Colin Snow
Sleep is essential for a puppy's healthy growth, contributing to the development of the central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles. Puppies tend to fall asleep when it gets dark as this is related to their circadian rhythms, which act as an inner clock and control the sleep/wake cycle. A puppy that sleeps in the dark or dim light sleeps better and stays healthier. However, puppies often sleep during the day, and complete darkness may not always be possible or desirable. In such cases, a night light or dim light can be left on to help the puppy sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should puppies sleep in the dark? | Yes, puppies sleep better and stay healthier in the dark or dim light. |
| How much sleep do puppies need? | Puppies sleep from 18 to 22 hours a day in their first eight weeks, and 12 to 14 hours a day from eight to 16 weeks. |
| How does light affect a puppy's sleep? | Light affects a puppy's sleep as it disrupts the production of melatonin, which is essential for deep sleep. |
| Should a night light be left on? | If a puppy refuses to enter a dark room, it is okay to leave a night light on. |
| How can you help your puppy sleep at night? | Establish a bedtime routine, keep the sleep area quiet and dim, and use blackout shades if necessary. |
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What You'll Learn
Puppies sleep better and stay healthier in the dark
Puppies need a lot of sleep to grow. Without it, they won't develop properly. They need a safe, soft, and cosy bed where they can rest and gather strength. Puppies tend to fall asleep when it gets dark as this is related to their circadian rhythms, which act as an "inner clock" and control the sleep/wake cycle.
Deep sleep is important for a puppy's health. A dark sleeping environment is one of the most essential factors in achieving good sleep. When dogs sleep in the dark, their circadian rhythms improve. This is because darkness triggers the production of melatonin, a crucial hormone for healthy sleep. Lights at night can disrupt natural deep sleep by decreasing melatonin levels.
Research has shown that exposure to artificial light before bedtime significantly decreases melatonin levels in humans. Another study showed that light during a dog's sleep negatively affects the quality of sleep. Blue light from TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers disrupts melatonin production the most.
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Melatonin and its role in a puppy's sleep
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is released in our brains in the evening. It signals to our body that it's time for sleep. The production of melatonin in the body is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. This means that both humans and dogs produce melatonin when it gets dark outside and stop producing it when it's light.
Deep, restorative sleep in a dark environment for 7 to 8 continuous hours allows the body to produce normal melatonin levels. Lights at night can decrease melatonin levels and disrupt natural deep sleep.
Melatonin for puppies
Melatonin can be safely given to dogs at appropriate doses and can provide several benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, for example, when they are left alone or need to spend time in a hospital. It can also be used to address alopecia (hair loss) issues.
The appropriate dose of melatonin for dogs depends on their weight or 0.1 milligrams of melatonin for each kilogram of the dog's weight. Melatonin is generally considered safe for dogs, but it's important to consult a veterinarian before giving it to your puppy, especially if they are taking other medications or have health issues.
Creating the right sleeping environment for your puppy
To help your puppy get a good night's rest, make sure their sleeping environment is dark and quiet. You can use blackout curtains to create a dark space if needed. It's also important to minimise noise and keep the room comfortable and not too warm or cold.
Additionally, establishing a bedtime routine can help your puppy sleep better. This may include having a nightly routine, such as a command that means it's time to go potty, followed by a biscuit and then bed.
The importance of sleep for puppies
Puppies require plenty of sleep to grow and develop properly. Sleep allows their bodies to grow and develop their central nervous system, muscles, bones, and organs. Sleep deprivation can lead to a weaker immune system, increased anxiety, and restless behaviour.
Tips for training a puppy to sleep on schedule
To help your puppy sleep on time, you can try tiring them out with playtime or providing them with puzzles and toys to keep them occupied. It's also important to ensure they are well-hydrated and fed a few hours before bedtime to allow enough time for them to use the bathroom.
By creating a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment and establishing a bedtime routine, you can help your puppy get the restorative sleep they need to thrive.
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How much sleep do puppies need?
Puppies need a lot of sleep—more than adult dogs. In fact, they usually sleep from 18 to 20 hours a day. This is because they are growing and developing very quickly, and their bodies need downtime to repair and regenerate. Sleep is also essential for brain development, helping them to process, remember, and consolidate all the new information they're receiving.
The amount of sleep puppies need varies as they get older. Newborn puppies (0-2 weeks) sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time. As puppies' eyes begin to open and they become more active (2-4 weeks old), they still need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. Puppies that are 4-12 weeks old are developing quickly and need 15-20 hours of sleep each day. Once they reach the 3-6 month mark, they will start sleeping less, requiring 14-16 hours of sleep per day.
Beyond 6 months, puppies will start to move to a more adult-like sleep schedule, sleeping around 12-14 hours each day. However, this varies between different dogs, and older dogs will still sleep more than adult dogs.
Sleep is essential for a puppy's health and development, and their sleeping environment should be dark and quiet to promote deep, restorative sleep.
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Tips for training a puppy to sleep on schedule
Puppies require plenty of sleep to grow, and a dark environment is ideal for their sleep. Here are some tips to help train your puppy to sleep on a schedule:
Create a comfortable sleeping environment:
Set up a cosy and quiet sleeping area for your puppy, preferably in a dark room or with the use of blackout curtains. Make sure the space is spacious and well-padded with blankets and a few chew toys. You can also include a snuggly toy or a blanket with their mum's scent on it to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Establish a bedtime routine:
Develop a consistent bedtime routine by associating certain commands or actions with sleep time. For example, you can create a nightly routine like a command that means it's time for a last potty break, followed by a treat, and then bedtime.
Exercise and mental stimulation:
Ensure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day, especially in the evening a few hours before bedtime. This will help tire them out and make them more likely to sleep through the night. Spend 10-20 minutes playing with them or engaging in training exercises to tire them out physically and mentally.
Final bathroom break:
Always take your puppy out for a final bathroom break before bedtime. Make this part of their bedtime routine, and keep it calm and low-key to avoid stimulating them too much before sleep.
Consistent sleep schedule:
Work on creating a consistent sleep schedule for your puppy based on their age and energy levels. Puppies need frequent toilet breaks, so expect to be woken up a few times during the night, especially when they are very young. As they get older, their sleep patterns will regulate, and they will be able to sleep for longer stretches.
Manage expectations:
Understand that it will take time and patience to train your puppy to sleep through the night. Be prepared for some sleepless nights and adjust your expectations accordingly. With consistency and dedication, your puppy will eventually settle into a healthy sleep schedule.
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Should I leave a nightlight on?
The answer to this question depends on your puppy's preferences. If your puppy is comfortable sleeping in the dark, it is best to let them do so. Sleeping in the dark has several health benefits for dogs, just as it does for humans.
Firstly, light affects sleep for dogs just as it does for people. The darker the room, the easier it will be for your puppy to fall asleep. Deep, restorative sleep in a dark environment allows the body to produce normal melatonin levels. Lights at night can decrease melatonin levels and disrupt natural deep sleep.
Secondly, a lack of deep sleep may increase the risk of cancer. Low melatonin, caused by light intruding on a dark night's sleep, may be associated with increased cancer risk. Studies have shown that decreased sleep, night shift work, and artificial light at night have all been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers in humans.
However, puppies may refuse to enter a completely dark room. In this case, you can leave a nightlight on. Alternatively, you can use blackout curtains to create a dark space if needed.
It is important to note that sleeping in a dark environment during the day is not beneficial for your puppy and will disrupt their normal circadian rhythm. Puppies should sleep in a light environment during the day and a dark environment at night to maintain their circadian rhythm and natural melatonin levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, puppies that sleep in the dark or in dim light sleep better and stay healthier. Darkness triggers the production of melatonin, which promotes healthy sleep.
Animal bodies increase melatonin secretion during the night, and puppies are no different. So, the darker the room, the easier it will be for your puppy to fall asleep. However, dogs can't see in complete darkness, and some puppies may refuse to enter a dark room. In that case, leave a nightlight on or use blackout curtains to create a dimly lit space.
Puppies require a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. On average, puppies sleep from 18 to 22 hours a day during their first eight weeks of life. This gradually decreases to 12-14 hours as they approach the 16-week mark, and then to approximately 12 hours once they become adults.
