Why Is My Bearded Dragon Sleeping So Much?

Bearded dragons are a popular pet for reptile enthusiasts. They have an active lifestyle and require plenty of light, food, and stimulation to stay healthy. However, it is not uncommon for bearded dragons to sleep more than usual at certain times.

If your dragon has been sleeping excessively, you may be wondering why this is happening and how you can help it out. This article will provide insight into why your bearded dragon could be sleeping so much and what steps you can take to ensure its overall health and wellbeing.

Why Is My Bearded Dragon Sleeping So Much?

There are several reasons why your bearded dragon might be sleeping more than usual. Some of the most common causes include:

Stress and Fatigue

Bearded dragons can become stressed or fatigued due to a variety of factors, including an improper diet, lack of exercise, exposure to loud noises, or even too much handling. When they are in an environment where they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, they may sleep more as a way to cope with the stress.

Illness or Injury

If your bearded dragon is sick or injured, it may be spending more time sleeping as its body attempts to heal itself. Signs that your dragon may be ill include decreased appetite, lethargy, swollen joints, difficulty breathing and loss of balance.

Ageing

As bearded dragons age their metabolisms slow down and they will naturally require more rest. Older dragons tend to spend most of the day basking in the sun and then resting during the night.

Environmental Changes:

Changes in temperature or humidity levels within the enclosure can affect a beardie’s behavior and cause them to sleep more than usual. Make sure that you keep their enclosure at optimal temperatures (75-90°F) with appropriate humidity levels (30-50%) for their species.

Seasonal Changes:

Bearded dragons are affected by seasonal changes just like humans; when temperatures drop during winter months for example, they may naturally want to hibernate which often involves long periods of sleep. This is normal behavior so there is no need for concern unless it persists beyond the coldest months.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation in Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons require a certain amount of sleep each day to stay healthy and happy. A lack of sufficient sleep can cause many physical, psychological and behavioral problems.

Physical Signs:

• Lethargy – The bearded dragon may appear sluggish or less active than usual.
• Weight Loss – Insufficient sleep will result in a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss.
• Dehydration – Not getting enough rest can lead to dehydration due to the lack of water intake.

Psychological Signs:

• Irritability – Due to their reduced energy levels, bearded dragons may be more easily agitated than usual.
• Depression – Without adequate rest, the bearded dragon may become depressed and try to hide away from social activities.

Behavioral Signs:

• Aggression – A lack of sleep can make the bearded dragon prone to lashing out at others.
• Lethargy – Inactivity is one of the most common signs that your beardie is not getting enough rest.
• Unusual Sleep Habits – If you notice that your pet’s sleeping patterns are changing drastically, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough sleep.

Possible Reasons for a Bearded Dragon’s Decreased Appetite and Increased Sleepiness

There are several possible reasons why your bearded dragon’s appetite may have decreased and it is feeling more sleepy than usual. Some of these include:

1. Stress

Bearded dragons can become stressed from changes in their environment, such as being moved to a new home or being handled too much. This can lead to decreased appetite and increased sleepiness.

2. Illness

If your bearded dragon is ill, this can also result in decreased appetite and increased sleepiness. It is important to take your pet to the vet if you suspect they may be unwell.

3. Age

As bearded dragons age, they tend to become less active and eat less frequently. If your bearded dragon is older, this could explain why its appetite has decreased and it seems more tired than usual.

4. Temperature Fluctuations

Bearded dragons need an environment with consistent temperatures in order for them to feel comfortable enough to eat regularly. If there are fluctuations in temperature due to external weather conditions or changes made within their enclosure, this could cause decreased appetite and increased sleepiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand why your bearded dragon may be sleeping so much. Possible causes can range from being in the wrong environment to not having enough food or water. It is essential that you provide your pet with a healthy and safe habitat that contains the right temperatures, humidity levels, and proper nutrition for its species. By understanding these factors and addressing any issues that may arise, you can help ensure that your bearded dragon has the best chance of living a long and healthy life.