When it comes to canine behaviour, sleep is far more than a nice-to-have – it’s a biological necessity. Just as with humans, a dog’s physical health, emotional balance, and ability to learn are all tied to the quality and quantity of their rest (Walker, 2017). Understanding canine sleep patterns can help us prevent behavioural problems and support our dogs’ wellbeing.

The Science of Sleep and Why It’s Essential

In humans, sleep deprivation is linked to memory problems, irritability, poor concentration, increased hunger, reduced immunity, and even changes in how we regulate body temperature (Bentivoglio & Grassi Zucconi, 1997; Reynolds & Banks, 2010; Walker, 2017). The same applies to dogs.

When a dog consistently misses out on quality sleep, we may see:

  • Increased irritability and reactivity (van Veen et al., 2021)
  • Reduced ability to learn and remember (Kis et al., 2017; Kinsman et al., 2020)
  • Lowered immune function (Bryant et al., 2004)
  • Altered metabolism and appetite (Reynolds & Banks, 2010)
  • Difficulty regulating body temperature (Bentivoglio & Grassi Zucconi, 1997)

This means a sleep-deprived dog is not just tired – they’re physically and emotionally compromised.

Dogs Sleep Differently Than Humans

Humans tend to sleep in one block (monophasic sleep). Dogs, however, are polyphasic sleepers – they rest in multiple shorter bouts over 24 hours (Mondino et al., 2021).

  • Typical sleep cycle: About 20 minutes (Mondino et al., 2021)
  • Linked cycles: Dogs often chain four cycles together (around 80 minutes), then wake briefly before resettling (Mondino et al., 2021).
  • Total daily sleep: Most adult dogs require 12–14 hours of sleep per day, including both nighttime rest and daytime naps (Petplan, 2024; The Vets, 2024). Puppies may need up to 18–20 hours (Kinsman et al., 2020).

Because they wake more frequently between cycles, dogs are more easily disturbed, especially in noisy or unpredictable environments (Hubrecht, 1995).

What Affects a Dog’s Sleep Quality?

  • Environment & Security

Dogs are social sleepers. Most prefer to be near trusted humans or familiar dogs when resting (Kinsman et al., 2020). Predictable, undisturbed spaces – ideally with the option to choose between warm, cool, elevated, or enclosed spots – can help them relax (Hubrecht, 1995; Kiddie & Collins, 2015).

  • Health & Comfort

Pain is a major sleep disruptor. Joint issues, dental pain, ear infections, itchy skin, or digestive discomfort can all make it hard to settle (Smith, Mendl, & Murrell, 2022). Research shows that treating pain, such as with osteoarthritis management, can improve sleep duration and quality (Gruen et al., 2019).

  • Stress & Emotional State

Stress and sleep have a two-way relationship: Stress can disrupt sleep (Meerlo et al., 2008). Poor sleep can heighten stress sensitivity (Meerlo et al., 2008).

Negative experiences before rest can alter sleep architecture – dogs may fall asleep faster but spend longer in REM sleep, possibly processing those stressful events (Kis et al., 2017).

  • Breed & Physiology

Some breeds, particularly brachycephalic dogs, may have disturbed sleep due to breathing issues (sleep apnoea), leading to lower oxygen levels and systemic inflammation (Fasanella et al., 2010).

  • Choice & Enrichment

Dogs with the freedom to choose sleeping locations (including elevated platforms) often rest more (Hubrecht, 1995; Kiddie & Collins, 2015).

The Behavioural Impact of Poor Sleep

Tired dogs are less tolerant, less focused, and more emotionally volatile (van Veen et al., 2021; Kis et al., 2017). In training and behaviour work, this means:

  • Lower learning capacity – tired dogs can’t process or retain information as well (Kis et al., 2017).
  • Reduced impulse control – more prone to frustration or overreaction (van Veen et al., 2021).
  • Slower recovery from stress – prolonged arousal after triggers (Meerlo et al., 2008).

Supporting Healthy Sleep in Dogs

  1. Offer choice – Multiple sleeping spots with varied conditions (Hubrecht, 1995).
  2. Manage noise and disturbance – Especially during rest times (Kiddie & Collins, 2015).
  3. Check for pain or discomfort – Vet assessment if sleep changes suddenly (Smith, Mendl, & Murrell, 2022).
  4. Respect natural rhythms – Dogs rest most during the day and evening, with peaks of activity at dawn and dusk (Ruckebusch, 1972).
  5. Make bedtime positive – Calm routines and gentle handling (Kis et al., 2017).
  6. Avoid overstimulation before rest – Particularly for puppies and sensitive dogs (Kinsman et al., 2020).

References

Bentivoglio, M., & Grassi Zucconi, G. (1997). The pioneering experimental studies on sleep deprivation. Sleep, 20(7), 570–576. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/20.7.570

Bryant, P. A., Trinder, J., & Curtis, N. (2004). Sick and tired: Does sleep have a vital role in the immune system? Nature Reviews Immunology, 4(6), 457–467. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri1369

Fasanella, F. J., Shivley, J. M., Wardlaw, J. L., & Givaruangsawat, S. (2010). Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome in dogs: 90 cases (1991–2008). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237(9), 1048–1051. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.237.9.1048

Gruen, M. E., Samson, D. R., & Lascelles, B. D. X. (2019). Functional linear modeling of activity data shows analgesic-mediated improved sleep in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis pain. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 14192. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50623-0

Hubrecht, R. C. (1995). The welfare of dogs in human care. In J. Serpell (Ed.), The domestic dog: Its evolution, behaviour and interactions with people (pp. 179–198). Cambridge University Press.

Kiddie, J. L., & Collins, L. M. (2015). Development and validation of a quality-of-life assessment tool for use in kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 167, 110–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.03.013

Kinsman, R. H., Owczarczak-Garstecka, S. C., Casey, R. A., Knowles, T. G., & Murray, J. K. (2020). Sleep duration and behaviours: A descriptive analysis of a cohort of dogs up to 12 months of age. Animals, 10(7), 1172. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071172

Kis, A., Gergely, A., Galambos, Á., Abdai, J., Gombos, F., Bódizs, R., & Topál, J. (2017). Sleep macrostructure is modulated by positive and negative social experience in adult pet dogs. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1865), 20171883. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.1883

Meerlo, P., Sgoifo, A., & Suchecki, D. (2008). Restricted and disrupted sleep: Effects on autonomic function, neuroendocrine stress systems and stress responsivity. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 12(3), 197–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2007.07.007

Mondino, A., Brioschi, E., Sforzini, E., Comazzi, S., Fattori, A., & Rizzi, R. (2021). Sleep–wake cycle in the dog: An electroencephalographic study. Animals, 11(6), 1722.

Petplan. (2024). How much should my dog be sleeping? https://www.petplan.co.uk/dog-insurance/dog-care-and-advice/how-much-should-my-dog-be-sleeping.html

Reynolds, A. C., & Banks, S. (2010). Total sleep deprivation, chronic sleep restriction and sleep disruption. Progress in Brain Research, 185, 91–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00006-3

Ruckebusch, Y. (1972). The relevance of drowsiness in the circadian cycle of farm animals. Animal Behaviour, 20(4), 637–643. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-3472(72)80136-2

Smith, M. I., Mendl, M. T., & Murrell, J. C. (2022). Associations between osteoarthritis and duration and quality of nighttime rest in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 253, 105661.

The Vets. (2024). Why do dogs sleep so much? https://thevets.com/resources/pet-health-care/why-do-dogs-sleep-so-much/

Van Veen, M. M., Lancel, M., Beijer, E., Remmelzwaal, S., & Rutters, F. (2021). The association of sleep quality and aggression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 59, 101500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101500

Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.