Night Terrors: Rabbits Haunt Your Sleep

Rabbits can be a nightmare when it comes to sleep. They can be nocturnal, keeping you awake at night with their digging, burrowing, and thumping. They can also experience nightmares themselves, twitching and squeaking in their sleep. While rabbits can be comforting companions, they may also bring unexpected challenges to your bedtime routine.

Nocturnal rabbits

There are several possible reasons why a rabbit might be nocturnal. One possibility is that they are simply following their natural crepuscular rhythm and are most active at dawn and dusk. If their owners are sleeping during these times, the rabbits may be trying to adapt to their owner's schedule by sleeping when their owners are awake and being active when their owners are asleep.

Another possibility is that the rabbit is not getting enough stimulation during the day. Rabbits are intelligent and curious creatures that need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy. If they are bored during the day, they may be more active at night when their owners are trying to sleep.

To address the issue of nocturnal rabbits, owners can try providing more stimulation for their rabbits during the day, such as toys, treats, and exercise. Owners can also try to establish a routine for their rabbits, as rabbits thrive on routine. This may include designated playtime and bedtime routines that signal to the rabbit when it is time to be active and when it is time to sleep.

In some cases, it may be necessary to separate the rabbit from the owner's bedroom at night. This can be done by providing the rabbit with its own room or enclosure, complete with bedding, food, water, and toys to keep it entertained. This way, the owner can get a good night's sleep while the rabbit follows its own schedule.

Rabbits and sleep routines

Rabbits are typically crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, some rabbits may exhibit nocturnal behaviours, staying awake and active throughout the night, which can be a nightmare for owners trying to get a good night's sleep.

If your rabbit is keeping you awake at night, it may be a good idea to move them to a different room, as they should be able to adjust to a new routine with some time and effort. Providing them with a separate space to play and sleep can help reduce disruptions to your sleep schedule. This way, you can create a comfortable and quiet environment for yourself while still ensuring your rabbit has the space it needs to be active.

To help change your rabbit's routine, you can try providing them with various toys and activities to keep them entertained when you need to sleep. For example, plastic wiffle balls, cardboard boxes, and labyrinths made from particle boards can provide hours of fun for your rabbit. Additionally, ensuring your rabbit gets enough exercise and playtime during the day can help tire them out and encourage them to sleep at night.

It's also important to note that rabbits are sensitive to routines. If your rabbit has developed a habit of waking you up at a certain time, breaking that routine can be challenging but crucial. You may need to be consistent and patient in establishing a new sleep routine for your rabbit.

Additionally, rabbits may experience nightmares or disturbing dreams, which can cause them to thump or stamp their feet suddenly. While this is normal, it can be startling for owners, especially if it occurs frequently during the night.

Overall, while rabbits may have unique sleep patterns and habits, with some adjustments and patience, you can establish a sleep routine that works for both you and your furry friend.

Rabbits having nightmares

Rabbits can have nightmares, and their nightmares may be indicated by some unusual behaviour. For example, one rabbit owner observed their rabbit suddenly running out of the kitchen and getting as far away from it as possible, before starting to stomp loudly. The rabbit owner wondered if their pet had experienced a nightmare. Another rabbit owner observed their rabbit falling to its side while sleeping and quivering, which was also thought to be a nightmare.

Rabbit nightmares may be caused by loud noises, such as the heating coming on, or by smells, such as cooking meat. One rabbit owner observed their rabbit thumping loudly in response to the sound of a car passing by outside or the air conditioning turning on.

Rabbits can also exhibit other behaviours that indicate they are dreaming. For example, one rabbit owner observed their rabbit snoring with its eyes open, as well as chittering, grunting, and purring in its sleep. Rabbit owners have also observed their rabbits twitching, moaning, and making squeaky grunting noises while sleeping.

How to help a rabbit relax

Rabbits are easily spooked by sounds, smells, and fast movements. They are prey animals, so they are nervous and shy by nature. They can be scared by loud noises, flashing lights, and even your voice or the screams of children. They can also be overwhelmed by too many people in one room.

Adapt your behaviour

Avoid loud noises and flashing lights. If your rabbit is scared, play some calming classical music to help it relax. Never scream at your rabbit, as it will be terrified and may not trust you in the future. Also, refrain from picking up your rabbit unless it is essential, as some rabbits dislike it. If you do need to pick it up, use a towel to avoid getting scratched and to help the rabbit feel safe.

Offer physical reassurance

Gently hold and pet your rabbit. Stroke its head near the base of its ears, keeping your fingers at the top of its head so it can't nip you. Speak to it soothingly and kindly. You can also try covering its eyes with your hands to reduce fear. Establish a routine of petting and talking to your rabbit regularly.

Entertain your rabbit

Give your rabbit its favourite toy or a piece of rabbit wood to chew on. Agitation can be a sign of boredom or a lack of intellectual stimulation.

Offer treats

Give your rabbit a piece of fruit or a slice of carrot. Avoid sweets, bread, tomato leaves, and potatoes, as these are toxic to rabbits.

Adjust their environment

Rabbits are herbivores and will hide when they feel threatened. Make sure they have access to a safe place, such as an artificial tunnel or a cardboard box.

Rabbit behaviour and health

Rabbits are naturally social and playful creatures. They are a prey species, so they need to be able to hide from perceived threats. They also need to be able to interact with other rabbits and have time away from them. Rabbits are most active in the early morning, late afternoon, and overnight, so they should have constant access to a large exercise area.

Rabbits are naturally inquisitive and need to be able to carry out their natural behaviours, such as foraging and digging, to be happy and healthy. Foraging aids their digestion, so indoor rabbits should be provided with grass in turf trays, fresh forage, and stuffed hay in cardboard tubes to encourage natural behaviour. Rabbits also need to be able to dig, as they live in burrows in the wild. Not being able to dig can cause a rabbit high levels of stress.

Rabbits are subtle in the way they communicate how they are feeling. They use their ears, eyes, body posture, and behaviour to express themselves. For example, a rabbit with its ears forward is curious, whereas upright means they are on alert. If their ears are flat against their back and they are tense, they are likely very fearful. However, if they do this while resting and sleeping, it means they are relaxed. A happy rabbit will leap into the air and twist in mid-air before landing; this is called 'binkying'.

Rabbits can also show aggression towards humans and other rabbits, usually because they are frightened, frustrated, or defending their territory. They might nip or bite, or thump the ground with their feet. If they are confined to their hutch for long periods of time, this can spark aggressive behaviour. Boredom can also affect their health, leading to weight gain, overgrown nails, and destructive chewing.

Frequently asked questions