Why Doesn’t My Dog Sleep at Night?

Did you know insomnia doesn't just affect people? Dogs can also have trouble falling asleep. The causes vary — from puppies missing their mother, to a change in daily routine, or lack of exercise in breeds that need a lot of physical activity.

If you're worried your dog isn't sleeping at night, in this SoyUnPerro article, we explain in detail why this problem happens and what you can do about it. Shall we begin?

These Are the Main Reasons Behind Canine Insomnia

Dogs use their energy differently from humans, so their sleep needs are different too. An adult dog sleeps around 13 hours a day, while puppies can sleep up to 20 hours when they're very young.

The healthiest pattern is sleeping around 8 hours at night, with the rest spread across small naps throughout the day. So, if you notice your dog struggling to fall asleep and sleeping less than recommended, you'll need to identify the cause of the problem. Some possible answers are:

• Excessive noise: we often think a dog can sleep anywhere, including the kitchen, laundry room, or living room. Check whether these spaces are quiet at night. If it sleeps near the laundry room, does the washing machine make noise? Can you hear the elevator if its bed is near the door? Remember, dogs have much sharper hearing than us and can hear things we don't even notice. Quiet and calm are just as important to it as they are to you.
• Discomfort: just like the previous point, we sometimes assume they can get used to any spot, and that's not always the case. Make sure it's not too cold or too hot, and that it's not in a high-traffic area with constant activity. A comfortable bed or a quiet corner are good options for it to feel at ease and sleep better.
• Lack of exercise: every breed, even the more independent ones, needs daily exercise to stay balanced. Lack of activity turns into pent-up energy that causes not just lack of sleep, but more serious issues like destructive behavior and aggression. Daily outings with games and running around, to tire it out, are essential for a good night's sleep.
• Feeding at the wrong times: this ties into routines. You should get it used to eating dinner at the same time always, and never too close to bedtime. Try to let it digest before going to sleep, and avoid overfeeding at night.
• Illness: sometimes lack of sleep is a symptom of a health issue. If insomnia appears suddenly and you don't notice other causes, it might be time to check with your vet. Some conditions like arthritis, encephalitis, or heart problems can show up as lack of sleep.

The Case of Puppies That Can't Sleep

Trouble falling asleep, often paired with crying, is common with newly arrived puppies at home. Remember, you shouldn't wean a puppy before two months old, since they need this period with their mother to learn basic species behaviors.

When you bring a puppy home, lack of sleep during the first few weeks is unavoidable. It's just been separated from its mother and siblings to go to an unfamiliar environment — wouldn't you feel the same uncertainty?

For it to adjust quickly, you should establish clear routines from the start. Seeing days organized the same way every time will make the puppy feel secure and associate nighttime with sleep. Also, if you give it exercise suited to its size, it'll be tired enough that it won't take long to fall asleep.

It's also important for it to have its own space, like a bed or a comfortable, warm, cozy box. This way, it'll feel at ease and gradually settle into fixed sleep schedules — and, above all, let you sleep too.

Some tricks to help are using a hot water bottle or a hair dryer to warm up the bed. You can also leave a clock nearby. Both warmth and the ticking sound will remind it of its mother, making it easier for it to fall asleep.

Older dogs, especially from around 11 years old, also tend to sleep more during the day, which can lead to nighttime insomnia. In these cases, you should encourage exercise or outings around nap time. This way, they'll be more tired come nighttime and sleep better.

Lack of sleep in a dog isn't a problem to take lightly, since whatever the cause, it'll affect its quality of life. Some consequences of this problem include more apathetic, irritable, and nervous individuals during the day, leading to unbalanced dogs that may behave unexpectedly.

Don't hesitate to tell us if you know of a similar case. Has your best friend suffered from insomnia due to any of these reasons? Have you managed to solve it? How? Your experience could help other people with dogs that don't sleep at night.