How Long Do Bearded Dragons Sleep Daily? | Sleep Patterns Explained

Bearded dragons are reptilians and they are designed to take care of themselves. Just like we do not eat foods that are not beneficial for us, these creatures know what their bodies require, and when. How much care is needed, and how long do bearded dragons sleep? These questions are answered when you find out all about bearded dragons and their lifestyle. Your pet dragon will thrive when it gets good nutrition, a balanced routine with physical exercises, and good sleep. The more you know about your bearded dragon, the more you would know where their balance of food, routine, and sleep lies.

When Do Bearded Dragons Sleep

Bearded dragons sleep at night. Like humans, their systems work according to sunlight, and they feel sleepy and tired when night falls. Moreover, they get more energy and stimulation for the next day when they complete their night’s sleep.

Bearded dragons have a third eye that detects light differences and other movements. When the light reduces, these creatures know it is time to sleep. This third eye helps bearded dragons estimate the right time for them to sleep. When it gets dark, they will begin to know that it is time to go to bed, or behind the plants, in the case of pet dragons. However, the question remains about the amount of sleep bearded dragons need. Also, check Bearded Dragons Lifespan.

How Much Sleep Do Bearded Dragons Need

All bearded dragons require eight to twelve hours of sleep. Their diurnal nature ensures that they will sleep at night, and there are going to be no late-night activities since their internal clock puts them to rest. However, bearded dragons have to be in the dark to know that it is time to sleep.

If you have placed your dragon’s tank in a room where the light is on the whole time, or if you switch on the night light, these reptilians will not sleep. They need complete darkness for their third eye to sense that it is time to sleep. If you leave them in a room with light at night, they will not sleep, and their behavior will change over a few days.

Bearded dragons experience short sleep or nap times according to the rapid eye movement, which means that they close their eyes shortly as if they have shut down the system, and then they open their eyes in half-sleep and shut them again. However, these eye movements are too short and do not compensate for night sleep. This sleep mechanism resembles that of birds. As birds are perched on branches, they sleep for short periods and stay aware of their surroundings. Other reptilians do not have such sleep cycles, but bearded dragons have a light REM pattern that keeps them aware of their environment, and they remain conscious of any other creature approaching them.

Dragons Sleep And Closed Their Eyes

Many animals sleep with their eyes shut, and some sleep with their eyes open. This is a natural trait of creatures that live on the ground in the wild and may feel threatened by any predator coming near them. However, bearded dragons close their eyes, although they are fully aware of their surroundings. These creatures can have disrupted sleep if a light bulb is switched on suddenly or if there is any commotion around them.

If bearded dragons are not deep sleepers, do they even dream? Many owners might be interested in knowing why their pet dragons get upset at night, or even if they get upset and anxious and scratch their tank walls, is it because they got a nightmare? The reality is that there is no research or solid proof about bearded dragons dreaming. Many owners think about this since bearded dragons have rapid eye movement, which they may desire, and their interrupted sleep is due to nightmares. However, there is no research to prove this.

The Various Sleeping Positions

Bearded dragons sleep in some strange poses, and sometimes they are hilarious, but most commonly, they might make pet owners worry. Some bearded dragons sleep while standing on their hind legs. This pose often seems funny, but it may disturb some owners as it appears that the dragon is not resting. However, it is natural and comfortable for the dragon.

The most common pose is to sleep on the stomach while keeping all fours on the ground. However, if your bearded dragon sleeps for days or weeks, that is also natural. Bearded dragons hibernate like all other reptilians. Since indoor pets have heated tanks, they might not hibernate for the full winter, but their metabolism slows down significantly during this time. Moreover, the brumation period also impacts the sleep cycle, and you might notice your pet is sleeping longer during this period.

Another strange characteristic of bearded dragons is that they can change color while they sleep. If you have kept a bearded pet for months, you would know that these creatures change color according to stress levels. During sleep, when they are relaxed and calm, their color might lighten up.

Bearded dragons do all kinds of adorable things before they go to sleep. Some mornings, you might see them covered in sand as if they have been wrapped in a blanket, and on some occasions, you might see them breathe so slowly that it may be worrisome. However, all these behaviors and sleep patterns are normal and should not be treated as severe issues.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons are reptilians, but indoor pets do not hibernate during winter. How long do bearded dragons sleep daily if they do not sleep for months in the cold? We have discussed all the factors and details that will help you care for your dragon pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my bearded dragon does not sleep well at night?

Bearded dragons require eight to twelve hours of sleep, and once they get it, they feel fresh. On the contrary, if they do not get full sleep, they may get tired and anxious.

How do I put my dragon pet to sleep?

Bearded dragons will sleep adequately when they are in the dark. You must turn off all the lights to make them believe that it is nighttime.