5 signs that show your dog is sleeping poorly at night

Is your dog often grumpy in the morning, restless at night, or does he seem lethargic during the day? Like humans, dogs need restful sleep to stay healthy. Yet, many owners ignore the subtle but telltale signs that their four-legged friend isn't sleeping well. Poor sleep can lead to behavioral problems, weaken your dog's immune system, and reduce his quality of life.

In this article, we'll help you recognize the signs of sleep problems in your dog , understand the potential causes, and most importantly, provide concrete solutions to improve their nights. From stress to an unsuitable bed, the reasons can be numerous, but once identified, they can be effectively addressed. Discover below the five warning signs you shouldn't ignore in your dog during the night.

1. He keeps changing his position during the night

When a dog sleeps well, it often adopts one or two sleeping positions and remains relatively calm throughout the night. If you notice that your dog constantly changes sleeping spots, scratches at its blankets, or circles around before settling down without truly falling asleep, it's probably not sleeping well.

This type of nighttime restlessness can indicate physical discomfort or an uncomfortable environment. A floor that's too hard, an unsuitable temperature, or a worn-out bed can prevent your dog from finding a comfortable position. Over time, this disrupts its deep sleep cycles, leading to chronic fatigue.

It's essential to think about your dog's comfort. Have you ever tried an orthopedic bed? These beds are designed to conform to the contours of a dog's body, relieving pressure points and aging joints. Take a look at our gray orthopedic bed , which combines optimal support and softness, ideal for restful sleep.

How can this nocturnal behavior be identified?

• The dog moves from room to room in the middle of the night.
• It changes position every 10-15 minutes.
• He scratches the floor or his cushion repeatedly.
• He moans or sighs as he tries to lie down.
• He sleeps leaning against furniture, seeking support.

2. He wakes up several times during the night

In a healthy adult dog, sleep should be fairly continuous. However, if your dog wakes up every hour, pants loudly, wakes you, or shows unusual restlessness, this indicates poor sleep quality. These frequent awakenings are sometimes due to age-related aches and pains, but also to digestive problems, anxiety, or boredom.

Your dog may also be disturbed by its environment: light, external noises, or temperatures that are too low or too high. Frequent nighttime awakenings significantly reduce the time spent in REM sleep, which is essential for cognitive and physical recovery.

Before considering treatments, start by observing the environment and optimizing the sleeping arrangements. The beige orthopedic dog bed offers a comfortable, temperature-regulating surface, perfect for reducing those untimely awakenings.

A dog that sleeps poorly at night often relieves itself or displays uncontrolled hypervigilance. Even if you don't see it awake, certain signs during the day can alert you—such as compulsive naps or a refusal to get up in the morning.

Discover these practical tips to limit waking up

Several actions can help stabilize your dog's nighttime sleep:

• Establish an evening walk to tire the muscles.
• Limit access to water 1 hour before bedtime (unless instructed by a veterinarian).
• Use white noise or a noise-absorbing blanket.
• Create a dark, quiet, and isolated sleeping area free from all stimulation.
• Discover these additional video tips

3. He is irritable or apathetic during the day

Another reliable indicator of sleep problems in your dog is a noticeable change in behavior during the day. A tired dog often becomes irritable, less obedient, or conversely, completely lethargic. This manifests as a lack of interest in playing, unusual laziness, or difficulty following even the simplest commands.

Just like humans, dogs deprived of adequate sleep lose patience and vitality. However, it's important not to confuse fatigue with aging. If these symptoms appear suddenly or persist, poor sleep quality is often the culprit before a more advanced medical diagnosis.

Rebalancing the sleep-wake cycle often begins with simple routine adjustments: a fixed bedtime, reduced stimulation after 8 p.m., and above all, a safe and familiar resting space. The scent of lavender hydrosol in the sleeping area can also reduce irritability.

Typical behaviors of a tired dog during the day

• Averting one's gaze and refusing social contact.
• Disproportionate reactions to minor stimuli (noise, sudden movements).
• Uncontrolled drowsiness even while walking.
• Refusal to play with his favorite toys.
• Frequent moaning for no apparent reason.

4. He snores or breathes irregularly

Hearing your dog snore might seem amusing… until you realize that behind those sounds sometimes lies a real respiratory problem. If your dog snores loudly every night, chokes, coughs, or seems to have difficulty breathing deeply, its sleep is certainly disturbed—and its health potentially at risk.

Brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs, pugs, and Shih Tzus) are particularly prone to canine sleep apnea. However, this condition also affects overweight dogs or those suffering from allergies. Obstructed airways prevent deep sleep and cause frequent, almost imperceptible awakenings.

A veterinary visit is necessary in these cases to rule out an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or digestive problem. At the same time, make sure your dog sleeps with its head slightly elevated—a simple trick that improves airflow. Switching to a firm, ergonomic bed can also help reduce snoring.

Signs that breathing affects canine sleep

• Very loud snoring, audible from several meters away.
• Gasping in the middle of the night.
• Abnormal sleeping posture (head raised, legs stretched out).
• Increased salivation upon waking.
• Unjustified fatigue despite a full night's sleep.

Conclusion: How to improve your dog's sleep starting tonight

Recognizing that your dog isn't sleeping well at night is the first step toward an effective solution. Whether through behavioral observation, analyzing their environment, or equipping their sleeping space, every detail counts. Good sleep not only improves their physical health but also their daily emotional balance.

Whether due to simple discomfort or underlying anxiety, your dog may be suffering silently every night. By adjusting a few things (a suitable bed, calming routines, a quiet environment), you can radically transform their nights—and yours as well.

Start today by observing the first signs and trying out a truly orthopedic bed. Share your experience and the solutions that worked for you in the comments!

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