Daytime Naps: Understanding Your Beardie's Sleep Patterns

Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They require 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night to grow and maintain good health. As cold-blooded animals, they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, so they feel most energetic during the warmer daylight hours and have less energy at night, making this a better time to sleep.

Bearded dragons need darkness to sleep, so it is important to turn off their heat lamps at night. They also sleep better in quiet environments, as loud noises can disturb their sleep cycles. While they typically sleep lying down, they are also known to sleep in odd positions, such as standing up against a tree or a wall.

Brumation

During brumation, bearded dragons will be lethargic, refuse to eat, and may not defecate. They may also display darker-coloured skin. This state can last anywhere from a few weeks to up to three months.

If your bearded dragon is brumating, it is important to ensure they remain healthy. Their tank should be clean, with fresh food and water provided daily. You can also provide them with a warm blanket and toys to help them feel secure. If your bearded dragon is housed indoors and you suspect they are sick rather than brumating, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian, especially if they are displaying signs such as weakness, sunken eyes, skin discolouration, abnormal defecation, or persistent depressed appetite.

To induce brumation in a healthy bearded dragon, an experienced breeder may gradually decrease the environmental temperature over several weeks. However, this should only be done under the supervision of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian, as brumation can be dangerous for bearded dragons that are underweight, undernourished, or harbouring intestinal parasites.

Health issues

Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are usually awake during the day and sleep at night. However, there are several reasons why a bearded dragon may sleep during the day.

Brumation

Brumation is a period of low energy and appetite associated with the Australian winter. Brumating bearded dragons seek out dark, cool areas of the tank to sleep and will not eat or defecate, though they may occasionally rouse briefly to drink. Brumation is not the same as hibernation, and they can move if needed.

Seasonal Changes

Bearded dragons may experience changes in behaviour and energy levels due to seasonal changes. For example, they may sleep more during the winter months.

Age

Older bearded dragons are more likely to brumate than younger ones.

Dehydration

Dehydration is common in captive-raised bearded dragons and can cause sleepiness. Bearded dragons cannot detect standing water, so it is important to regularly mist, bathe, and offer fresh, dechlorinated water every day.

Lack of Proper Heat

Bearded dragons may sleep during the day if temperatures are inadequate. Low temperatures can cause a loss of appetite and decreased activity levels. The ideal daytime temperature range for bearded dragons is a cool side at 77-80°F (25-27°C), a warm central zone at 85-90°F (30-32°C), and a very warm, focal basking area of 95-105°F (35-41°C) for adults.

Lack of UVA Radiation

Bearded dragons need full-spectrum lighting, including UVA radiation, to stimulate appetite and promote high levels of activity. Fluorescent bulbs should be replaced every six months as they lose effectiveness over time.

Impaction

Impaction can lead to paralysis in the hind legs, causing the bearded dragon to stop moving or drag its hind legs. This condition is often fatal and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Parasites

Parasites can cause lethargy and serious health issues in bearded dragons. A common sign of parasites is very runny, extremely smelly poop without solid white urates (the white clump found at one end of the stool). Parasites typically come from tainted food sources or very dirty living conditions.

Other Health Issues

Bearded dragons may experience lethargy due to various health issues, including metabolic bone disease, adenovirus/atadenovirus infection, respiratory infection, reproductive disorders (such as egg-binding in females), intoxication, severe internal parasitism, gastrointestinal disease/impaction, or dehydration.

If your bearded dragon is sleeping during the day and you are concerned about its health, it is best to consult a qualified veterinarian, especially if it displays other signs of illness such as weight loss, sunken eyes, skin discolouration, abnormal defecation or urination, decreased appetite, or aggression.

Lighting and temperature

Bearded dragons are ectothermic, meaning they are unable to control their internal body temperature without external sources. In their environment, a temperature gradient should be provided, allowing them to choose between hot, warm, and cool areas to regulate their body temperature. The optimum basking area temperature is 40-42°C (104-107°F) with the cool end sitting at 22-25°C (71-77°F). The temperature gradient can be achieved using an overhead heat source, such as a heat lamp or a ceramic heat emitter, installed at one end of the enclosure. It is important to monitor the temperature using accurate thermometers, preferably digital ones, to ensure the correct temperature is maintained.

Bearded dragons require UVB lighting in addition to heat. UVB lighting provides essential ultraviolet rays that aid in vitamin production and calcium absorption. The recommended UVB bulb for a 48” x 24” x 24” bearded dragon enclosure is a 22” Arcadia Dragon 14% bulb, placed on the warm side of the enclosure. The basking area should be 7-11” below the UVB lamp if mounted over mesh and 12-18” below if mounted under mesh. Bright white light with a colour temperature of 6000-7000K is also beneficial for their mental health and encourages more natural behaviours.

Bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. Therefore, a day and night cycle should be maintained, with 14 hours of daylight during summer and 10 hours during winter. At night, the temperature can drop to around 15°C (59°F) as long as it does not fall below 50°F, which may induce brumation or illness. If the temperature drops below 15°C (59°F), supplementary heating is required, and a ceramic heat emitter is recommended as it does not emit light, which can disrupt the dragon's sleep/wake cycle.

Mercury vapour bulbs are not suitable for bearded dragon enclosures as they cannot be controlled by a thermostat and can overheat the enclosure. It is also important to use wooden vivariums as they retain heat better than other materials. Providing accessories that hold heat, such as rocks or the Zen Cave, can aid in digestion as they provide underbelly heat similar to hot rocks in the wild.

The ideal basking surface temperature is 105-115°F (40-46°C) with a cool zone temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C) and an average ambient humidity of 30-60%. Halogen heat lamps are a good choice for achieving these temperatures, with 100w PAR38 halogen flood bulbs typically sufficient for a 24” tall enclosure. An infrared thermometer or a digital probe thermometer can be used to measure the basking surface temperature accurately.

Sleep cycle

Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They are cold-blooded animals and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Therefore, they feel most energetic during the warmer daylight hours and have less energy at night, making it a better time to sleep.

A healthy bearded dragon will be fairly inactive at night, sleeping between eight and fourteen hours depending on the time of year. In the summer, they will probably sleep between eight and twelve hours a night, experiencing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In winter, they will sleep for at least twelve hours a night and seem more sluggish during the day, eating less. This period is known as brumation, a semi-hibernation state where they conserve energy with slow-wave sleep and slow breathing.

It is not recommended to wake a sleeping bearded dragon. If they are sleeping longer than usual, it could be because they are in the natural brumation cycle.

To ensure your bearded dragon is getting the right amount of sleep, you should establish their environment to mimic their natural habitat. This includes using UVA and UVB lamps to generate light and heat during the day, with clear areas for basking and separate shaded areas. The temperature in the habitat should be kept between 104 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dropping to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Lights should be on a timer, turned on at sunrise and off at sunset, with a slight extension of daylight hours in summer and a reduction in winter.

Sleep environment

Bearded dragons require a carefully maintained sleep environment to ensure their overall health and well-being. Here are some key considerations for creating an optimal sleep environment for your bearded dragon:

• Lighting and Temperature Cycles: It is essential to set up lighting and heating cycles that mimic the natural environment of bearded dragons. This includes providing a daytime temperature range with a cool side at 77-80°F (25-27°C) and a warm central zone at 85-90°F (30-32°C). The very warm, focal basking area should be maintained at 95-105°F (35-41°C) for adults and 105-110°F (35-44°C) for babies. During the night, the temperature range can be lowered to 70-75°F (21.5-24°C). These temperature gradients are crucial for regulating your dragon's metabolism, digestion, and overall health.
• UVB Lighting: Proper UVB lighting is vital for the health of your bearded dragon. UVB bulbs should be placed inside the enclosure or mounted on top of a metal mesh screen. The UVB light should be strong enough to provide adequate lighting without causing discomfort. Be sure to replace UVB bulbs regularly, as their effectiveness decreases over time.
• Enclosure Size and Substrate: Ensure your bearded dragon's enclosure is spacious enough for their size, with a minimum of a 40-gallon tank. Avoid using substrates such as sand, sawdust, wood shavings, or gravel, as these can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Instead, opt for unbleached paper towels, newspaper, or reptile carpet.
• Diet and Supplements: A balanced diet is crucial for the overall health of your bearded dragon and can impact their sleep quality. Offer a variety of dark, leafy vegetables and gut-loaded insects. Additionally, provide regular calcium and vitamin supplements, such as calcium powder and a multivitamin powder or liquid.
• Cleanliness and Hygiene: Maintain a clean and hygienic enclosure to reduce the risk of infections. Clean the enclosure thoroughly at least once a month using a reptile-safe disinfectant. Spot-clean as needed and disinfect food and water bowls regularly.
• Handling and Interaction: Limit handling and interactions during sleep hours to avoid disrupting your bearded dragon's sleep. Ensure you always wash your hands before and after handling your pet to prevent the spread of germs.
• Veterinary Care: If you notice any unusual behaviour, such as prolonged sleepiness, lethargy, or changes in appetite, consult a veterinarian with experience in reptile medicine. They can provide guidance and recommend appropriate treatments if any health issues are identified.

Frequently asked questions