Quick Answer: Dogs take dog naps 12 to 14 hours a day because they are polyphasic sleepers, cycling through short 20-minute bouts instead of one long stretch. Their napping patterns mirror principles that improve human sleep quality too. Understanding your dog's sleep can reveal what your own body needs, from better mattress support to a calmer bedroom.
In This Guide
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If you have ever watched your dog twitch, whimper, or paddle their legs during a midday snooze, you have witnessed something remarkable. Dogs do not just sleep. They dream, cycle through stages of rest, and follow instinctive patterns that go back thousands of years.
And here is the thing most pet owners never consider: your dog's sleep habits say a lot about your own. The same environmental factors that disturb your dog's nap, a lumpy bed, a room that is too warm, noise from the street, are the same factors that keep you tossing at 2 a.m.
At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we talk to families about sleep every day. A surprising number of those conversations start with a question about sharing the bed with a pet. So we thought it was time to explore the science of dog naps, what they tell us about sleep in general, and how to make your bedroom work for everyone under the covers, two legs or four.
Why Dogs Nap So Much
The average adult dog sleeps between 12 and 14 hours every day. Puppies can reach 18 to 20 hours. To a human who scrapes by on six or seven hours, that sounds luxurious. But dogs are not lazy. Their biology simply works differently.
Dogs are polyphasic sleepers. Instead of consolidating rest into one overnight block the way humans do, dogs scatter their sleep across the entire 24-hour period. They might nap for 30 minutes after breakfast, snooze for two hours in the afternoon, and then sleep another eight hours overnight alongside you.
Why Polyphasic Sleep Exists
Polyphasic sleep is an evolutionary strategy. Wild canids needed to stay alert for threats, so they developed the ability to fall asleep quickly, get meaningful rest in short bursts, and wake at the slightest sound. Domestic dogs have kept this trait even though the biggest threat in your Brantford living room is probably the vacuum cleaner. Research published in Comparative Cognition and Behavior Reviews confirms that the average dog wake-sleep cycle is roughly 83 minutes, meaning they shift between sleeping and waking far more often than we do.
The Role of Activity and Stimulation
Dogs that spend the day alone tend to sleep more, not because they need more rest, but because they are bored. Without mental and physical stimulation, sleep becomes the default activity. Working dogs, herding breeds, and dogs that get regular walks and training sessions tend to nap less during the day and sleep more deeply at night.
This principle applies to humans too. People who sit at a desk all day often feel tired but sleep poorly. The body craves a balance of activity and rest, and when that balance is off, both species suffer.
Breed Differences in Napping
Not all dogs nap the same amount. Giant breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs can sleep 16 to 18 hours daily. Their massive bodies burn energy quickly, and recovery demands more downtime. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas also tend toward extra sleep, while medium-sized working breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are the lightest sleepers in the canine world.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We get a lot of customers in here who say their dog sleeps better than they do. That usually means the dog found the comfiest spot in the house, and the human is stuck on a mattress that has seen better days. If your dog picks the couch over your bed, your mattress might be sending you a message."
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The Science of Dog Sleep Cycles
Dog sleep cycles are shorter than human sleep cycles, but they follow the same basic architecture. Understanding how your dog moves through sleep stages can actually help you appreciate what happens in your own brain every night.
| Sleep Stage | Dogs | Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Full cycle length | ~20 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| NREM (non-REM) duration | ~12 minutes per cycle | ~70 minutes per cycle |
| REM duration | ~6 minutes per cycle | ~20 minutes per cycle |
| REM as percentage of total sleep | 20-36% | 20-25% |
| Daily REM total | ~2.9 hours | ~1.9 hours |
| Sleep type | Polyphasic | Monophasic (typically) |
REM Sleep and Dreaming
Dogs spend a surprisingly large portion of their sleep in REM, the stage associated with dreaming. Research from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior has documented that dogs average about 2.9 hours of REM sleep daily, compared to roughly 1.9 hours for humans. This means your dog is likely dreaming more than you are.
Those leg twitches, muffled barks, and whisker movements you see during your dog's nap? Those are signs of active REM sleep. The brain is processing the day's experiences, consolidating memories, and sorting emotional responses. Puppies and older dogs tend to show the most visible dream activity.
If you have ever noticed your own sleep improving after a good day, the same mechanism is at work. Dogs dream just like we do, and the quality of their rest depends on the same factors: comfort, safety, and a good sleeping surface.
What Happens in a Dog's Brain During Sleep
A 2018 study in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that dogs' sleep patterns are directly modulated by their social experiences. Dogs that had positive interactions during the day fell asleep faster and spent more time in deep sleep. Dogs that experienced stressful situations showed more fragmented sleep and increased REM latency. The parallels to human sleep psychology are striking. Our emotional state before bed shapes the quality of rest we get, whether we have two legs or four.
Dog Naps by Age and Breed
Just as human sleep needs change dramatically from infancy through old age, dog sleep requirements shift across their lifespan. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you identify when something might be wrong.
| Life Stage | Age Range | Daily Sleep | Nap Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn puppy | 0-3 weeks | 20-22 hours | Nearly constant sleep with brief feeding breaks |
| Young puppy | 3-16 weeks | 18-20 hours | Intense play bursts followed by deep naps |
| Adolescent | 4-12 months | 14-18 hours | Longer awake periods, fewer but deeper naps |
| Adult (small breed) | 1-10 years | 12-16 hours | Multiple short naps through the day |
| Adult (medium breed) | 1-8 years | 10-14 hours | Activity-dependent napping |
| Adult (large/giant) | 1-6 years | 14-18 hours | Frequent, longer rest periods |
| Senior dog | 7+ years | 14-18 hours | More fragmented, lighter sleep overall |
Puppies: Sleep as a Growth Engine
Puppies are not being lazy when they conk out after five minutes of play. Growth hormone is released primarily during deep sleep, and puppies are building bone, muscle, and neural connections at an astonishing rate. Disrupting a puppy's sleep can actually slow their development.
This has a direct parallel in human development. Children and teenagers also release growth hormone during deep sleep. And adults? We release restorative hormones during slow-wave sleep too, which is one reason a supportive mattress matters so much. If pressure points keep pulling you out of deep sleep, your body misses out on critical repair time.
Senior Dogs: When Naps Get Complicated
Older dogs often sleep more during the day but less soundly at night. This pattern, called sundowning in veterinary medicine, mirrors the sleep disruption seen in older humans. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia) can cause night-time restlessness, pacing, and confusion.
For senior dogs, joint pain plays a major role. A dog that cannot get comfortable will shift positions constantly, just like a person with back pain on the wrong mattress. Orthopaedic dog beds address this the same way a good mattress addresses human pressure points: by distributing weight evenly and reducing stress on joints.
Co-Sleeping with Your Dog: What the Research Actually Says
Here is the question that sparks the most debate among pet owners and sleep experts alike: should your dog sleep in your bed?
The research is more nuanced than most articles suggest. It is not a simple yes or no.
The Case Against Bed Sharing
A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports examined 1,591 U.S. adults and found that 47.6% reported co-sleeping with pets. Those who did reported poorer perceived sleep quality and greater insomnia severity compared to those who slept alone. An Australian study of over 10,000 adults found similar results: pet co-sleepers took longer to fall asleep, reported feeling more tired upon waking, and experienced more noise-related disturbances.
Actigraphy data (objective movement tracking) tells an even clearer story. Hoffman et al. (2020) found that women who shared their bed with a dog experienced more nighttime movement disruptions than those whose dog slept elsewhere in the room.
The Case for Sharing a Bed with Your Dog
But here is what the numbers do not capture: emotional security. Qualitative research consistently shows that pet co-sleepers report feeling safer, less anxious, and more comforted at bedtime. For people who live alone, deal with anxiety before bed, or struggle with nighttime worry, the presence of a dog provides genuine stress relief.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that having a dog in the bedroom (but not on the bed) preserved sleep quality while still providing the emotional benefits of proximity. Sleep efficiency remained above 80% for participants whose dogs slept on the floor or in a dog bed in the same room.
A Brantford Perspective on Pet Sleep
In our Brantford showroom, we hear from families all the time who share their bed with a dog, a cat, or both. Ontario winters can make the arrangement especially appealing since a 30-kilogram Labrador is basically a fur-covered space heater. Brad estimates that at least a third of customers mention pet co-sleeping when they come in looking for a new mattress, and it is always a factor when recommending the right size and firmness.
Making Co-Sleeping Work
If you are going to share your bed with a dog, the science suggests a few practical adjustments:
Tips for Sleeping with Your Dog
- Size up your mattress: A Queen mattress gives each person about 76 cm of width. Add a medium-sized dog and that drops significantly. A King-sized mattress gives everyone room to spread out.
- Choose motion isolation: Dogs reposition 3-5 times per night. Individually wrapped coils (like the 1,222 in our Restonic ComfortCare Queen) absorb movement so your dog's repositioning does not ripple across the bed.
- Use a mattress protector: Dog hair, dander, and the occasional accident are realities. A quality cotton mattress protector keeps your mattress clean without affecting comfort.
- Set boundaries early: Dogs that sleep at the foot of the bed cause fewer disruptions than dogs that sleep on the pillow.
- Keep the room cool: Dogs run warmer than humans (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). A bedroom between 16 and 19 degrees works best for both species.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "I always tell customers that co-sleeping with a pet is not automatically bad for your rest. The key is support and space. If your mattress sags in the middle or is too small for everyone, you will feel every time your dog shifts. Upgrade the surface, and the whole arrangement changes."
What Dog Naps Teach Us About Human Sleep
Watching your dog sleep is not just entertaining. It is a window into sleep science principles that apply directly to your own rest. Here are the lessons worth borrowing.
Lesson 1: Fall Asleep When You Are Tired
Dogs do not fight drowsiness. When sleep pressure builds, they close their eyes. Humans, on the other hand, push through fatigue with caffeine, screens, and willpower. Sleep researchers call this sleep drive, and ignoring it has consequences. When you override your natural drowsiness, you disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep later.
Lesson 2: Naps Are Not a Sign of Weakness
In many cultures, napping is stigmatized. But dogs demonstrate that short rest periods throughout the day improve alertness and mood. Human nap research backs this up. A 20-minute nap (matching a single dog sleep cycle) improves cognitive performance, reaction time, and emotional regulation without causing grogginess.
The key is keeping naps short. Dogs cycle through a complete sleep cycle in about 20 minutes. For humans, 20 to 30 minutes is the sweet spot. Anything longer and you risk entering deep sleep, which makes waking up feel worse than not napping at all.
Lesson 3: Your Sleep Surface Matters
Have you noticed that dogs are particular about where they sleep? They circle, paw at the surface, and reposition until they find the right spot. This is not neurotic behaviour. They are testing the surface for comfort and security before committing to sleep.
Humans should be just as selective. A mattress that felt fine five years ago may no longer provide the support your body needs. If you are waking up stiff, sore, or unrested, the surface is worth examining before you blame stress or age.
Lesson 4: Environment Is Everything
Dogs naturally seek out cool, dark, quiet spots for their best naps. Under the bed, behind the couch, in a shaded corner of the yard. They instinctively create the conditions that sleep science recommends for humans: darkness, cool temperatures, and minimal disturbance.
The Dog Nap Test for Your Bedroom
Look at where your dog chooses to nap in your home. If they avoid your bedroom during the day, it might be too bright, too warm, or too noisy. Dogs are sensitive to the same environmental cues that affect human sleep quality. If your dog prefers a quiet corner of the basement to your bedroom, consider what that says about your sleep environment.
Lesson 5: Social Connection Before Sleep Matters
Research shows that dogs who have positive social interactions before sleep fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The same is true for humans. Warm conversation, gentle physical contact, and feelings of safety all reduce cortisol and promote sleep onset. This is one reason co-sleeping with pets works for so many people despite the objective movement disruptions. The emotional benefit outweighs the mechanical disturbance.
Building a Better Sleep Environment for Everyone
Whether you share your bed with a Golden Retriever, a tabby cat, a partner, or nobody at all, the principles of good sleep hygiene are universal.
Temperature
Dogs pant to regulate temperature because they cannot sweat through most of their skin. Sharing a bed with a warm-blooded animal that runs about two degrees hotter than you means your bedroom needs to be on the cooler side. The ideal sleeping temperature for humans is 16 to 19 degrees Celsius. With a dog in the bed, aim for the lower end of that range.
How Temperature Affects Both Species
Research by Krauchi (2007) published in Sleep Medicine Reviews established that a drop in core body temperature is one of the strongest physiological triggers for sleep onset. This applies to dogs and humans alike. A room that is too warm delays sleep onset for both species, while a slightly cool environment promotes faster, deeper sleep. If your Brantford bedroom feels stuffy in summer, a fan or open window can make a measurable difference for you and your pet.
Mattress Support and Motion Transfer
A dog that weighs 25 kilograms creates a significant pressure point on your mattress. On an old innerspring mattress with connected coils, every time your dog moves, you feel it. Modern individually wrapped coil systems solve this by isolating motion. Each coil responds independently, so your dog can reposition without sending a wave across the bed.
At Mattress Miracle, our Restonic ComfortCare Queen has 1,222 individually wrapped coils. That density means the mattress adapts to different body weights in different zones. Your dog curled at the foot of the bed gets appropriate support without pulling the mattress out of alignment where you are sleeping.
Mattress Protection
Sharing a bed with a pet means dealing with hair, dander, drool, and dirt. None of these are great for your mattress. A waterproof protector is not optional when pets are involved. Look for one that is breathable (so it does not trap heat) and machine-washable (because you will be washing it often).
Bedroom Noise
Dogs are light sleepers by nature. Their hearing is roughly four times more sensitive than ours, which means traffic sounds, furnace cycling, and neighbourhood activity can disrupt their sleep and, by extension, yours. If your dog startles awake at every sound, they will jostle you awake too.
White noise machines help both species. The consistent ambient sound masks sudden noises that trigger the startle response. It is one of the simplest and cheapest improvements you can make to a shared bedroom.
Bedding and Allergens
Pet dander is one of the most common household allergens in Canada. If you or your partner deals with allergies, washing bedding weekly in hot water reduces dander accumulation. Hypoallergenic pillow covers and mattress protectors add another layer of defence.
Talia, Showroom Specialist: "When someone comes in and says they share the bed with two dogs and a cat, the first thing I do is recommend a King. The second thing is a good protector. People are surprised how much better they sleep when they actually have room to stretch out and are not worried about their mattress getting ruined."
When Dog Sleep Changes Signal Health Problems
Because you spend more time watching your dog sleep than any veterinarian does, you are in the best position to notice changes. Sudden shifts in sleep behaviour can signal health issues that deserve attention.
Sleeping More Than Usual
If your adult dog suddenly starts sleeping 16 to 18 hours a day (when their baseline is 12 to 14), it could indicate pain, infection, hypothyroidism, or depression. Dogs that are in pain often sleep more because rest is the only position that does not hurt.
Restless Sleep
A dog that cannot settle, paces at night, or constantly repositions may be dealing with joint pain (especially in older dogs), digestive discomfort, or anxiety. Restless sleep in dogs parallels the restless feeling many humans experience when their body cannot find comfort.
Sleep Breathing Changes
Heavy snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing during sleep can indicate respiratory issues, especially in brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers). These signs in your dog should also prompt you to consider whether similar symptoms in your own sleep warrant a conversation with your doctor about sleep quality or sleep apnoea.
Excessive Dreaming or Night Terrors
While some twitching during REM sleep is normal, violent thrashing, screaming, or apparent distress during sleep can indicate REM sleep behaviour disorder. This condition has been documented in dogs and is also a recognized disorder in humans. If your dog (or you) seems to be acting out dreams physically, consult a veterinarian or physician respectively.
Local Pet Resources in Brantford
If your dog's sleep patterns change suddenly, Brantford has several excellent veterinary clinics that can assess for underlying health issues. And if watching your dog struggle to get comfortable makes you realize your own sleep could be better, our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street is right here in the community. Sometimes the best health decision you can make starts with an honest look at your mattress.
A Quick Guide to Human Napping
Your dog has napping figured out. Here is how you can borrow their approach.
| Nap Length | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10-20 minutes | Light rest, improved alertness | Midday energy boost without grogginess |
| 30 minutes | Deeper rest, some grogginess on waking | Recovery from mild sleep debt |
| 60 minutes | Slow-wave sleep, memory consolidation | Learning and cognitive tasks |
| 90 minutes | Full sleep cycle including REM | Creativity, emotional processing, major recovery |
The 20-minute nap is the human equivalent of your dog's quick snooze. It is long enough to reduce adenosine (the chemical that builds sleep pressure) without pushing you into deep sleep. Take it before 3 p.m. to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.
If you are a shift worker, a caregiver with disrupted nights, or simply someone who did not sleep well, a strategic nap can make the difference between a productive afternoon and a foggy one. The key is having a comfortable place to lie down. A couch works, but a proper sleep surface with good support is better.
Why Your Dog's Mattress Preferences Are Smarter Than You Think
Dogs instinctively seek out surfaces that match their comfort needs. Watch where your dog chooses to sleep and you will learn something about mattress science.
Dogs with joint pain gravitate toward softer surfaces. Memory foam dog beds are popular for arthritic dogs for the same reason memory foam mattresses help people with joint issues: they conform to the body and relieve pressure points.
Overheated dogs seek out tile floors, hardwood, or cool spots. They are telling you that temperature regulation matters for sleep quality. The same principle applies to your mattress. If you wake up sweating, your mattress may be trapping body heat.
Anxious dogs prefer enclosed, den-like spaces. Covered crates, under tables, or tucked against a wall. This nesting instinct is the same reason weighted blankets work for anxious humans. The sensation of gentle pressure reduces cortisol and promotes feelings of safety.
A Test You Can Try Tonight
Put your dog's bed next to yours and notice how many times each of you repositions during the night. If you are both tossing frequently, the problem is likely environmental: room temperature, noise, or mattress quality. Fix the root cause and you will both sleep better.
Choosing the Right Sleep Products for a Pet-Friendly Bedroom
If your dog shares your bedroom, whether on your bed or beside it, a few product choices make a significant difference.
Mattress Size
A Queen mattress (152 cm by 203 cm) is the most popular size in Canada, but it was designed for two humans, not two humans and a 30-kilogram dog. If you share the bed with a pet, a King (193 cm by 203 cm) gives everyone meaningful extra room. The difference in nightly comfort is substantial.
Coil Count and Motion Isolation
Higher coil counts mean better motion isolation. When your dog jumps on and off the bed (or circles three times before lying down), individually wrapped coils contain that movement. Our Restonic ComfortCare King has 1,440 individually wrapped coils, the highest density in the lineup.
Mattress Protectors
Non-negotiable for pet owners. Look for waterproof, breathable, and machine-washable. A good protector also extends the life of your mattress by preventing the accumulation of allergens, hair, and moisture that break down foam and fabric over time.
Pillows
If your dog sleeps near your head (and many do), a pillow with a washable cover is essential. Down-alternative fills are easier to clean and dry than natural down, and they hold up better to the wear of pet-adjacent sleeping.
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We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day do dogs actually nap?
Most adult dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours per day, split between overnight sleep and several daytime naps. Puppies and senior dogs can sleep 18 to 20 hours. Giant breeds like Great Danes often need 16 to 18 hours. The exact amount depends on age, breed, activity level, and health.
Is it bad for my sleep to let my dog sleep in my bed?
Research shows that dogs in the bed can reduce sleep efficiency, but many people report emotional benefits like reduced anxiety and increased feelings of safety. The best compromise may be having your dog in the bedroom but on their own bed beside yours. If you do share the bed, a King-sized mattress with good motion isolation minimises disruption.
Why does my dog twitch and whimper during naps?
Twitching, paddling legs, and soft vocalisations during sleep indicate REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the stage associated with dreaming. This is completely normal and healthy. Dogs spend about 20 to 36 percent of their total sleep in REM. Only be concerned if the movements are violent, accompanied by apparent distress, or if your dog seems confused upon waking.
Can I improve my dog's sleep quality with a better bed?
Yes. Orthopaedic dog beds with memory foam or supportive fill improve sleep quality for dogs, especially seniors and large breeds with joint issues. The same pressure-relief principles that make a good human mattress work apply to dog beds. If your dog is restless at night or reluctant to lie down, their sleeping surface may be the issue.
Does Mattress Miracle in Brantford sell mattresses good for pet owners?
We specialise in mattresses with individually wrapped coil systems that isolate motion, which is exactly what pet owners need. Our Restonic ComfortCare line starts at $1,619 for a Queen with 1,222 coils, and we carry protectors that stand up to pet-related wear. Visit us at 441 1/2 West Street to try them in person.
Sources
- Kis, A., et al. (2017). Sleep macrostructure is modulated by positive and negative social experience in adult pet dogs. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 284(1865), 20171883. doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.1883
- Bunford, N., et al. (2018). Differences in pre-sleep activity and sleep location are associated with variability in daytime/nighttime sleep electrophysiology in the domestic dog. iScience, 4, 223-233. doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2018.05.022
- Hoffman, C.L., et al. (2020). Human-animal co-sleeping: An actigraphy-based assessment of dogs' impacts on women's nighttime movements. Anthrozoös, 33(2), 175-188. doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2020.1694309
- Patel, S.I., et al. (2017). The effect of dogs on human sleep in the home sleep environment. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(9), 1368-1372. doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.06.014
- Krauchi, K. (2007). The thermophysiological cascade leading to sleep initiation in relation to phase of entrainment. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(6), 439-451. doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2007.07.001
- Kinsman, R., et al. (2024). Co-sleeping with pets, stress, and sleep in a nationally-representative sample of United States adults. Scientific Reports, 14, 5809. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56055-9
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Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Whether you share your bed with a Labrador, a Chihuahua, or just a partner who tosses like one, we can help you find a mattress that keeps everyone comfortable. Come try our Restonic collection in person and ask Brad about motion isolation. Your dog already knows what good sleep feels like. It is time you caught up.
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