Who doesn’t enjoy naptime?

You get to rest, relax, and refresh!

Still, some of us are notorious for wanting to go to bed late and then never wanting to wake up early.

It’s such a vicious cycle.

What about our little furry friends though, how do they fare with the sleeping game?

For example, when do gerbils sleep? Do gerbils sleep at night? What about the daytime?

Gerbils as you already know, are popular small rodents and are known for their playful nature and energetic behavior. 

Their tiny size and adorable appearance make them a favorite pet for many individuals.

Do gerbils sleep like humans or do they have a different sleeping pattern? 

Today, we’ll explore the sleeping habits of gerbils such as the time that they sleep and just how much sleep they need.

As pet owners, it’s so much better when we understand the sleeping habits of our furry companions to ensure they are living healthy and happy lives. 

Let’s take a closer look at the different stages of sleep that gerbils go through, and the factors that influence their sleep.

When Do Gerbils Sleep?

While these little guys are active and energetic,  they do need to sleep just like any other animal. 

Admittedly, gerbils have a different sleeping pattern than humans. 

They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk and will sleep for short periods throughout the day and night. 

Gerbils will often take quick naps that last only a few minutes, especially when they feel safe and secure in their environment. 

They may also have longer periods of sleep that last several hours, usually during the day. 

To help them along the way, provide your gerbil with a quiet and comfortable environment to help them get the sleep they need to stay healthy and happy.

What Time of Day Do Gerbils Sleep?

 As mentioned before, gerbils are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk and will sleep for short periods throughout the day and night.

To bring it more into perspective, however,  when we say they are “crepuscular,” it means they are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

While we can’t say they’ll be awake at 6 AM and go to bed at 12PM, they do sleep at certain light and dark periods of the day.

So, they like to play, eat, and do stuff when the sun is coming up and when it’s going down.

 During the middle of the day and at night, they usually rest and sleep.

Don’t be surprised and alarmed when you see your gerbil napping at certain times. 

 These little guys are known to take short naps throughout the day, especially during the hottest hours. 

Their sleep patterns can also be influenced by their environment and the presence or absence of light.

 In captivity, gerbils usually adjust their sleeping patterns to match their owner’s schedule, which means they may be more active during the day and sleep at night like humans.

Just be sure to provide gerbils with a quiet and dark sleeping area to ensure they get enough rest and maintain their health and well-being.

Do Gerbils Sleep at Night or Day?

The answer to this would be both. Some consider gerbils to be diurnal animals, which would suggest that they are active during the day and sleep at night. 

But as we mentioned earlier, they are active at both dusk and dawn. 

Another thing to consider is that their sleep patterns are not as simple, as sleeping for a long stretch at night like humans do. 

Keep in mind that the amount of sleep gerbils need can vary depending on their age, activity level, and environment. 

Young gerbils and highly active gerbils may require more sleep than older or less active gerbils. 

If a gerbil feels stressed or anxious, they may sleep more than usual as a coping mechanism.

Providing a comfortable and safe environment for your gerbil can help ensure they get the proper amount of sleep they need to stay healthy and happy.

How Much Do Gerbils Sleep?

So, how long do gerbils sleep a day?

 On average, gerbils can sleep for up to 12 hours a day, which is quite a large amount of time for an animal that is so active.

Keep in mind that gerbils do not sleep for 12 hours straight. 

Instead, they take short naps throughout the day and night.

These naps last for around 5-10 minutes and are interspersed with periods of activity. 

Young gerbils will sleep for longer periods than adults, and sick or stressed gerbils may also sleep more than usual. 

Gerbils that are kept in a quiet and dark environment may also sleep for longer periods.

Your gerbils will enjoy a safe and comfortable sleeping area, such as a cozy nest or hideaway. 

This will help them feel secure and relaxed, which in turn, will promote healthy sleeping habits.

How Long Should Gerbils Sleep For?

Like any other animal, gerbils do need some time to rest and recover from their activities.

It’s best when gerbils get optimal rest which is up to 12 hours a day.

 Still, the exact amount of time they sleep can depend on various factors such as age, health, and environment. 

When you provide them with a hideaway or a nesting area where they can curl up and sleep it will help to keep them calm and relaxed.

When Do Gerbils Sleep?

Gerbils are known to have unique sleep patterns that allow them to be active during the day and night.

While they tend to sleep for short intervals throughout the day and night, they are most active during the early morning and late evening hours.

Understanding the natural sleep patterns of gerbils is essential to providing them with a healthy and stimulating environment that promotes their overall well-being.