Bearded dragons are a popular pet choice due to their cheerful and friendly nature. However, owning one requires more than having a pet—proper care, a suitable environment, and good nutrition.
Sleep is crucial in keeping bearded dragons healthy and supporting their growth. New owners often wonder about their pets’ sleep habits.
Common questions pet owners have include: How do bearded dragons sleep? How much sleep do they need? Are they nocturnal or diurnal? What sleep habits do they exhibit? These are just a few of the many queries that arise.
How Does a Bearded Dragon Sleep?
Bearded dragons often sleep with their stomachs touching the surface. Pet owners may notice their beardies sleeping in odd positions, but they remain charming to watch.
Bearded dragons sleep vertically in the wild with their stomachs against tree surfaces. Occasionally, they bury themselves in the sand for a good rest. They also change colors due to their circadian rhythm, as defined by experts.
These unique sleeping habits, such as sleeping vertically or covering themselves with sand, can confuse pet owners, leaving them worried about their pets.
Are bearded dragons nocturnal?
Bearded dragons are diurnal, not nocturnal. Unlike nocturnal animals, they stay awake during the day and enjoy basking in the sun. They may take extended naps while basking.
Bearded dragons sleep 8 to 12 hours daily, with young dragons sleeping more. In winter, they may sleep up to 14 to 15 hours. They are active during the day and rest at night.
When Do Bearded Dragons Sleep?
Bearded dragons, like humans, need uninterrupted sleep in darkness. They require 8 to 12 hours of rest each day. Any light source can disturb their sleep.
As diurnal creatures, bearded dragons are active during the day and rest at night. Pet owners should provide a comfortable, dark environment to ensure proper sleep.
A consistent sleep schedule is crucial for their growth, health, and development. It also helps reduce stress and aids tissue repair.
Ensure your bearded dragon gets 8 to 12 hours of sleep daily, at the same time each night.
In winter, bearded dragons tend to sleep more than in the summer, which is a natural behavior.
5 Sleeping Habits of Bearded DragonsÂ
1: Colour Alteration in SleepÂ
Bearded dragons often change colors while they sleep. This is a normal and common behavior for all of them. Pet owners need not worry about this.
2: Slow BreathÂ
When bearded dragons sleep, their breathing rate slows down. This is a common habit and not a cause for concern.
Bearded dragons naturally reduce their metabolism and respiration while resting. Pet owners may worry, but this is entirely normal.
3: Sleeping for a Long TimeÂ
Bearded dragons often sleep for extended periods, a behavior known as brumation, similar to hibernation. The length of this sleep can vary, lasting from days to weeks or even longer. Baby bearded dragons typically experience brumation between 10 and 24 months. This is a normal process and nothing for pet owners to worry about.
4: Slow BreatheÂ
When bearded dragons sleep, their breathing rate slows down compared to their standard rate. This is a natural occurrence in all bearded dragons and is nothing for pet owners to worry about.
Pet owners commonly mistakenly think their bearded dragons are unwell, but this is just a false signal. Your pet is acceptable, simply experiencing a normal process of slowed breathing. Their metabolism also slows down while they sleep, which is just as natural as the slower respiration rate.
5: Covering In SandÂ
Many bearded dragon owners observe their pets burying themselves in the sand while sleeping. This behavior is entirely normal for bearded dragons while they rest.
ConclusionÂ
Bearded dragon owners often notice that their pets’ sleeping habits mirror their own. Like humans, bearded dragons prefer darkness to sleep and are disturbed by light. This raises the question, how do bearded dragons sleep?
Their sleep habits include some unusual behaviors not seen in other mammals. For instance, bearded dragons may change color while sleeping, sleep in odd positions, or even sleep vertically. Some cover themselves with sand during sleep. Baby bearded dragons, in particular, sleep much more than adults.
Owners often observe that their bearded dragons have similar sleep patterns to theirs. These reptiles sleep at night in the dark and wake up with the first light of dawn. While some of these sleeping habits may seem concerning, they are typical for bearded dragons.
FAQsÂ
Do bearded dragons sleep with their eyes closed?
Bearded dragons sleep with their eyes closed. However, they may open their eyes if they are exposed to light during sleep.
Do bearded dragons dream?
Bearded dragons do dream while they sleep. Like other reptiles, they enter REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, where dreaming occurs.
How long do bearded dragons sleep?
Bearded dragons typically sleep for 8 to 12 hours. Sleep duration can vary slightly.
Do baby bearded dragons sleep more?
Pet owners will observe that baby bearded dragons nap more frequently than adult dragons.
Do bearded dragons sleep during the day?
Bearded dragons are diurnal animals that are active during the day and sleep at night.