Puppy Sleep Patterns Explained: How Long is Enough?
Very often, we run into new puppy owners who struggle to come to terms with how much sleep their new furry friend gets. Well, if it wasn’t already obvious, let’s spell it out loud and clear: Puppies, much like human babies, require a lot of sleep for their growth and development. This explains why puppies sleep even more than adult dogs.
In fact, a good portion of all the positive changes they experience in their body occur in their sleep. Sleep helps prevent exhaustion, which can sometimes lead to behavioral issues e.g., restlessness or whining. This applies to puppies and even humans.
In this post, we’ll serve you all the deets on puppy sleep, including how long puppies should sleep at different stages of their lives, why you need to establishing a sleep routine, and tips for ensuring your adorable puppy gets the rest it needs and deserves:
Why do puppies sleep so much?
There are several reasons why puppies tend to sleep a lot. Here’s why:
Overall growth and development
Sleep is crucial for physical growth and brain development in puppies. During deep sleep stages, their bodies produce growth hormones that support muscle and bone development.
Memory consolidation
Much like humans, puppies process information while they sleep. This is when they consolidate memories from their waking experiences, which is vital for learning commands and social behaviors
Energy conservation
Puppies have high energy levels when awake but tire quickly due to their rapid growth and exploration activities. Sleep helps them conserve energy for play and learning during their active periods.
Understanding Puppy Sleep Patterns
Depending on their age and breed, Puppies sleep between 12 to 20 hours a day on the average. Newborn puppies can sleep up to 22 hours daily. This number gradually decreases as they grow older.
Here’s a breakdown of how much sleep your puppy should be having based on their age and maturity levels:
Newborn Puppies
A newborn puppy in a critical growth phase will require 90% of their time for sleep during the first 2 weeks of their life. They typically wake only to feed and relieve themselves. Their sleep cycles are short, lasting about 15 to 30 minutes, after which they return to nursing or sleeping close to their mother for warmth and security.
Puppies Aged 8 Weeks
By eight weeks, puppies still need substantial rest, averaging 16 to 20 hours of sleep daily. This period helps their cognitive development as they begin to explore their environment more actively. Despite their increased activity levels during waking hours, they still require ample sleep to recharge.
Puppies Aged 3 to 6 Months
As puppies reach three months, their sleep patterns mirror those of adult dogs. They typically sleep around 12 to 16 hours daily but will have longer periods of wakefulness interspersed with naps. By six months, this requirement decreases further to about 10 to 14 hours, as they become more active and engaged in play and training.
Adult Sleep Patterns
Once puppies reach one year of age, they generally settle into adult sleeping patterns, which average about 10 to 15 hours per day. Adult dogs tend to have longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep at night compared to puppies who still nap throughout the day.
Table 1.0
We’ve compiled the above information into a table for your easy reference below:
Puppy Age
Daily Hours Asleep
Newborn (0-2 weeks)
22 hours
8 weeks
16-20 hours
3 months
12-16 hours
4 months
11-15 hours
6 months
10-14 hours
12 months
10-15 hours
How to establish a sleep routine for your puppy
Creating a sleep routine for your puppy can make life a lot easier—for both of you! Just like us, puppies thrive with consistency and a predictable routine. Let’s walk through some steps to help your little one settle into a restful sleep pattern.
Crate Training
A crate can be your best friend when it comes to sleep training. It gives your puppy a cozy, safe space that feels like a little den—a place they can retreat to without distractions. Make sure the crate is inviting with soft bedding and perhaps a comforting toy or two. This will help your puppy feel at ease, making sleep time something they look forward to.
Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule
Just like we have bedtimes, your puppy benefits from a regular sleep schedule, too. Try to set a bedtime that works with your routine, aiming for a consistent time every night. Puppies often adjust well when you put them to bed just before your own bedtime. This structure helps to regulate their internal clock, so they know when it's time to wind down and rest.
Pre-sleep Activities
Before bed, help your puppy relax with calm activities. Gentle play or some quiet cuddle time will do the trick. Try to avoid high-energy games, as they might get too excited and struggle to settle down afterward. A calm pre-sleep routine sets the mood for a peaceful night.
You can never go wrong with daytime naps!
Daytime naps are so important for puppies! Puppies naturally nap for short stretches during the day, from 20 minutes up to a few hours. Pay attention to their energy levels. If your puppy seems too hyper or cranky, it might be a sign that they need more downtime.
Following these simple steps, your pup will be well on its way to restful nights and plenty of energy for all the playtime in between.
What If My Puppy Sleeps Too Much or Too Little?
Puppies tend to sleep a lot, and that's totally OK. But signs of lethargy or sudden shifts in sleeping habits might be worth looking into. If your pup is consistently snoozing for more than 20 hours a day, or if your older puppy is getting more tired than usual and uncomfortable during rest, it may be a good time to check in with your vet.
At the same time, if your puppy is restless, struggling to fall asleep, or constantly up during the night, they may simply need more activity during the day. Make sure they get enough exercise, through a mix of walks and playtime, to burn off some of that puppy energy!
Wrap Up
Getting a good sense of how long your pup should sleep for is essential for their well-being. As you spot these unique needs in their developmental stages and cater to them through a consistent, effective routine, you can give them healing, restorative sleep which they would find helpful on their journey to optimal growth and behavior.
As you navigate the joys and challenges of raising a puppy, remember that patience is key. With time, love, and proper care, your furry friend will thrive in both health and happiness—ready for all the adventures that lie ahead!
