Recently, there has been an intriguing sight spotted amongst them: Bearded dragons standing on two legs while they sleep. It’s enough to make your jaw drop – it’s almost like witnessing a miracle in the animal kingdom.
Sleeping upright is not uncommon in bearded dragons, which is usually not a cause for concern. They may do it because they enjoy it, or because it allows them to see what’s around them better. If your bearded dragon is sleeping in an upright position with its abdomen area against the wall of the tank, it could be trying to regulate its body temperature.
So without further do, let’s dive into our exploration of why your bearded dragon might just be sleeping upright.
How Do Bearded Dragons Like To Sleep?
Bearded dragons are fascinating animals, and it can be interesting to observe how they sleep.
They usually sleep in a position known as “basking,” which is when they curl up on their side or stomach with one leg tucked under them. This allows them to absorb more heat from the sun and regulate their body temperature better than if they were lying flat on their back.
Another way bearded dragons like to sleep is upright, perched on all fours like a bird. This is called the “upright sleeping” posture and is believed to help these lizards conserve energy while providing protection against potential predators.
Upright sleeping also helps keep some of their vital organs warm by placing them closer to the surface of the skin where there’s more exposure to sunlight and warmer temperatures.
When Do Bearded Dragons Sleep?
Generally speaking, bearded dragons will sleep during the night or day depending on the natural light cycle in their environment. During the day, they tend to bask in the sun and be active–hunting for food, exploring their surroundings, and interacting with its owner. At night though is when most bearded dragons will settle down and go into a deep sleep.
In order to provide your beardie with ample opportunity to rest at night it’s important to make sure their enclosure has:
- A dark place where they can hide away from any bright lights;
- A temperature gradient ranging from warm basking spots to cooler areas;
- Adequate humidity levels;
- Access to plenty of water throughout the night; and
- An appropriate diet is full of nutritious foods like insects and vegetables.
By providing all these elements you can ensure that your bearded dragon gets all the restful sleep it needs each night.
Why is Your Bearded Dragon Sleeping Standing Up Against the Glass?
There could be a few reasons why a bearded dragon is sleeping standing up against the glass:
Incorrect Temperature: Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals and require a specific temperature range to stay healthy and active. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, they may become lethargic and seek out a warmer or cooler spot.
If the enclosure is not providing the right temperature, the bearded dragon may try to regulate its body temperature by standing up against the glass.
Stress: Bearded dragons can become stressed by a variety of factors, including inadequate enclosure size, inadequate lighting, or improper handling.
Stress can cause a bearded dragon to exhibit unusual behaviors, such as standing up against the glass. If the bearded dragon is consistently exhibiting this behavior, it may be a sign of chronic stress, and you should address the underlying cause.
They Like It: In some cases, Standing up against the glass can be a pleasure for some bearded dragons, especially if it offers a good view.
However, this behavior should not be the only factor considered. If your bearded dragon is exhibiting other signs of stress or illness, it is essential to rule out other potential causes before assuming that they are standing up against the glass because they like it.
Other Sleeping Habits Of Bearded Dragon
Perching peacefully and posing proudly, a bearded dragon often chooses to sleep upright. But that’s not the only way these mysterious little creatures slumber; they have many different sleeping habits.
For starters, bearded dragons can sometimes be found snoozing on their sides or backs in various positions. They may curl up into a ball when dozing off during the day or choose to stretch out flat across the floor of their enclosure while catching some Zs at night.
Furthermore, they like to hide away under ledges and other dark places as part of their natural instinct for self-preservation – this kind of behavior is especially common amongst younger dragons who are more prone to feeling scared or anxious.
Bearded dragons also have an interesting habit of taking short naps throughout the day rather than one long sleep session.
| Sleeping Habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brumation | A hibernation-like state that bearded dragons enter during the winter months. During brumation, they slow down their activity levels, eat less, and may not move much at all. |
| Changing colors | Bearded dragons may change their color during sleep as a way to blend in with their surroundings and protect themselves from predators. This is especially true during daytime napping when they are most vulnerable. |
| Covering themselves | Bearded dragons may cover themselves with objects like blankets or towels during sleep to create a sense of security and block out any potential sources of light or noise. |
| Breathing slowly | Bearded dragons tend to breathe more slowly during sleep, just like humans. This is because their body is in a state of rest and doesn’t require as much oxygen. |
| Basking | Bearded dragons may bask in the sun or under a heat lamp during the day to warm up and prepare for sleep at night. This helps regulate their body temperature and makes them feel more comfortable during sleep. |
| Napping | Bearded dragons may take short naps throughout the day, especially if they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Napping is a way for them to recharge and feel more relaxed. |
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures and it is important to understand their sleeping habits.
As we have seen, bearded dragons often sleep in an upright position for up to several hours a day. This posture helps them regulate their body temperature and keep watch on the world around them.
While there are other possible explanations for why they might sometimes sleep this way, the presence of predators seems to be one of the primary factors.
It’s also worth noting that while some may view this behavior as strange or unusual, it’s really just part and parcel of being a beardie—so don’t jump to any conclusions if you find yourself catching some zzz’s while standing tall.
In other words, don’t read too much into it; after all, everyone has different sleeping patterns.
