Here we can see, “How Long Do Hamsters Sleep and What Happens If They Sleep More?”
The hamster is a popular caged pet and is commonly a child’s first pet, but how does a hamster’s sleep cycle affect pet owners? Furthermore, how do you know if a hamster’s sleep pattern is normal in the first place? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you decide whether a hamster is an ideal pet for you and how to monitor your hamster’s health and habitat using its sleep pattern.
How Much Sleep Do Hamsters Get?
Hamsters typically sleep for 12-14 hours per day, but hamsters have polyphasic sleep-wake rhythms, unlike humans, who sleep only once a day. This implies they sleep several times per day. Thus the 12-14 hours will be divided into smaller pieces during the day.
Sleeping Cycle of Hamsters
Hamsters, particularly Syrian or golden hamsters, have been the subjects of numerous circadian rhythm sleep studies. Therefore the hamster’s sleep cycle is well-documented. Humans spend up to 25% of their sleep time in the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, and studies reveal that hamsters spend roughly the same amount of time in this phase of sleep. The REM phase is commonly known as the part of sleep during which a person dreams; however, despite the study, it is unknown whether or not hamsters dream in the same way that humans do. You may notice your hamster twitching its paws or eyes slightly, which many people believe indicates dreaming or other brain activity. Don’t be frightened if you notice these movements while your hamster is sleeping.
Another crucial aspect of a hamster’s sleep cycle is that they are nocturnal in captivity. This implies they are awake at night and sleep throughout the day, the polar opposite of what most individuals do. Some people, of course, work at night and, like hamsters, sleep during the day. However, most hamster owners find that their hamsters are most active while fast sleeping in their beds.
What Should You Do If Your Hamster Is Sleeping More Than Usual?
If your hamster sleeps more than normal, it could be hibernating or ill. Hibernation can develop if your hamster is kept in a cold setting where the temperature regularly falls below 50 degrees. While most homes do not get this chilly, if your hamster’s cage is close to an outside wall with inadequate insulation or a draughty door or window, its cage may be colder than the rest of your house. Before presuming your hamster is unwell, make sure it is warm enough.
If your hamster’s cage temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and it is sleeping more than normal, it is likely ill. Respiratory and intestinal problems are frequent in hamsters, and if yours isn’t feeling well, it may be lethargic and sleep a lot. If you suspect your hamster is ill, you should consult your veterinarian.
If your hamster’s cage is constantly warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit and isn’t sick, it could simply get older and sleep more. Because older hamsters do not sleep as profoundly or intensely as younger hamsters, they sleep more frequently. This is perfectly normal and causes no concern.
Is It All Right to Wake Up Your Hamster?
Because hamsters can sleep up to 14 hours a day, you may need to wake your hamster from rest or accidentally awaken it from nap time. If possible, avoid startling your hamster as this may lead it to bite you and disrupt its usual sleep-wake cycle. If this occurs regularly, it may stress your hamster and cause health problems. Unless you need to administer meds or do something time-sensitive, it’s better to engage with your hamster just when it’s awake rather than trying to make it adhere to your schedule.
User Questions
Is it usual for a hamster to sleep for 12 hours every day?
This is because most hamsters sleep between six and eight hours a day. However, if your pet hamster sleeps for 12 hours at a time or sleeps day and night, you may select when to contact your veterinarian and schedule an exam.
Is a hamster bite painful?
It’s rare for a hamster to be aggressive, and they usually bite only when they’re terrified. Although such tiny fangs may not cause as much damage as other animals, a bite will hurt and should be avoided. Fortunately, you may gradually learn your hamster to stop biting and accept being handled.
Do hamsters cry?
This shrieking is likewise uncommon, and hamsters normally only make it when they are exceedingly disturbed, terrified, or in great agony. However, a worried hamster, a hamster that has been dropped or is in agony, or a battling hamster will scream or cry from time to time, and it is not a nice sound!
Is it common for hamsters to get cold?
Despite their fluffy coats, hamsters do not do well in freezing weather. Even extremely hot conditions can be fatal to your hamster. Like reptiles and fish, Hamsters require a specific temperature range to keep healthy. The improper temperature can produce life-threatening colds or heatstroke.
Do hamsters sneeze?
Sometimes a sneeze is just that: a sneeze. The reaction in hamsters is similar to that of humans in that a small amount of dust can trigger it. Therefore, sneezing and squeaking can sometimes indicate that your hamster is ill or infected.
Conclusion
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