How Many Hours a Day Should Dogs Sleep?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

If you’re wondering if your pup is snoozing too much—or maybe not enough—you’re not alone. Like many other things when it comes to living with a dog, the amount of sleep they need in a day varies based on age, health, size, and breed.

Puppies may sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day, while adult dogs tend to need between 12 and 16 hours of sleep. Yes, that’s right. Adult dogs spend about 50% of their time sleeping in a 24-hour period!

While that may seem like a lot of napping, dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they don’t get all their rest in one big block. Instead, they doze off and on throughout the day. Every dog is different, though, with age being the most significant deciding factor in how much rest they need.

To learn more about dog sleep schedules, we spoke with Alicia Collins, a certified animal care operator and founder of K9 Activity Club. Here’s what we discovered.

Dog Sleep Requirements & Schedule By Age

Dogs need a lot more sleep than humans, but it’s worth noting that their sleep patterns are quite different from ours. While we get most of our rest during an uninterrupted chunk at night, dogs sleep in short periods throughout the day.

“Their brain processes information differently, and they experience REM sleep for shorter durations, meaning they need more total sleep time to function well,” says Collins.

She adds that a dog’s regular sleep schedule includes napping throughout the day, often after activity, and sleeping through the night with brief waking periods. She also notes that dogs adjust their sleep needs based on their energy levels and daily routines.

Age, of course, also determines a dog’s sleep requirements and sleep schedule, as shown in the table below.

Sleep requirements by breed

Breed and size also affect how much sleep a dog needs. Both the smallest and the biggest breeds typically need more time to rest, while average-sized dogs need less.

Why dogs were originally bred also determines dog sleeping habits. For instance, working breeds like Retrievers and Hounds will likely require less rest and more activity, while companion dogs are likely to be content with more lounge time.

How Often Do Dogs Nap During the Day?

On average, adult dogs typically take two to four naps each day. A “normal” dog nap can be anywhere between 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

“While most of their sleep occurs at night, dogs still take several naps to recharge,” says Collins. “Puppies and older dogs tend to nap more frequently, while healthy adult dogs can stay active longer before resting.”

Sometimes, your dog may sleep more during the day than usual. A long walk, games and play, training sessions, and growth stages can all tire out your dog. Collins notes that even rainy weather can affect dogs, making them want to rest more. These sleep changes are usually short-lived, and your dog should return to their normal sleep habits within a day or so.

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Which Sleep Behaviors Are Concerning?

Some changes in your dog’s sleeping habits can be cause for concern. For instance, extreme lethargy and apathy about activities your dog usually loves are signs something is wrong.

“It’s not normal for a dog to sleep excessively if they suddenly become uninterested in their usual activities, refuse food, or seem sluggish when awake,” explains Collins. “If you notice these signs, check with your vet to rule out underlying health issues.”

Other ways to know if your dog isn’t sleeping well or has sleep issues include:

• Waking up frequently during the night (Collins notes this could be a sign of discomfort or anxiety)
• Difficulty waking up
• Increased twitching (while many dogs twitch in their sleep, long-lasting twitching could be a sign of a health concern)
• Sudden movements/jerking
• Breathing issues
• Suddenly falling asleep (narcolepsy)

Factors That Affect Your Dog’s Sleep Quality

Like humans, various factors can affect a dog’s quality of sleep, including the following:

• Activity levels. Lack of physical exercise and mental enrichment can lead to your dog feeling more restless at night and during the day.
• Diet. A healthy diet leads to overall well-being and reduces gastrointestinal discomfort, which can disrupt sleep.
• Health. Medical conditions, dental pain, teething, arthritis, injuries, and illnesses are some of the health issues that can keep a dog from fully resting.
• Anxiety or stress. Dogs who have a difficult time settling because of fear, anxiety, and stress will also have a harder time getting quality sleep.
• Environment. Temperature levels, noise inside and outside your home, exposure to light, and your pup’s bedding setup can all affect their sleep.
• Changes in routine. Dogs thrive on having a consistent schedule. Any disruption to their regular feeding, exercise, and bedtime routine may affect their sleep cycles.
• Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Disruptions during REM sleep can lead to your dog feeling restless and irritated. Ensure your dog always has a quiet place to rest where they feel safe and secure and can dream deeply.

rfranca via iStock

How To Improve Your Dog’s Sleep

The way dogs sleep is different than humans, since canines experience REM sleep in shorter bursts and need more time to feel fully rested. But just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s not just as important, as Collins points out. “Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, learning, and overall health,” she says.

If you’re looking to improve your dog’s sleep, consider the following:

• Rule out any medical conditions with your vet.
• Give your dog a comfortable resting space.
• Meet your dog’s needs throughout the day (this could include taking them out for an evening walk to get extra energy out).
• Establish a routine/schedule and create a bedtime cue.
• Create a calming sleep environment (play soothing music, use a white noise machine, or drape a crate cover if they’re sensitive to light).
• Avoid waking your dog—as the saying goes, let sleeping dogs lie!