Pets In Rem Sleep: Restful Or Restless?

Sleep is essential for the health of dogs and humans alike, and it is well known that the sleep cycles of both species involve REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. But what is less understood is the role of REM sleep in dogs' restfulness and overall health. While REM sleep is a deep sleep stage in which humans dream, it is unclear whether the same is true for dogs. Some studies have shown that dogs spend about 10% of their time in the REM stage, dreaming, while others have found that REM sleep disturbances in dogs affect their ability to process emotions. So, is REM sleep truly restful for pets, or does it serve some other function?

Do pets dream?

Much like humans, dogs experience various stages of sleep, with each serving an essential function for their physical and mental health. Understanding your dog's sleep cycle can provide valuable insights into their health, and the importance of ensuring your dog gets the rest it needs.

Sleep Cycles in Dogs

The sleep cycle of a dog consists of two main phases: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. Dogs have short sleep cycles that last just 45 minutes at a time, during which they cycle through REM and non-REM sleep twice.

During REM sleep, dogs experience rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams. This stage is similar to the REM sleep stage in humans, and you may notice your dog twitching, wagging its tail, or making small noises while in this state. Non-REM sleep, on the other hand, is a deeper and more restful stage where dogs spend a significant amount of time, especially during the early part of their sleep cycle. Their heart rate and breathing slow down, and their muscles relax during this stage.

Yes, dogs do dream. They experience both REM and non-REM sleep, just like humans, and scientific research has demonstrated comparable brain wave patterns in the two species. While we can't know exactly what they dream about, we can make some educated guesses based on their behaviour during sleep.

Dogs typically take about 10 minutes to enter a deep, dream-filled REM sleep. During this stage, their breathing may become shallow and irregular, and their muscles may twitch. Their eyes move behind closed lids, indicating that they are likely visualising dream images.

While we can't be certain, it is believed that dogs dream about the things they do during their waking hours. Puppies and older dogs, due to their underdeveloped or less efficient pons (the part of the brain that inhibits physical movement during sleep), are more likely to act out their dreams, and you may see them running, pointing, or chasing things in their sleep.

Research suggests that small dogs dream more frequently but for shorter durations, while large dogs have fewer but longer dreams. The frequency and length of dreams also vary with age, with younger dogs experiencing more dreams as they have a lot of new information to process.

Unfortunately, dogs can have nightmares, too. They may snarl, growl, or cry out during a scary dream, but it is not recommended to wake them as they may not know where they are right away and could impulsively lash out. Instead, it is best to wait for them to wake up and provide comfort.

Tips for Better Sleep

It is important to provide your dog with a quiet, comfortable, and uninterrupted sleep environment. Ensure their bed is in a spot that is neither too hot nor too cold, and make sure they get plenty of exercise during the day to promote better sleep at night. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also help regulate their sleep-wake cycle.

How long do pets sleep for?

Dogs sleep a lot more than humans. On average, adult dogs sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day, while puppies and senior dogs may sleep even longer – up to 18 or 20 hours. Larger breeds can sleep for longer, too, with some sleeping for up to 18 hours a day.

Dogs tend to take shorter naps instead of resting for consecutive hours, which means they don't get as much deep sleep as humans do. They also have shorter sleep cycles than humans, lasting just 45 minutes at a time. During that time, they will cycle through REM and non-REM sleep twice.

REM sleep is a deep sleep stage where dreaming can occur, and dogs spend about 10% of their time in this dreaming phase. Non-REM sleep is a deeper and more restful stage of sleep. Dogs spend a significant amount of time in this stage, especially during the early part of their sleep cycle. During non-REM sleep, their heart rate and breathing slow down, and their muscles relax.

The amount of sleep a dog needs depends on its age, breed, activity level and environment. Puppies and senior dogs tend to sleep more, with puppies sleeping the most. Larger breeds also tend to sleep more. Active dogs will experience deeper sleep.

If your dog seems unusually tired, this could be the result of a health condition. A metabolic or urinary disease, for example, may require frequent urination, which can make it difficult for dogs to sleep for longer stretches of time.

Sleep is essential for dogs, as it is for humans. It helps them rest, recharge, and maintain their overall health. It also helps with brain development, memory, and learning capacity, as well as their immune system.

How is pet sleep similar to human sleep?

Sleep is essential for both humans and dogs, and their sleep patterns are surprisingly similar. Both dogs and humans experience two main phases of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. During the REM stage, dogs and humans exhibit rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams. This stage is important for memory processing and typically occurs around 20 minutes into a nap for dogs and humans.

The non-REM stage is a deeper and more restful stage of sleep, where heart rate, breathing, and muscle activity decrease. Dogs spend a significant amount of time in this stage, especially during the early part of their sleep cycle. While the length of the sleep cycle differs between dogs and humans, with dogs having shorter cycles of around 45 minutes, both species follow the same sleep pattern.

The sleep cycles of dogs and humans are influenced by similar factors, such as age and breed or genetics. Puppies and senior dogs tend to sleep more, similar to how younger and older humans require more sleep. Additionally, small dog breeds have been found to dream more frequently, but for shorter durations, compared to larger breeds.

Both dogs and humans need uninterrupted sleep for optimal health. Disruptions in sleep can impact emotion processing and recognition in dogs, similar to how sleep deprivation affects humans. Ensuring a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment is crucial for both species to maintain physical and mental health.

While there are some differences in the specifics of sleep cycles between dogs and humans, the overall structure and function of sleep are remarkably similar. Understanding these similarities can help pet owners provide the best conditions for their dogs' sleep and highlight the importance of adequate rest for their furry friends.

How is pet sleep different from human sleep?

While humans and pets, such as dogs and cats, experience similar stages of sleep, there are several differences in the way they sleep.

Firstly, the sleep cycles of dogs and humans differ in duration and frequency. Dogs have shorter sleep cycles, lasting just 45 minutes, and they cycle through REM and non-REM sleep twice during this period. On the other hand, humans typically experience four to five complete sleep cycles per night, with each cycle lasting around 90 minutes. As a result, dogs may have up to 20 sleep cycles per night.

The amount of sleep needed also varies between pets and humans. Adult dogs sleep for approximately 12 to 14 hours a day, while adult humans require at least 7 hours of nightly sleep. Puppies and senior dogs may need even more sleep, with puppies sleeping up to 19 hours daily.

Additionally, the sleep patterns of dogs and cats differ from those of humans. While human sleep becomes monophasic or biphasic after early childhood, taking place during one portion of the day with an optional short nap, the sleep of dogs and cats is often polyphasic. This means that they divide their sleep into several shorter periods throughout the day and night. For example, dogs tend to sleep in 45-minute bouts, while cats sleep for up to 78 minutes at a time.

The sleep environment also differs between pets and humans. While humans typically sleep in beds or cribs, pets may sleep in a variety of locations, including crates, kennels, or even on the floor. The comfort and security provided by their sleeping environment can impact the quality of sleep for both pets and humans.

Furthermore, the impact of co-sleeping with pets differs from that of co-sleeping with humans. Sleeping with pets can provide comfort, security, and emotional support for humans, potentially improving their emotional health and reducing anxiety. However, it can also disrupt sleep due to movements, temperature changes, and allergies. The impact of co-sleeping on pets is generally positive, as it indicates a higher level of trust and bonding with their owners, leading to increased levels of beneficial hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine.

How can you ensure your pet gets quality sleep?

Ensuring your pet gets quality sleep is essential for their physical health and cognitive function. Here are some tips to help your furry friend achieve restful slumber:

Create a Comfortable Environment:

Provide your pet with a cosy bed or crate suitable for their size and breed. Place it in a quiet area, away from noise and distractions. Ensure the temperature is comfortable and consider using a fan or white noise machine to dampen outside noises. You can also use soft music or pheromone sprays to create a calming atmosphere, especially for anxious pets.

Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation:

Engage your pet in regular physical activities like walks and playtime to expend their energy. This will help them relax and settle down at night. Mental stimulation is equally important. Training sessions, puzzle toys, or teaching new tricks can provide mental enrichment and tire them out mentally, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

Consistent Bedtime Routine:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine to regulate your pet's internal clock and sleep-wake cycle. Try to feed them, take them for bathroom breaks, and start your bedtime routine at the same time each day. This includes activities like brushing their teeth and quiet play. A consistent routine will help your pet develop a healthy sleep schedule and improve their overall sleep quality.

Healthy Diet and Regular Veterinary Check-ups:

Provide your pet with a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid feeding them high-energy foods before bedtime, as it may disrupt their sleep. Also, schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet's health and address any underlying medical issues that could affect their sleep.

Address Sleep Disturbances:

If your pet experiences sleep disturbances, identify the cause, such as a noisy environment or health issues. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty sleeping, or changes in sleep patterns. They may recommend supplements or calming aids to promote relaxation and improve your pet's sleep quality.

By following these steps, you can help your pet achieve quality sleep, ensuring they wake up well-rested and energised for the day ahead.

Frequently asked questions