Dogs sleep a lot — most adult dogs need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, and puppies can need up to 18 hours. But just like humans, the quality of that sleep matters as much as the quantity.
If your dog isn’t getting restful sleep, it can affect their mood, health, and behavior. Here are five signs to watch for.
1. Restlessness at Night
If your dog frequently changes position, gets up and lies down again, or wanders around the house at night, they may be struggling to settle. This is often caused by discomfort, anxiety, or too much stimulation in their environment.
What helps: Create a calm, consistent bedtime routine. A dark, quiet space with soft background music can make a big difference. White noise is especially effective for dogs that react to outside sounds.
2. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
It sounds counterintuitive, but a dog that sleeps all day might actually not be sleeping well at night. If your dog seems lethargic, uninterested in play, or hard to wake up during the day, their nighttime sleep may be fragmented.
What helps: Make sure your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise during the day. A tired dog sleeps better — but the exercise should happen at least 2-3 hours before bedtime, not right before.
3. Whining or Barking During Sleep
Occasional twitching or soft sounds during sleep are normal — your dog is probably dreaming. But frequent whining, barking, or thrashing can indicate stress or discomfort.
What helps: Calming music before and during sleep can reduce anxiety-related sleep disturbances. Classical music with a slow, steady tempo has been shown to lower stress indicators in dogs.
4. Following You Around at Night
If your dog can’t seem to settle unless they’re right next to you, or they follow you every time you get up at night, it could be a sign of separation anxiety affecting their sleep.
What helps: Gradual training to sleep independently, combined with a consistent audio cue (like the same playlist every night) can help your dog feel secure even when you’re not right there.
5. Changes in Appetite or Behavior
Poor sleep can show up in unexpected ways: less interest in food, increased irritability, or a shorter attention span. If you notice changes like these without an obvious cause, sleep quality is worth investigating.
What helps: Start by ruling out medical issues with your vet. Then look at your dog’s sleep environment — temperature, noise levels, light, and comfort all play a role.
The Simple Fix Most Dog Owners Miss
Many sleep problems in dogs come down to their environment being too stimulating. We live in noisy homes with screens, traffic sounds, and unpredictable noises. Your dog can’t tune these out the way you can.
The easiest change you can make tonight: play soft, calming music in your dog’s sleeping area. It creates a consistent, soothing soundscape that helps block out disturbances. Pick a category that works for your dog and make it part of the nightly routine.
