Bearded dragons generally do not sleep during the day, as they are diurnal animals. This means they are active during daylight hours and sleep at night, following a similar schedule to humans.
However, it is not uncommon for bearded dragons to occasionally take short naps or rest periods during the day, especially after a meal or when exposed to intense heat. These brief rest periods should not be mistaken for full-fledged sleep, typically during nighttime hours when the heat lamp is turned off and the environment is cooler and darker.
Bearded Dragon Sleep Patterns
Diurnal vs Nocturnal
Bearded dragons are diurnal animals that are active during the day and sleep at night. This differs from nocturnal animals, active at night and sleeping during the day. Bearded dragons are naturally adapted to the daylight hours, requiring a specific amount of light and heat to maintain their sleep patterns.
Sleep Cycles
Bearded dragons have a sleep cycle that is influenced by lighting and heating. They require a certain amount of light and heat to maintain their sleep patterns. Typically, bearded dragons sleep around 8-12 hours per day, and are used to sleeping when it is dark, so it is important to ensure their room or cage is as dark as possible during the hours they are supposed to be sleeping.
Sleeping Behavior
Bearded dragons may sleep during the day, but their sleep patterns may be arbitrary depending on the situation and the bearded dragon itself. They may sleep during the daytime if the enclosure is too cold, as one of the reasons why wild beardies sleep at night is to try and conserve heat. Therefore, if the tank becomes chilly, you can expect captive-bred lizards to respond by sleeping to save energy.
It is also important to note that baby bearded dragons sleep during the day. The baby bearded dragons sleep cycles will usually be to sleep at night and active during the day, however, there may be times when the bearded dragon’s sleep cycle changes if they are tired or not feeling well and will want to sleep.
Tips: bearded dragons are diurnal animals that require light and heat to maintain their sleep patterns. They typically sleep around 8-12 hours per day, and their sleeping behavior may be arbitrary depending on the situation and the bearded dragon itself.
Factors Affecting Bearded Dragon Sleep
Bearded dragons are diurnal reptiles active during the day and sleep during the night. However, several factors can affect their sleep patterns and behavior. Here are some of the most common factors that can affect bearded dragon sleep:
Lighting
Lighting is an essential factor that affects bearded dragon sleep. Bearded dragons need a proper light cycle to maintain their sleep-wake cycle. They need 12-14 hours of light and 10-12 hours of darkness daily. If they do not get enough light during the day, they may become sluggish and sleep more than usual.
Temperature
Temperature is another critical factor that affects bearded dragon sleep. The ideal basking temperature for bearded dragons is 95-105°F and a cool side of 75-85°F. They may become sluggish and sleep more than usual if the temperature is too low. If the temperature is too high, they may become stressed, affecting their sleep patterns.
Enclosure Setup
The enclosure setup can also affect bearded dragon sleep. Bearded dragons need a spacious, comfortable enclosure with hiding spots and basking areas. They may become stressed if they do not have enough hiding spots, affecting their sleep patterns. If they do not have a proper basking area, they may not get enough heat, which can also affect their sleep.
Food and Diet
Food and diet can also affect bearded dragon sleep. Bearded dragons need a balanced diet of insects and vegetables. They may become sluggish and sleep more than usual if they do not get enough food. If they eat too much, they may become overweight, affecting their sleep patterns.
Stress and Health Issues
Stress and health issues can affect bearded dragon sleep. Bearded dragons can become stressed due to relocation, improper lighting setup, or lack of hiding spots. They can also become sick due to infections, dehydration, or calcium deficiency, affecting their sleep patterns. They may sleep more than usual or refuse food if they have health issues.
Tips: Several factors can affect bearded dragon sleep, including lighting, temperature, enclosure setup, food and diet, and stress and health issues. In addition, it is essential to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for bearded dragons to maintain their sleep-wake cycle and prevent complications.
How to Ensure Your Bearded Dragon Sleeps Well
Creating a Comfortable Environment
To ensure your bearded dragon sleeps well, create a comfortable environment for them. The following are some tips to help you achieve this:
● Provide a hide: Bearded dragons need a place to hide and feel secure. You can use a hide box or a cave-like structure to create a hiding spot for your pet.
● Lighting: Bearded dragons need a consistent light schedule to regulate their sleep-wake cycle. Use a timer to ensure the light is turned on and off simultaneously every day.
● Temperature: Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals and need a place to bask in order to regulate their body temperature. The basking spot should be between 95-105°F, while the cool side of the enclosure should be between 75-85°F. At night, the temperature should drop to around 70°F to signal to your bearded dragon that it is time to rest.
● Digital thermometer: To ensure the temperature is accurate, use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature in the enclosure.
Monitoring Sleeping Habits
Bearded dragons should be monitored for their sleeping habits to ensure that they are getting enough rest. The following are some tips to help you monitor your pet’s sleeping habits:
● Sleeping behavior: Bearded dragons sleep lying on their stomachs but may also sleep in other positions. If your bearded dragon is sleeping in an unusual position, it may be a sign that they are uncomfortable.
● Sleep patterns: Bearded dragons need 12-14 hours of sleep daily. If your pet is not sleeping enough, they may become lethargic and have low energy levels.
● Sleep cycles: Bearded dragons have a sleep-wake cycle regulated by light and temperature. If the light or temperature in the enclosure is inconsistent, it may disrupt your pet’s sleep cycle.
● Body temperature: If your bearded dragon’s body temperature is too low, they may have trouble sleeping. Ensure the basking spot is warm enough to regulate their body temperature.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your bearded dragon is comfortable and getting enough rest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bearded dragons sleep during the day, but it is not necessarily a cause for concern. Sleeping during the day is healthy for bearded dragons as long as they receive sufficient lighting, food, and other necessities.
It is important to ensure that bearded dragons have a day/night light cycle that mimics their natural habitat. During the day, the lights should be on for 12-14 hours to simulate the sun. At night, the lights should be off for 8-10 hours so they can sleep. Bearded dragons also need a heat lamp to have a basking spot. It is recommended that the basking spot be around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit to create a comfortable environment for them to rest.
