If your dog seems restless, irritable, or unusually clingy, the problem might not be training or temperament—it could be sleep. According to veterinarians, inconsistent or overstimulating bedtime routines are a common but overlooked source of stress for dogs that can easily be fixed.
Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s Emergency & Critical Care Service, told Newsweek that one of the most common bedtime habits that stresses dogs out is inconsistency.
“Dogs do best when bedtime looks roughly the same every night (like kids!). A lot of stress comes from unpredictable routines—late-night activity, sudden bursts of excitement, or owners going in and out of the house,” she said.
She also points to overstimulation before bed as a frequent issue. “Ideally, keep your dog calm prior to bedtime and avoid excessive play and high energy walks. Keep the environment chill and calm,” she said.
Dogs need more sleep than many owners realize, usually about 12-14 hours a day for adult dogs and 18-20 for puppies and seniors. Poor sleep doesn’t always look like fatigue—it often shows up as irritability, increased reactivity, difficulty settling, pacing, clinginess, or suddenly worsening anxiety behaviors.
“Overtired dogs are very much like overtired kids,” Fox explained.
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, agrees that routine is critical for dogs’ overall wellbeing.
“Dogs are creatures of habit. They thrive on consistency, so if your bedtime habits tend to be a little erratic, it can be a real stressor,” she said. “Going to bed at different times or changing pre-bed activities can leave dogs unsettled. If you don’t keep a consistent bedtime, it can make dogs feel that they won’t have a consistent meal or walk time either.”
Sleep deprivation can manifest in subtle ways, some dogs may become irritable (grumpy) or be unable to focus, they may pace, pant, whine, hide, or even seem to forget their training. Other dogs may show changes in appetite or become aggressive toward other pets. It is important that you keep track of patterns and discuss concerns with a veterinarian.
According to Fox, “when a dog is struggling with behavior, anxiety, or training, sleep quality is one of the first things I like to ask about.”
“Improving rest alone can sometimes make a noticeable difference,” she added.
Environmental factors matter, too. Fox noted that late meals can increase nighttime wakeups, while intense walks too close to bedtime can delay sleep. Screen noise may also interfere, especially for anxious or noise-sensitive dogs.
“Owner schedules matter a lot—dogs are highly attuned to us, so irregular human bedtimes often translate into irregular canine sleep,” she said.
Bonk advises cutting off meals and exercise 30–60 minutes before bed and keeping the home quiet. “Allow them to rest calmly without a TV, radio, or other type of screen on that may distract them,” she said.
As for where dogs should sleep, both veterinarians say it depends. “It really depends on the dog,” said Fox, noting the key is whether both dog and owner are sleeping well. Bonk added, “It really comes down to you and your dog’s needs.”
Choosing the right dog bed can also affect your dog’s comfort, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
Start by picking a size that allows your dog to stretch and move comfortably, accommodating their typical sleeping positions. Dogs that curl up may prefer snug, bolster-style beds, while those that stretch out benefit from larger, open beds; it can be useful to have more than one bed.
Material matters: high-quality options like memory foam or orthopedic foam give extra support, especially for older dogs or those with joint issues, and hypoallergenic covers help sensitive skin.
Durability is important, so beds made from robust, chew-resistant fabrics with strong stitching last longer. Easy cleaning is essential, so choose beds with removable, washable covers and, if needed, waterproof liners.
Overall, consider size, material, sturdiness, and cleanability alongside your dog’s age, health, and habits to ensure they rest well.
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