Do Dogs Like to Sleep in the Dark? Facts & Preferences

It's a common question among dog owners: Should I leave a light on for my dog while they sleep, or do they prefer sleeping in the dark? While dogs instinctively feel safe in dark places, whether your dog prefers to sleep in the dark will ultimately come down to their preferences. Still, understanding their relationship to darkness can provide insight into what they might prefer.

Dogs Are Den Creatures

Dogs are descendants of wolves, who are den animals. They are instinctively drawn to small, dark spaces where they feel safe and secure. This instinct is still present for many dogs, and they often choose to sleep in a dark, secluded place. Some dogs will dig small "dens" to sleep in if they don't have one available.

This instinctual behavior is called "circling," and it's something that dogs do to prepare a comfortable space for themselves before lying down. Think about where your dog likes to sleep. Is it in a sunny spot on the floor or curled up in their crate with the door closed? If it's the latter, it's likely that your dog feels more comfortable and safer in a dark space.

Dogs Have Adapted to Human Sleep Habits

What time do you go to sleep? Do you usually turn all the lights off in your house or leave a lamp on in the hallway? Chances are, your dog is used to your sleep schedule and has adapted to it accordingly. If you usually sleep with the lights off, your dog is likely more comfortable sleeping in the dark.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some dogs prefer sleeping with a light on. This is usually the case with senior dogs or those that are suffering from anxiety. If your dog seems restless or has trouble sleeping, it might be worth trying to leave a light on for them.

Darkness Signals Rest Time to Dogs

Dogs are creatures of habit, and they like to know what to expect. They understand it's time to sleep when the lights go out at night. This is especially true when you've established a consistent bedtime routine for your dog. In addition, nighttime is usually quieter and more peaceful than the daytime. This can be calming for dogs, who are often bombarded with sights and sounds during the day.

Sleeping in the dark is natural and comfortable for most canines. Of course, darkness can be a trigger for anxiety in some dogs.

Why Some Dogs Hate Sleeping in the Dark

On the other hand, some humans prefer sleeping with the lights on or with a nightlight in their room. It makes them feel safer and more comfortable. The same is true for some dogs. You can monitor your pup at bedtime for these signs that they're not comfortable sleeping in the dark:

Pacing or roaming around the house at night instead of sleeping
Restlessness or panting
Whining or barking
Attempting to break out of their crate at night
Trying to sleep under furniture or in closets
Calming down when you turn the lights on

These behaviors indicate your dog is anxious about sleeping in the dark. While leaving a light on can help, it's still essential to address the root of the problem. Here are some reasons behind your dog's aversion to darkness:

1. Separation Anxiety

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety often have trouble sleeping when they're left alone. This can be triggered by the dark since it's a sign that you're about to leave them alone.

If you're concerned about your dog's separation anxiety, we suggest you speak to a vet.

2. Hearing and Vision Issues

Dogs have fantastic nighttime vision. However, they can experience hearing and vision loss as they grow older. This can make them feel disoriented and scared in the dark. Every little sound can seem amplified, and every shadow can look like a potential threat.

3. Traumatic Experiences

Some dogs may be afraid of the dark because they've had a bad experience in the past. Maybe they were left outside in the dark during a storm or got lost in the woods at night. They may have been forced to sleep in a dark, cramped space like a kennel or crate. If they're a shelter dog, they may have spent months sleeping in a dark room with no windows.

4. Lack of Exposure

If your dog is not used to sleeping in the dark, it will naturally be scary to them. After all, it's an entirely new experience they're not prepared for. These experiences can leave dogs feeling scared and anxious in the dark, even in a safe and comfortable home.

How to Help Your Dog Feel Safe in the Dark

A dog's ability to stay calm in darkness isn't just a matter of comfort. It's a matter of safety. If your dog is afraid of the dark, they're more likely to hurt themselves, try to escape, or become aggressive as they try to protect themselves.

Some situations require a dog to be calm in the dark, such as during a power outage, inside a dark car, or in a crate in a plane's cargo hold. That's why teaching your dog that darkness is okay is so important. Here are some tips to help your dog feel safe when the lights go out:

1. Slowly Introduce Them to Darkness

Don't make a big deal out of turning the lights off. Instead, start by dimming the lights and gradually making the room darker. This will help your dog get used to the change in lighting without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Give Them a Safe Place to Sleep

Associate darkness with comfort by giving your dog a cozy bed or crate to sleep in. This will help them feel safe and secure when the lights are out.

3. Create a Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit, so creating a bedtime routine can help your dog feel calm and relaxed when the lights go out. This can include giving them a toy or bone to chew on, turning off the television, and dimming the lights at a certain time each night.

4. Tire Them Out Before Bedtime

A tired dog is a calm dog. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day so they're ready to sleep when it's time for bed. You may also want to schedule an evening walk or playtime just before lights out.

5. Get Their Health Checked

Sometimes, a dog's aversion to the dark can be caused by an underlying health condition. If your dog is suddenly scared of the dark, it is a good idea to take them to the vet to rule out any medical issues.

Your vet may also be able to prescribe medication to help your dog feel more comfortable in the dark.

6. Leave a Nightlight On

If nothing else seems to work, you can try leaving a small night light on in your dog's sleeping area. This will help them see that everything is okay and that they're not alone in the dark.

Summing Up

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your furry friend feels safe and comfortable. That means reading their body language and taking the necessary steps to help them feel better, whether leaving the lights on or tucking them in before turning them off.

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Featured Image Credit: Daniel Besic, Shutterstock