like training. Getting on a consistent sleep schedule makes your dog’s behavior more predictable as well.
Given the many benefits, it’s clear that quality sleep is vital for dogs. Making sure your pup gets the shuteye they need will keep them physically and mentally healthy while enhancing their quality of life.