Bearded Dragons are reptiles requiring 8-12 hours of sleep daily to stay healthy. Sleep supports their growth and overall well-being, similar to how sleep benefits humans. Just like humans need sleep for mental health, reptiles need it to maintain a healthy nervous system. Sleeping is natural for bearded dragons, just like other animals.
It’s normal for your Bearded Dragon to be active during the day and follow a regular sleep routine at night. However, it may raise concerns if you notice it sleeping more than usual during the day or night. You might wonder, why is my bearded dragon sleeping so much? While most reasons are harmless and natural, some could be signs of potential health issues.
10 Reasons Why is My Bearded Dragon Sleeping So Much
Below are ten reasons your Bearded Dragon can sleep more than usual at night or all day.
1: Environmental Change
Bearded Dragons are sensitive to environmental changes, which can cause stress. As a result, they may need more sleep.
When you first bring your Bearded Dragon home, it may take time for them to adjust. The same happens if you relocate or change their enclosure. It can take a few weeks for your Beardie to settle in. During this period, they may sleep more than usual and sometimes refuse to eat. Don’t worry—give them time to feel comfortable and safe.
2: Brumation
Brumation is similar to hibernation but for cold-blooded animals. Bearded Dragons typically begin brumating between 12-18 months of age. This cycle usually starts in winter but can begin as early as mid-June. During brumation, Bearded Dragons are generally inactive and sleep more than usual. The process can last anywhere from one to three months.
There are a few symptoms to recognize brumation:
- Eating less food
- Refusing to eat
- Hiding frequently are common signs of distress.
- They may also ignore their bright tank lights
- No longer basking in the warmth.
You don’t need to worry about your Beardie; brumation is normal. There is no need to stop your Bearded Dragon from brumating unless they are sick.
3: Dark
A consistent lighting routine in your Bearded Dragon’s tank is crucial. Irregular lighting can confuse your Beardie. If it’s too dark, your reptile may think it’s nighttime. Without proper lighting, your Bearded Dragon will likely sleep more. It’s essential to provide sufficient light for their well-being.
4: Cold
A cold tank makes it difficult for your bearded dragon to bask, stay healthy, and digest food. Maintaining a warm environment is essential because freezing temperatures can weaken their immune system, leading to illness and lethargy. Colds also affect their digestion, causing loss of appetite, constipation, and weight loss. To monitor the temperature, consider installing a thermometer in the tank to ensure it stays at the right level.
5: Not Enough Food
Bearded Dragons conserve energy when they don’t get enough food. To help, offer nutritious options like cucumbers and broccoli. They reduce activity and sleep more to save energy. Make sure they receive enough food to stay healthy.
6: Stress
Monitor your Bearded Dragon for signs of stress. Stress can cause them to become very tired, and you may notice these symptoms before they get lethargic. Please pay attention to their behavior and waste output.
When stressed, your Bearded Dragon will sleep more and become less active. Identifying the cause of their stress is crucial before it becomes more serious.
7: sickness
Your Bearded Dragon may sleep more if it’s sick. Increased sleep can be a sign of illness. If you notice your Beardie sleeping more than usual, monitoring them closely is essential. If they start sleeping excessively and refusing food, observe their behavior. Taking your pet to a vet for a thorough check-up is best.
8: Shedding
Bearded dragons shed in patches over an extended period. During this time, they tend to sleep more. Shedding is a stressful process for them, causing them to rest frequently. While the shedding period is brief, it can lead to noticeable changes in their sleeping habits.
9: Dehydration
Dehydration is common in Bearded Dragons, causing them to sleep more than usual. They often avoid drinking from water bowls, which leads to dehydration. To help, you can offer watermelons with high water content to keep them hydrated. In the wild, Bearded Dragons hydrate by licking dew from plants and absorbing moisture from their food.
There are a few signs of dehydration in Bearded Dragons.
- Wrinkled skin
- Sunken eyes
- Saliva strings in the mouth
Observe your Beardie closely and provide food that supports hydration. You can also take them outside to the garden or lawn, where they can lick dew from plants.
10: Age
Bearded Dragons’ age affects their sleep patterns. Baby bearded dragons tend to sleep more, as it helps with their growth. This extra rest is normal and necessary for their development.
In contrast, adult bearded dragons sleep more often to conserve energy. Their energy levels decrease as they age, leading to increased sleep to maintain overall health.
How Do I Establish a Nightly Routine for My Bearded Dragon?
Establishing an excellent nighttime routine for your bearded dragon involves two key factors. The first is your schedule, and the second ensures proper dark time.
1: Personal Schedule
You need 8 hours of sleep, so ensure your schedule allows that. To support your Bearded Dragon, set its bedtime a few hours earlier than yours. Bearded dragons need a consistent sleep routine. Plan to wake up at 7:00 am, and if you feed your Beardie at 8:00 am, its bedtime should be 12 hours earlier. This means turning off the lights at 8:00 pm to keep your Bearded Dragon’s sleep schedule consistent.
2: Dark Time
Adequate dark time and natural sunlight are essential for your Bearded Dragon’s routine. In the wild, they experience shorter nights and bright light beginning at 6:00 am. If the room where your Bearded Dragon stays gets a lot of natural light, consider using blackout curtains.
Is it Ok to Wake a Sleeping Bearded Dragon?
You should not wake up your bearded dragon unless there is a valid reason, such as signs of serious illness. It’s best to allow them to wake up naturally without any disturbance. Sometimes, your bearded dragon may be in brumation, so it’s better to let them rest.
What Should I Do if My Bearded Dragon Sleeps a Lot?
If your Bearded Dragon has finished its brumation cycle, shows no symptoms, and sleeps excessively, it’s time to be concerned. Contact your vet and schedule a test for your pet.
Conclusion
It’s normal for your Bearded Dragon to sleep often and have days when it feels lazy or inactive. However, if you wonder why your Bearded Dragon is sleeping so much, there are several potential reasons. These include brumation, stress, cold temperatures, sickness, or dehydration. Pay attention to your Bearded Dragon’s behavior regularly to identify any issues. Ensure it has access to proper food and water, and adjust the light hours and tank temperature accordingly to support its health.
FAQs
How much should my Bearded Dragon be sleeping?
Bearded dragons typically sleep more than other reptiles. Several factors can influence their sleep patterns. On average, they sleep between 10-12 hours daily. During the summer, their sleep decreases slightly to 8-10 hours daily.
Why do Bearded Dragons sleep all day?
It’s normal for Bearded Dragons to nap during the day. However, if your Bearded Dragon sleeps for extended periods, it could indicate brumation, illness, or a more serious issue with their behavior or health.