Bearded dragons, or beardies, are diurnal, cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they are typically active during the day and sleep at night. In the wild, they sleep in odd positions, sometimes standing up in trees. In captivity, they may sleep standing up against the wall of their enclosure. They require 8-12 hours of sleep per night to grow and maintain good health. They also experience periods of brumation, a semi-hibernation state, during which they sleep for days, weeks, or months at a time to survive cold temperatures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Sleep Hours | 8-12 hours each night |
Sleep Requirements | Darkness, no light pollution, regular sleep schedule |
Sleep Positions | On their stomach, standing up against a wall or tree, buried in sand |
Sleep Cycle | 80 seconds: 40 seconds of slow-wave sleep and 40 seconds of REM sleep |
Sleep in Winter | 12 hours or more |
Sleep in Summer | 8-12 hours |
Brumation | Deep sleep in fall and winter lasting days, weeks or months |
What You'll Learn
- Bearded dragons are diurnal, so they're typically active during the day and sleep at night
- They require 8-12 hours of sleep each night, and this can increase to 12-14 hours in winter
- Baby bearded dragons sleep more than adults, and this is natural
- Bearded dragons need darkness to sleep, so it's important to turn off their heat lamp at night
- They can sleep in odd positions, such as standing up against a wall or tree
Bearded dragons are diurnal, so they're typically active during the day and sleep at night
Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. This is good news for owners, as it means they should be active at the same time as you. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, so they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This means they feel most energetic during the warmer daylight hours and have less energy at night, making this a better time to sleep.
A healthy sleep cycle is important for your bearded dragon's health and happiness. They need between 8 and 14 hours of sleep per night, depending on the time of year. In summer, a healthy dragon will sleep for 8 to 12 hours a night, while in winter, they will sleep for at least 12 hours a night and probably more.
To ensure your bearded dragon gets a good night's sleep, you need to establish an environment that mimics their natural habitat. This includes providing UVA and UVB lamps to generate the light and heat they need during the day. The temperature in their habitat should be between 104 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with clear areas for basking and separate shaded areas they can use as needed. At night, the temperature should be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and all heat lamps should be turned off to prevent overheating.
It is also important to keep your dragon's terrarium away from light pollution, as light from other rooms or electronics can interfere with their sleep cycles. Similarly, bearded dragons prefer relative quiet to sleep, so loud noises should be kept to a minimum.
If you work nights, it is still possible to change your dragon's sleeping pattern by covering their tank or moving them to a dark place when you want them to sleep. However, it is not advised to put a diurnal animal on a nocturnal schedule, and you should always ensure they are getting adequate sleep.
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They require 8-12 hours of sleep each night, and this can increase to 12-14 hours in winter
Bearded dragons require 8-12 hours of sleep each night. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. This is common for cold-blooded animals as they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they are more energetic during the warmer daylight hours and have less energy at night, making it an ideal time to sleep.
To ensure your bearded dragon is getting the right amount of sleep, it is important to establish a consistent sleep schedule. This can be achieved by mimicking their natural habitat with UVA and UVB lamps that generate the necessary light and heat during the day. The lights should be turned on and off at consistent times to replicate day and night, and it is recommended to use a timer for this purpose. In the summer, you can extend the daylight hours to 14 hours, and in the winter, you can shorten them to 12 hours.
During the winter, your bearded dragon may sleep for 12-14 hours each night and will likely be less active and eat less during the day. This period is known as brumation, a semi-hibernation state where they conserve energy by experiencing slow-wave sleep with slow breathing, making them appear almost dead. Brumation can last from a few days to a few months, depending on the environment.
It is important to note that bearded dragons need darkness to sleep, so any light pollution from other rooms or electronics can disrupt their sleep cycles and negatively impact their health. Additionally, they require 10 hours of exposure to UVB light during the day, so turning off the lights at night is crucial for their sleep and overall well-being.
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Baby bearded dragons sleep more than adults, and this is natural
Baby bearded dragons sleep a lot, and this is perfectly normal. In fact, it is natural for baby beardies to sleep more than their adult counterparts.
Bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day and sleep at night. Owners usually provide their beardies with 12-14 hours of daylight, with 12 hours being the minimum amount of UV light they need. This means that they sleep for the remaining 10-12 hours of the day.
Baby beardies tend to sleep more than adults, and this could be because they are still growing and developing. Like human babies, they need plenty of sleep to support their bodies and central nervous systems as they develop.
If you are concerned that your baby bearded dragon is sleeping too much, it is best to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to assess your pet's sleeping patterns and determine if there is anything to worry about.
Additionally, it is important to provide your bearded dragon with a consistent sleep schedule and a proper sleeping environment. This means maintaining regular hours for lights-out and ensuring that their tank or enclosure is dark and quiet during their sleeping hours.
By providing a consistent sleep schedule and a suitable sleeping environment, you can help ensure that your baby bearded dragon gets the sleep they need to grow and thrive.
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Bearded dragons need darkness to sleep, so it's important to turn off their heat lamp at night
Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They need darkness to sleep, so it is important to turn off their heat lamps at night.
Bearded dragons require 8-12 hours of sleep each night to grow and maintain good health. They are cold-blooded, so they rely on external heat sources, such as heat lamps, to regulate their body temperature. The lamps should be turned on around sunrise and off around sunset to mimic day and night.
It is important to establish a consistent sleep schedule for your bearded dragon. This means turning the heat lamp on and off at the same time every day. You can use a timer to ensure consistency.
In addition to darkness, bearded dragons need a quiet environment to sleep. Loud noises, such as music or television, can disturb their sleep cycles and be detrimental to their health.
During the day, bearded dragons need access to UVA and UVB lamps, which provide the light and heat they require. They should have 10 hours of exposure to UVB light daily. At night, the UVB lights should be switched off to allow your bearded dragon to sleep properly.
If you work nights and are awake during the day, you can still keep a bearded dragon as a pet. However, it is recommended to put your lights on a timer and care for your dragon during the daylight hours when you are awake.
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They can sleep in odd positions, such as standing up against a wall or tree
Bearded dragons have some similar sleep habits to humans and other mammals. They need darkness to sleep and they sleep with their eyes closed. However, they also have some different sleep habits. For example, they need more sleep than humans, and they sleep in odd positions.
Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They need 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night to grow and maintain good health. It is important to keep your bearded dragon on a regular sleep schedule and to turn its heat lamp off at the same time every night and on at the same time every morning.
Bearded dragons sleep in a variety of positions. They often sleep on their stomachs, but they also sleep in several other positions. In the wild, they sometimes sleep standing up in a tree. It is not uncommon for them to sleep while standing up against their vivarium wall. They might also bury themselves in sand before they go to sleep, as this helps to regulate their body temperature.
If you see your bearded dragon sleeping in an odd position, don't be alarmed. This is normal behaviour for these reptiles. They can sleep standing up against a wall or tree, and they might even look like they are awake when they are actually asleep. As long as they are getting enough sleep and seem healthy, there is no need to worry.
It is important to note that baby bearded dragons sleep more than adults. This is natural and could be because they are more sensitive to environmental changes or imbalances. Stress can also cause a bearded dragon to sleep a lot, especially when they are in a new environment. As long as your baby bearded dragon is still eating, pooping, and urinating, this should resolve itself in time.
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Frequently asked questions
No, bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night.
Both baby and adult bearded dragons need 8-12 hours of sleep each night. In winter, they will sleep for at least 12 hours a night, and probably more.
Bearded dragons need darkness to sleep, so it's important to turn off their heat lamp and UVB light at the same time every night. Keeping a light on at night will disrupt their sleep. It's also important to keep their environment quiet, as loud noises can disturb their sleep cycles.