Should Dogs Sleep in the Dark? What Science and Common Sense Say

Ever caught your dog circling their bed at night, sniffing around like they’re inspecting a hotel room? Turns out, dogs are pickier about sleep than you might think. If you’ve ever wondered if your pup needs total darkness, you’re definitely not alone.

Lots of dog owners leave a hallway light on. Maybe you worry your dog will bump into something in the dark or get anxious if it’s too gloomy. Here’s the thing, though: dogs do not see the world like we do. Their eyes actually pick up low light a lot better than ours can. That means what feels pitch-black to us might just be a comfy dusk to your dog.

If you’re piecing together the best sleep setup for your pup, it’s not just about the light. The spot, the surface, and even what’s happening in the house at night all play a role. But light? It definitely matters—a bit. How much, though, might surprise you. Stick around as we sort out the right balance between darkness, safety, and comfort for your furry best friend.

• The Science Behind Dog Sleep
• Do Dogs Prefer Sleeping in the Dark?
• How Light Impacts Dogs’ Rest
• Setting Up the Perfect Sleep Spot
• Nightlights, Curtains, and Your Dog’s Routine
• Reading Your Dog’s Sleep Signals

The Science Behind Dog Sleep

Dogs aren’t lazy—they just need way more sleep than we do. Most adult dogs clock in around 12 to 14 hours of snooze time daily, and puppies often double that. Their sleep cycles aren’t quite like ours either. Dogs switch between REM (that’s the dreaming phase) and non-REM sleep much faster than humans. This is why even a little noise or movement might set them off barking or shifting in their bed at night.

Here’s the thing about dog sleep: quality matters just as much as hours spent. Researchers found that dogs who get interrupted rest tend to be grumpier, less responsive, and a bit more on edge the next day. Sound familiar? It’s pretty close to what happens with people.

So what about light and dark? Well, dogs aren’t naturally afraid of the dark, and their eyes have evolved to pick up low light so they could hunt or move safely at night. Their ancestors were crepuscular, which means most active during dawn and dusk—those in-between hours that are neither bright nor fully dark. That’s why your dog doesn’t really squint at night or bump into stuff when you flick the lights off.

Temperature, noise, and routines also play into how a dog sleeps, but the science says their sleep is built for flexibility. They can nap with a TV blaring or while you’re vacuuming, as long as they feel safe. What really matters is their body clock, shaped by daily routines and cues from light and household activity.

Do Dogs Prefer Sleeping in the Dark?

So, do most dogs actually want to sleep in total darkness? The answer isn’t as black and white as you’d think. Unlike humans who love a dark room, dogs are naturally wired to handle low light really well. It comes from their wild roots—wolves and wild dogs used to sleep outside, under trees or in dens, where there was rarely pure darkness. Moonlight, starlight, and even nighttime noises were just part of the deal.

Here’s a cool fact: dogs have something called a tapetum lucidum in their eyes. This layer behind the retina lets them see better at night, kind of like built-in night vision goggles. Because of this, total darkness isn’t a must-have for dogs to sleep. In fact, absolute darkness might even make some dogs uneasy if they’re used to sleeping around soft light at home.

But it’s also true that dogs, like people, have their preferences. Some pups settle fast when it’s darker. Others don’t mind a bit of a nightlight or glow from the hallway. Dogs who’ve grown up in busy homes sometimes actually sleep better with some background light and buzz because it feels familiar and safe.

So the most important thing? Watch your own dog. If you notice your pup moving to a darker spot, or curling up in their crate with the door shut and the lights off, darker might just be their jam. On the other hand, if they hang near the nightlight or door crack, maybe they like a little glow. One tip: if you’re crate training or helping a new puppy settle in, try both setups—partly dark and softly lit—to see which one helps your dog rest easier.

• Dogs don’t need pure darkness, but some prefer it for deeper sleep.
• Soft light from another room is usually fine and doesn’t hurt their rest.
• Watch how your dog naturally acts at bedtime to find their sweet spot.

At the end of the day, creating the perfect dog sleep space is about tuning in to your pet, not just copying what works for humans. No fancy gadgets required—just a little observation and trial and error.

How Light Impacts Dogs’ Rest

Light can mess with a dog’s sleep, but not always in the way you’d expect. Dogs have what’s called a circadian rhythm, just like us—it’s their internal clock that tells them when to wake up and when to get sleepy. This rhythm is influenced by sunlight and darkness. Too much light at night can throw off that clock, leaving your pup a bit restless or even cranky the next day.

Unlike people, dogs have more rods in their eyes, which means they see way better than us in low-light conditions. This is why you’ll see your dog navigate the hallway at midnight without smacking into furniture. But their brains still use darkness as a clue that it’s bedtime. If you have lamps or screens glowing all night, it can confuse them, especially if the room gets really bright.

There’s actually a study out of the University of Lincoln showing that dogs living in homes with constant artificial light may have a harder time settling down and getting deep sleep. The same goes for dogs who sleep in spots with a lot of streetlight shining through the window. Even your TV’s blue light can make the brain think it’s still daytime.

Here’s what matters for your dogs and their sleep quality when it comes to light:

• Too much night-time light can lead to trouble falling asleep and waking up too early.
• Pitch-black is not necessary, but a naturally dark or dim room is best for long, restful naps.
• Some puppies or older dogs with anxiety might prefer a tiny nightlight, but it should be faint and not right near their bed.

If your pup wakes up a lot or looks tired during the day, consider checking how much light is coming into their sleep area at night. Simple changes like closing the curtains or turning off bright electronics can really make a difference for their rest.

Setting Up the Perfect Sleep Spot

Your dog’s bed isn’t just a soft landing—where you put it and what’s around it make a big difference. Dogs like to feel both safe and comfy when they sleep, so location really matters. Some prefer a quiet corner, while others like being close to your bedroom door. Watch where your dog naturally plops down for naps, and use that as a clue for the perfect spot.

Let’s talk basics. Cleanliness is huge—a dirty bed can smell, trigger skin issues, or even attract bugs. Wash it every couple of weeks, especially if your dog sheds or gets dirty outdoors. Size also matters. The bed should be big enough for them to stretch and curl up without hanging off the edge. And don’t forget about the surface. Hard floors aren’t ideal for joints, especially for older dogs or large breeds.

Here’s what to keep in mind for a great sleep setup:

• Dog beds should be placed away from loud TVs and high-traffic areas, but close enough so your dog doesn’t feel isolated—most dogs hate being shut away from their humans.
• Pick a spot that isn’t drafty or right up against a heater. Dogs get cold and hot just like we do, and big temperature swings at night can mess with their rest.
• If your dog is anxious, try a crate with a comfy blanket or a covered bed. It gives them a "den" feeling, which taps into their natural instinct to hunker down in safe spaces.
• Put the bed out of reach of cords, toxic plants, or anything your dog shouldn’t chew on at night—especially if you have a puppy who’s still exploring with their mouth.

Some owners use calming sprays or lavender-scented covers, but check that your dog isn’t sensitive to any scents before going wild with them. Most importantly, consistency is key. Dogs love routine, so once you’ve pinned down a good sleep spot, don’t keep moving it around unless you have to. This helps your dog feel grounded and know exactly where bedtime happens.

Finding the right sleep spot isn’t about fancy gadgets—it’s about simple tweaks and paying attention to your dog’s habits. Notice how quickly your dog falls asleep, if they seem restless or calm, and adjust things until you find the sweet spot. Happy dog, happy nights for everyone.

Nightlights, Curtains, and Your Dog’s Routine

Trying to figure out if you should use a nightlight, shut the curtains, or just trust your dog to handle the dark? You’re not alone. A lot of dog owners hesitate when it comes to bedtime lighting. Here’s the real scoop: most dogs can sleep perfectly well in darkness since their eyes are built for low-light situations. But your dog’s sleep comfort depends on more than just their eyes.

If your dog is a puppy, a senior, or gets anxious at night, a dim nightlight can actually help. Older dogs especially may struggle with night vision, and bumping into things can stress them out. A small light lets them see just enough to avoid accidents or trips if they wander around (even if it’s just for a sip of water).

Now, about curtains: black-out curtains are great if you live in a city or have lots of outside lights streaming in. Streetlights, car beams, or flashing lights from outside can mess with dogs’ sleep cycles, especially since they react to light and dark just like we do. So blocking those out can lead to much better rest.

Tried-and-true routines matter more than the tiny details. Most dogs feel safest sleeping where they know what to expect. This means same place, similar time, and a predictable bedtime ritual—even if it’s just a little petting before lights go out. Want your dog to crash fast? Try settling them after a quick walk or trip outside, turn down the noise, and make sure their bed is right where they like it.

Here’s a quick look at why these things matter:

Here are some practical tips for your dog’s bedtime:

• Test out a small nightlight, especially for senior pups or if your dog sleeps in large spaces.
• If streetlights shine right on your dog’s bed, consider blackout curtains to darken the room.
• Stick to a simple bedtime routine every night.
• Keep your dog’s sleep spot away from TVs, loud music, or hallway commotion at bedtime.
• If your dog wakes up restless, check if they prefer it darker or with a gentle nightlight.

If you tick these boxes and pay attention to how your dog acts overnight, you’re setting them up for better—and safer—rest in their dog beds every night.

Reading Your Dog’s Sleep Signals

Every dog is a little different when it comes to sleep preferences, but there are some pretty solid signs that let you know if your dog is getting quality shut-eye—or if something’s off with their nighttime routine. Paying attention to these signals can help you tweak their sleeping environment so it actually meets their needs.

One big clue: does your dog settle down quickly once the lights go out, or do they get restless? Dogs who are comfortable with their sleep spot and the light level usually curl up and drift off within a few minutes. If your pup is pacing, whining, or scratching at the door after bedtime, it’s a red flag they might not like the current setup.

• dogs who wake up a lot at night, especially at the same time, might be reacting to too much light, noise, or maybe they just need to go out.
• A dog who snoozes most of the night but pops up early with lots of energy probably rested just fine. Dogs that seem groggy or cranky in the morning might not be sleeping deeply enough.
• Comfort “nesting” is normal: most dogs turn in circles, dig, or push around blankets right before sleeping. If that action gets frantic at bedtime, consider if something in the room is bugging them, like a bright light or too much foot traffic.

Monitor simple stuff, too: how easy is it to wake your dog? Most dogs cycle through deep and light sleep, so gentle noises shouldn’t always wake them unless they’re on high alert.

If you’re not sure whether your dog’s sleep is being disturbed by light, do a little experiment. Try letting them sleep in a darker room for a week and pay attention to their morning mood, activity level, and how quickly they settle at night. Adjust as you go based on what you see—they’ll let you know what works just by how they act. When in doubt, your dog’s behavior is the best feedback you’ll ever get.