Unraveling the Mystery: Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Dogs are known for their unpredictable energy levels. They might spend one moment actively pursuing a squirrel or a frisbee, and the very next, they could be deeply asleep. Observing your dog's daily routine might reveal that a significant portion of their day is dedicated to sleeping.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my dog sleep so much?” this guide contains everything you need to know about dog sleep patterns, from daily requirements to combating sleep disorders and improving the quality of your dog’s sleep.

Understanding Canine Sleep Patterns

Dogs' patterns of sleep and wakeful energy can be somewhat of an enigma for us humans. They’re often struck by a burst of the “zoomies” just when we’re the most sleepy, and yet they seem to nap throughout most of the day. Even though your dog might sleep in your bed with you, dogs are designed for a much different sleep pattern of rest than we are.

How Dogs’ Sleep Differs from Humans’

Have you ever noticed that your dog gets sleepy around the same time you do, but might not sleep through the night? 

There’s a scientific explanation for this seemingly universal canine routine. 

Dogs are neither nocturnal nor diurnal but fall into a third category called crepuscular. This means they’re most active at dawn and dusk, thanks to their wolf ancestors whose eyesight peaked for hunting in twilight. Dogs take long naps during both the day and night to conserve energy for those crucial times.

The Impact of Sleep on Dog Health

Although their sleep schedule is structured differently, dogs need even more sleep than humans do, and are just as affected by sleep deprivation. Puppies (up to one year old) and senior dogs require a whopping 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day, while young adult dogs typically need between 8 and 14 hours of sleep per day. Older dogs also spend a portion of their day “lounging around” without actually being asleep.

A lack of sleep will have a similar effect on your dog that it might have on you. He might become irritable, experience mood disturbances, or have more intense reactions to stressful stimuli (like the doorbell or mailman). He might also experience lagging cognition or “brain fog” and you might notice your dog’s excessive panting.

Factors That Influence How Much Dogs Sleep

While all dogs have similar sleep patterns and habits, some need more total sleep per day than others. Dog breeds and age have the greatest impact on how much your dog sleeps.

Age and Sleep

As mentioned above, age is one of the most crucial factors in determining your pup’s sleep schedule. Puppies and senior dogs need more sleep than young adult dogs and, in fact, remain asleep for the vast majority of their days. 

Here’s a breakdown of how a dog in each age category might sleep:

• Puppy (under one year old) – Puppies spend most of their time snoozing—between 18 and 20 hours per day. This is typically split into an eight-hour night of sleep, as well as four two-to-three-hour naps (or several shorter naps). Like human toddlers, puppies may resist naptime, but enforcing a nap schedule is crucial, even if you work from home and they’d prefer to stay up with you. Napping in a cozy, secluded place is good practice for sleeping alone when they’re older.
• Young adult dog – Young adult dogs spend between 8 and 14 hours asleep each day. This typically includes sleeping through most of the night (60 to 80% of the hours between 8 pm and 8 am), as well as a long nap or two during the day whenever they feel tired (adding up to about 37% of the day). Adult dogs also spend much of their time during the day “lounging around” without actually being asleep. By the time they’re one year old, dogs will typically prefer a dog bed.
• Senior dog (6 to 12+ years old depending on breed) – Senior dogs (and even slightly younger “middle-aged” dogs) boomerang back to needing roughly the same amount of sleep as a puppy. This typically includes sleeping through the night (they’re less likely to wake during the night than younger dogs, and will sleep later in the morning). More frequent daytime naps are also a typical sleeping pattern.

Pay attention to your dog’s sleeping habits as they age, and do your best to enforce a nap schedule if necessary.

Also, understanding why your dogs bark so much can be helpful in managing their stress and improving sleep quality.

Breed-Specific Sleep Needs

In general, bigger dogs (especially giant breeds) tend to need more sleep than smaller dogs. What your dog was bred to do is also a factor—for instance, “working dogs” will typically prepare to be awake for tasks like guarding your home, pulling sleds, or performing water rescues. 

Meanwhile, dogs who were not bred for a specific task (or consider themselves “retired”) will spend much more of their days napping or lounging around. That said, dogs are remarkably resilient when it comes to adjusting their sleep cycle, so they might bend to your schedule or adjust to not having a “job.”

Signs of Abnormal Sleep in Dogs

Sleep is not always dreamy for pups—in fact, it’s possible for dogs to suffer from many of the same sleep disorders that humans do. Most canine sleep disorders are not life-threatening and are quite manageable with medication and/or lifestyle changes. However, it’s essential to see your vet if you notice something out of the ordinary to develop a safe and effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of Sleep Disorders

Dogs can experience disordered sleep, the result of several conditions that are also common health issues in humans. Here are some of the most frequently seen disorders and their symptoms:

• Narcolepsy – A chronic neurological disorder, narcolepsy involves excessive and uncontrollable sleepiness throughout the day. You might notice your dog suddenly fall into a deep sleep. Another common symptom is cataplexy, which involves sudden muscle weakness or loss of muscle control, typically while eating or playing. Being able to read dog body language can help you identify these symptoms early.
• Obstructive sleep apnea – Common in most mammals, obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-breathing disorder. During “apneas,” relaxed tissue and muscles block the airway, causing breathlessness. You might notice excessive sleepiness during the day or loud snoring and choking noises at night. Obstructive sleep apnea is especially common in breeds with short muzzles, like bulldogs and pugs.
• REM sleep behavior disorder – This condition causes abnormal, involuntary movements during deep REM sleep. Your dog might howl, bark, bite, chew, or violently thrash his limbs in his sleep. Dogs typically exhibit symptoms before their first birthday, and 75% of cases can be easily treated with medication.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pup, be sure to log exactly what you saw and when to aid your vet’s diagnosis.

When to See a Vet

Some sleep disorders can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to see your vet as soon as you notice a pattern of symptoms. There’s no cure for narcolepsy or cataplexy, so you’ll need to consult your vet to learn how to keep your pet safe in the event of an episode while left unattended. 

Obstructive sleep apnea can typically be treated with medication or a weight loss regimen, but might require surgery. And while REM sleep behavior disorder is very treatable, it’s important to tackle it as soon as possible so that your dog doesn’t hurt herself in her sleep.

Improving Your Dog’s Sleep Quality

Even if your dog is a healthy sleeper, there’s always room to improve his sleep quality. Just like for humans, sometimes, the quality of sleep counts even more than the quantity. Creating a comfortable sleep environment and healthy habits like providing fresh dog food during the day is key to improving your dog’s sleep cycle and overall sleep habits. 

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Dogs crave a warm, safe place to rest their heads, and they deserve to feel the same love you feel for your bed. While dogs tend to find their own seemingly random spots to curl up around the house, set up a designated sleeping spot just for them. 

An AKC survey found that 45% of dog owners let their dogs sleep in their bed with them, while 20% crate their dogs at night, and 17% provide dog beds only. If you feel comfortable, letting your dog sleep with you (once they’re house-trained and at least a year old) is okay as long as you provide a nearby dog bed as an option. Just be aware that getting used to sleeping with you may cause separation anxiety in your pup.

Whether or not your dog uses a crate forever, crate training is a recommended tool for safety (you can secure your dog in a safe spot in case of emergency). It can also help with house training puppies, and can help dogs of all ages feel secure and in control of their “territory.”

The Role of Exercise and Diet

A healthy lifestyle during your pup’s waking hours is also crucial to a good night’s sleep. Getting enough steps in and proper dog training can help dogs burn off their excess energy and sleep better at night, so be sure to incorporate daily walks (which are stimulating and generally boost mental health as well). 

A healthy diet is also paramount, as managing your dog’s weight can also help prevent disorders like sleep apnea. Avoid processed ingredients, and choose a digestible (and ideally ancestral) diet that will boost your pup’s energy while they’re awake and help them sleep through their many naps.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: Enhancing Your Dog’s Sleep

You might’ve observed your pup’s nap schedule and wondered: why do dogs sleep so much? Not only do dogs abide by a different natural schedule of sleep and wakefulness than humans do, their bodies also simply require significantly more sleep. 

If you notice abnormal sleeping behaviors in your dog, consult your vet. But even if your pet is a healthy sleeper, there are steps you can take to give your pup the best night’s rest possible.

A healthy, easily digestible diet is essential to good sleep, and Darwin’s is here to kick off your pet’s quality rest at dinnertime. Our Natural Selections recipe is crafted with preservative-free, human-quality ingredients in a variety of protein-packed flavors. Inspired by canines’ ancestral diet, our raw dog food it’s the fuel your pup’s body was made to run on. Just as you sleep best after a good meal, your dog does, too—and Darwin’s has both of your good night’s rests covered.

Sources: 

Humane Society of Huron Valley. What’s gotten into my pup? https://www.hshv.org/whats-gotten-into-my-pup/#:~:text=This%20is%20very%20normal%2C%20as,during%20the%20day%20and%20night.

IFAW. Wolves. https://www.ifaw.org/animals/wolves#faqs

AKC Reunite. Understanding Your dog’s Sleeping Patterns. https://www.akcreunite.org/dogs-sleeping-patterns/

Sleep Foundation. How Many Hours a Day Do Dogs Sleep? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/how-much-do-dogs-sleep

American Kennel Club. Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-sleep-so-much/

American Kennel Club. Where Do Dogs Sleep at Night? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/where-dogs-sleep-night/

Pet MD. Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed? https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/should-you-let-dog-sleep-in-bed

American Kennel Club. Crate Training Benefits: Why A Crate Is Great for You and Your Dog. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-crate-training-is-great-for-your-dog/

VCA Animal Hospitals. The Benefits of Walking Your Dog. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/the-benefits-of-walking-your-dog#:~:text=Walking%20exercises%20the%20mind%20as,dogs%20sleep%20better%20at%20night.