Ashwin Lewis
Hamsters are nocturnal rodents, which means they are active at night and sleep during the day. They usually sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day, but unlike humans, who typically sleep once a day, hamsters have polyphasic sleep-wake patterns, meaning they sleep multiple times a day. As hamsters get older, they tend to sleep more, but not as deeply or intensely as younger hamsters. Captive hamsters, especially Syrian or golden hamsters, have been studied extensively in sleep research, so their sleep cycles are well understood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep hours | 6-8 hours a day, although some sources say 8-14 hours |
| Number of sleep cycles | Multiple sleep cycles |
| Sleep cycle length | 10-12 minutes |
| Sleep patterns | Nocturnal, active at dawn and dusk |
| Hibernation | Possible if the environment is too cold |
| Sleep disturbances | Can cause stress and health issues |
| Age | Older hamsters sleep more than younger ones |
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What You'll Learn
Older hamsters sleep more
Hamsters usually sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day, but this is broken up into smaller segments throughout the day as they have polyphasic sleep-wake patterns. They are nocturnal in captivity, so they sleep during the day and are active at night. This means that they are usually asleep when their owners are awake, which can make it seem like they are sleeping a lot. However, if your hamster is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of torpor, a hibernation-like state, or an illness.
Older hamsters will start to slow down, expending less energy and sleeping more. They may also suffer from arthritis and have more trouble moving. As they get older and start eating softer foods, their teeth may need to be filed down by a vet. Older hamsters may also groom themselves less and their toilet habits may change.
If your hamster is sleeping more than usual, it is important to first consider whether it is getting adequate food and isn't too cold, as these could be factors causing it to enter a state of torpor. If this is not the case, then the increased sleep may be a sign of illness, and a visit to the veterinarian may be necessary.
To provide the best care for your hamster, it is important to understand its sleep schedule and replicate natural day and night cycles. This means keeping the room dim or dark at night when they are most active, and providing a quiet environment for them to sleep comfortably during the day.
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Hibernation and illness
Hamsters do not 'hibernate' in the traditional sense, but they can experience a similar condition called torpor. This is a prolonged response to low temperatures, similar to hibernation, but it typically lasts for shorter periods of time. During torpor, a hamster's body temperature and metabolic rate will drop, and they may appear still and lifeless. They may sleep for hours or days at a time, and their breathing and heart rate will slow down. They may even go weeks without eating.
If you think your hamster is in torpor, first check the temperature of its environment. Hamsters usually only enter torpor when the temperature drops below 40°F (4.5°C). If the temperature is above this, your hamster may be sick. Respiratory and digestive issues are common in hamsters, and they may sleep more if they are unwell. If you are concerned about your hamster's health, contact your vet.
If your hamster is in torpor, you can try to bring it out of this state by gradually increasing the temperature of its environment to over 20°C. You can also try warming your hamster with a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or by holding it against your body. Keep your hamster warm for at least 30 minutes and see if it starts to become more alert. Once it is slightly alert, you can try giving it warm milk through a medicine dropper.
It is important to keep your hamster's enclosure in a quiet, well-ventilated room, away from drafts and cold temperatures. Provide plenty of fresh, dry bedding and ensure the room is dim or dark at night when hamsters are most active.
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Torpor
While hamsters do not hibernate, they can enter a state of torpor when exposed to cold temperatures or a lack of food and water. Torpor is a survival tactic that is automatically triggered when an animal gets too cold, causing a lowered body temperature, heart rate, and metabolic rate. This can be very dangerous for hamsters, as they may not come out of it without assistance, and they are at serious risk of hypothermia.
To prevent torpor, it is recommended to keep your hamster's enclosure in a warm room, away from draughts, at around 18–21°C, and away from draughts. You should also ensure that your hamster always has access to adequate food and water. If your hamster enters torpor, gently move them to a warmer room, handle them carefully, and lightly stroke them to help them warm up and encourage them to wake up. You can also try warming them up with a warm heat pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, but make sure the heat source is not too hot. Finally, take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible.
Some early signs of torpor include sleeping more than normal, lethargy, shivering, and shaking. A hamster in a deep state of torpor will be limp and unresponsive to touch and sound, and may be curled up into a ball to retain warmth. Torpor can be confused with hibernation, but they are distinct. Torpor is a short-term reduction in body temperature and metabolic rate that develops quickly and tends to last only a few hours, while hibernation is a deeper and more long-term state that can last weeks or months.
While torpor is mainly reported in Syrian hamsters, it may also be a concern for owners of dwarf hamsters. Hairless Syrian hamsters are more at risk than hamsters with fur, as they lack insulation to keep warm. Certain individual hamsters may be more prone to torpor than others, and a hamster that has experienced torpor once is likely to enter torpor again.
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Sleep patterns
Hamsters usually sleep for about 12-14 hours a day, but unlike humans, they have polyphasic sleep-wake patterns, meaning they sleep multiple times a day. This means that the 12-14 hours will be broken up into smaller segments throughout the day.
Hamsters are nocturnal in captivity, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. This is the opposite of most people's sleep patterns. However, some people who work night shifts may sleep during the day, similar to hamsters.
It is important to understand your hamster's sleep schedule to provide the best care. For example, hamsters are more active at dusk and dawn and prefer to take short four-hour naps. They should not be handled when they are resting or sleeping unless absolutely necessary, as they can find this stressful.
To replicate natural day and night cycles, hamster enclosures should be kept in a quiet, dark room. This will allow them to sleep comfortably during the day and be active at night without disturbing their owners.
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Nocturnal habits
Hamsters are nocturnal, crepuscular, and diurnal. Their daily activity patterns are influenced by their ecological niche. In captivity, hamsters are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming active at night. This nocturnal behaviour is a way to ensure their safety, as they are prey animals with poor eyesight, and their vision is worse at night. They are most active when the most dangerous beasts are slumbering.
In the wild, hamsters are more likely to be crepuscular or diurnal. Female Syrian hamsters, for example, are diurnal, coming out in the early morning and early evening to forage. In their natural environment, hamsters are most active between 6 and 8 am and 4 to 7:30 pm.
However, the specific behaviours of hamsters can vary depending on their personality and temperament. Some hamsters may be naturally inclined to a diurnal schedule if they feel safe in their environment. These hamsters require plenty of space to move around, bedding to tunnel into, and hideaways to rest. On the other hand, if a hamster feels threatened by loud noises, they may be too anxious to sleep.
Syrian hamsters, in particular, are known to adapt their habits to the time food is provided. They may wake up when food is available but then return to their beds, napping and snacking throughout the day.
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Frequently asked questions
Hamsters require about 8 hours of sleep per day.
Hamsters have polyphasic sleep-wake patterns, meaning they sleep in multiple phases throughout the day.
Yes, older hamsters tend to sleep more than younger hamsters. They expend less energy and may suffer from arthritis, making it more difficult for them to move around.
If your hamster is sleeping more than usual, it could be due to a number of reasons. It may be entering a state of torpor, similar to hibernation, in response to cold temperatures or inadequate food. It could also be a sign of illness, so it is recommended to monitor your hamster's health and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
