ð Dog Sleep Calculator
Find out exactly how much sleep your dog needs based on their age, breed size, and daily activity level, with a personalised daily schedule.
Sleep proportion relative to maximum (giant puppy = 20 hrs)
ð Dog Sleep by Age, Reference Chart
Dog Sleep FAQ
Why do dogs sleep so much more than humans?
Dogs have different sleep architecture from humans. This is partly due to their polyphasic sleep pattern, dogs sleep in multiple short bursts throughout the day rather than one consolidated nighttime block. They also enter the REM (dream) phase faster than humans but spend less total time in it, meaning their sleep is less efficient per hour and they need more of it. Large breeds and working dogs used to burst activity (like wolves hunting and then resting) are especially prone to long rest periods.
Is my dog sleeping too much?
Most dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours per day, and puppies and seniors commonly sleep 16 to 20 hours. Sudden changes in sleep pattern are more concerning than total hours. Signs that excess sleep may indicate a health problem include: reluctance to get up when called, sleeping through meals, no interest in walks they previously enjoyed, or sleep accompanied by difficulty breathing, restlessness, or unusual noises. If your dog's sleep has recently increased significantly, a vet check up is warranted. Conditions like hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, anemia, and pain can all cause increased sleep.
Do dogs dream?
Yes. During REM sleep, dogs show the same brain wave patterns as humans during dreaming, including twitching, leg paddling, soft vocalisations, and eye movement. Research on dog sleep suggests dogs may process memories of their day, particularly play sessions and learning tasks. Puppies and senior dogs typically enter REM more frequently than adult dogs. If your dog twitches in sleep, this is completely normal and should not be interrupted, the old advice about not waking sleeping dogs applies here.
Where should my dog sleep?
Research on dog human co sleeping is nuanced. A 2017 Mayo Clinic study found that dogs sleeping in the bedroom (but not in the bed) did not disrupt human sleep quality, while in bed sleeping was more disruptive. For dogs, sleeping in proximity to their human "pack" is generally reassuring and helps reduce separation anxiety. The most important factors are: comfort (appropriate bedding), temperature (most dogs prefer 16, 22°C), and routine consistency, dogs thrive on predictable sleep schedules just as humans do.
Should I wake my dog to maintain a schedule?
Unlike human children, dogs do not generally need to be kept awake during the day to sleep at night. Their polyphasic sleep pattern means daytime napping doesn't usually affect overnight sleep. However, if your dog is sleeping poorly at night, ensuring adequate physical and mental stimulation during the day, particularly in the late afternoon, can improve overnight rest. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and walks in the 2, 5 PM window are most effective.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours do teenagers and children need?
CDC guidance lists 8 to 10 hours for ages 13 to 18, 9 to 12 hours for ages 6 to 12, 10 to 13 hours for ages 3 to 5 including naps, and 11 to 14 hours for ages 1 to 2 including naps.
Does a consistent sleep schedule really matter?
Yes. A regular sleep and wake time supports your body clock, which can make it easier to fall asleep and wake up. Large gaps between weekday and weekend times can leave you feeling jet lagged on Monday.
Will waking at the end of a cycle remove morning grogginess?
It can help some people, because waking from light sleep is usually easier than waking from deep sleep. The effect is not guaranteed. Grogginess, known as sleep inertia, usually fades within 15 to 30 minutes and also depends on how much sleep you had and when you wake in your body clock.
How many hours of sleep does an adult really need?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend at least 7 hours a night for adults. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 7 to 9 hours for most adults and 7 to 8 hours for people 65 and older. Some people need more, and you can judge your own need by how you feel on days you are not sleep deprived.
How do I adjust to daylight saving time?
Move your schedule by 15 to 20 minutes over several days before the change and get morning light afterwards. Expect a few days of adjustment.
Do sleep trackers show my real sleep cycles?
Consumer trackers estimate sleep stages from movement and heart rate, so they are less precise than a sleep lab. Use them to spot trends in duration and consistency rather than to judge a single night.
Why am I still tired after 8 or 9 hours of sleep?
Common reasons include irregular sleep times, alcohol or late caffeine, a warm or noisy room, waking at the wrong point in a cycle, or sleep that is fragmented. Loud snoring with breathing pauses, or sleepiness that affects driving or work, should be checked by a doctor.
How do I move my bedtime earlier?
Shift it by 15 to 30 minutes every two or three days while keeping the wake time fixed, get bright light after waking and dim lights for an hour before bed.