How Lengthy Do Hamsters Sleep? Vet Authorized Info & Care Suggestions

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Syrian hamster sleeping on a blanket

Dr. Ashley Darby Photo

The data is present and up-to-date in accordance with the newest veterinarian analysis.


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Hamsters are fascinating creatures to look at. They typically take part in a wide range of bodily actions of their setting, like operating on a wheel, digging of their bedding, and stuffing their cheek pouches with meals. Have you ever ever noticed your hamster taking a nap, although?  Effectively, Syrian hamsters spend 50-65% of their time sleeping however this may increasingly fluctuate between species as some are much less energetic than others. Generally, hamsters can sleep 12-15 hours of sleep per day.

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How Lengthy Do Hamsters Sleep?

Hamsters might sleep for round 12-15 hours per day, however this sleep is never carried out in a full block of time like people do. People and hamsters each have pure “sleep cycles” of sunshine and deep sleep; whereas a human sleep cycle might final for 90 minutes, a hamster sleep cycle lasts for 10-12 minutes. Pet hamsters are nocturnal though this may increasingly not at all times be the case for wild hamsters that are often crepuscular. Whereas most of their sleeping is finished throughout the day, they do turn out to be much less energetic and sleep later into the evening. It’s not unusual for individuals to really feel like their hamster sleeps an excessive amount of, however this is actually because they’re typically sleeping throughout our most energetic hours of the day.

Hamster Sleep Habits vs. Different Animals

Animal Crucial Quantity of Sleep
Hamster 12- 15 hours
Grownup Human 7+hours
Human Baby 8–13 hours (relying on age)
Canine 10–14 hours
Cat 12–18 hours
Guinea Pig 9–11 hours

Since hamsters choose to be most energetic at nightfall, that is the best time so that you can deal with them. By disturbing your hamster throughout the daytime, chances are you’ll be interrupting a few of their mandatory sleep hours.

hamster sleeping inside the bowl
Picture Credit score: Phiwatn, Shutterstock

Ought to I Be Involved if My Hamster Sleeps a Lot?

Whereas sleep is completely important to staying wholesome, there’s such a factor as sleeping an excessive amount of. In case your hamster appears to be sleeping on a regular basis, even during times once they’re usually energetic, then there might be a medical or environmental downside inflicting them to sleep. If stored in temperatures which can be too cool, usually beneath 65°F, hamsters might start to enter a hibernation state, which might make them seem like in a deep sleep and even useless. Completely different species hibernate in numerous methods, so be sure to study what’s regular in your hamster. Hamsters in captivity don’t must hibernate, so ensure that to at all times hold your hamster in an setting that retains them heat sufficient.

After all, underlying medical circumstances may cause extreme sleepiness and lethargy, so there might be a critical medical situation, like most cancers or diabetes, inflicting your hamster to really feel below the climate.

Ensure to offer your hamster with an setting that helps getting sufficient sleep. In case your hamster’s sleep is at all times getting interrupted by individuals and different pets, then they could turn out to be sleep disadvantaged. Present some quiet resting locations, and keep in mind it’s greatest to deal with your hamster early within the evening as that is their most energetic time.

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In Conclusion

Whereas some hamsters require round 12-15 hours of sleep per day, some species are extra energetic than others.  Their sleep is often gained by a number of quick naps all through the day and evening. As nocturnal pets, hamsters are most energetic at nightfall, however you might even see them up and shuffling round throughout the daytime and nighttime hours additionally. In case your hamster appears to be sleeping an excessive amount of, it’s essential that you just get them seen by a vet who’s skilled with hamsters to rule out medical issues.


Featured Picture Credit score: Alex Milan, Shutterstock

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