Hamster Does Not Sleep

A healthy hamster has a regular sleep schedule. If an animal changes this routine, its owner should become alert and monitor its behavior more closely. This article answers questions about insomnia in hamsters:

Why Does A Hamster Stop Sleeping?

Hamsters are nocturnal animals. They are particularly lively in the early morning hours and at dusk. During the day, the little rodent sleeps for about 10-14 hours. A healthy hamster will not sleep continuously without stirring. Even during the actual “inactive phase” of the day, he moves and draws attention to himself with rustling noises. As with humans, the sleep cycle varies from hamster to hamster. Dwarf hamsters and Chinese hamsters are more flexible than Syrian golden hamsters when it comes to sleeping times. But there are also large variations within a breed. Certain influencing factors disrupt the rodent’s natural sleeping rhythm:

The Hamster Does Not Sleep Because Of A Change Of Territory

Hamsters that have only recently moved to their new home need a few days of rest to acclimate. A change of territory frightens and unsettles the animal. Many a hamster does not sleep during this time and is very active. Another animal withdraws and can hardly be seen. In this case, the pet owner’s concern is rather unfounded. After a few days, the hamster should have regained its sleeping rhythm.

A Stressed Hamster Will Not Sleep

Hamsters are sensitive and easily stressed animals. Restlessness, loud noises, or temperature fluctuations are very annoying and lead to irregular sleep-wake cycles. Even the life expectancy of the rodent can be reduced by too much stress. The hamster’s need for rest and its short life cycle make it unsuitable as a pet for children. Teenage youngsters are more likely to meet the specific needs of hamster husbandry.

Sounds

Hamsters have exceptionally good hearing. The hamster can get used to “normal” everyday noises such as vacuum cleaners or ringing phones over time. In order to be able to sleep more quietly during the day, the hamster simply folds its auricles shut. Despite this ability, the rodent needs a very quiet cage location. For example, if it gets too loud and restless in the children’s room, the hamster won’t sleep. Loud noises are frightening and downright painful for the hamster. As a result, the natural day-night cycle can get out of balance in the long term.

Disturbance Of The Peace

It is important to strictly respect the hamster’s natural rest periods. During the day the animal should not be woken up, stroked, or lifted out of the nest. Ideally, care and cleaning work should take place in the late evening hours.

Heat Or Cold

Hamsters like a constant ambient temperature between 20 and 26 °C. Even temperatures from 34°C can be life-threatening. A cage location next to the heating, electrical appliances, or with direct sunlight must be avoided at all costs. A hamster will not sleep indoors if its housing becomes too stuffy. A sharp drop in the ambient temperature, especially in connection with dark winter days, triggers the so-called “torpor”, a kind of hibernation. For hours all bodily functions and body temperature are then reduced.

The Hamster Will Not Sleep Well If The Cage Design Is Inappropriate

Hamsters prefer enclosures with enough space, solid floors, relatively deep bedding, and plenty of nesting material. In addition, several sleeping houses belong in the cage. Hamster houses should be open at the bottom and have at least one large or two smaller entrance openings. In a closed dwelling, the humidity and heat accumulate. The warm, humid climate not only has a negative effect on the sleeping behavior of the animal. It also promotes the development of diseases. For this reason, plastic houses should also be rejected. Natural materials such as wood or sturdy cardboard are breathable and ideally suited.

A Hamster Will Not Sleep If It Is Malnourished Or Malnourished

A hamster has a predominantly granivorous diet. “Granivor” is the collective term for seed-eating animals. The basic feed mixture for hamsters consists of different types of grain and seeds. Fresh food should be given daily and only in the evening due to the animal’s nocturnal activity. Malnutrition with feed that is too fatty and sweet or an excess of oilseeds can quickly cause digestive problems. These, in turn, can significantly disrupt sleep and be a reason why the hamster does not sleep.

A Sick Hamster Does Not Get Enough Sleep

Illnesses or parasite infestations can disrupt the hamster’s sleep cycle. The most common hamster diseases include lice or fungal infections, bacterial infections, diarrhea, or blocked cheek pouches.

The Hamster No Longer Sleeps In His House, Why?

It is not uncommon for hamster owners to be surprised that the rodent suddenly rejects the previously used sleeping place. The hamster no longer sleeps in his house. This behavior is not a cause for concern at first. Hamsters change their sleeping quarters from time to time. For this reason, you should also provide the rodent with various places to hide. Sometimes a hamster builds its own sleeping place outside of the available possibilities. A hamster usually only sleeps so “unprotected” in familiar surroundings. Occasionally the rodent moves out of its house when the heat builds up in the rodent’s accommodation in the warm summer months. The animal feels then a place to sleep outside the dwelling is simply more pleasant. As long as the animal sleeps, its owners can also remain relaxed.

How Do You Know When A Hamster Has Stopped Sleeping?

A sleep-deprived hamster will exhibit certain behavioral issues. The first signs that a hamster is not sleeping are increased irritability and biting. If an otherwise tame animal is showing aggressive behavior, the rodent’s sleeping patterns should be monitored more closely. Another sign of sleep deprivation is a refusal to eat or weight loss. If pet owners weigh their hamsters on the kitchen scale once a week, weight loss can be recognized early. Chronic stress or sleep deprivation also has a negative effect on the animal’s immune system. A “tired” hamster is much more susceptible to illnesses than a lively fellow hamster.

My Hamster Won’t Sleep, What Should I Do?

If the pet owner finds out that the hamster is not sleeping, he can first look for the cause himself. Any sources of noise that may be present can often be easily eliminated. Sometimes changing the cage location is enough to relieve the hamster of its insomnia. If the hamster still does not sleep and shows additional changes in appearance or behavior, a veterinarian should be consulted. The veterinarian can clarify whether an illness or parasite infestation is the cause. Ideally, the vet appointment should take place in the late afternoon or in the evening. This will not frighten the animal unnecessarily.

What Therapy Options Are There?

The treatment options for sleep disorders in hamsters depend on the cause. If a hamster won’t sleep, it may have organic disease, an infectious disease, or a parasitic infestation. If the veterinarian treats this underlying disease successfully, insomnia often disappears as well. If the cause of the sleep disturbance is unfavorable housing conditions, these must be improved by the owner.

How Much Does The Treatment Cost?

Vet costs depend on the underlying cause of insomnia. Parasitic infestations or rather uncomplicated infections can usually be treated quickly. A vet calculates his services according to the scale of fees for veterinarians (GOT). The amount of the fee usually depends on the amount of treatment involved. If you have any questions about the cost of treating your hamster, please speak to your veterinarian.

If the housing conditions have to be changed, a new sleeping house or even a new cage has to be purchased, these costs alone can sometimes add up to more than 100 €. Depending on the material and size, a new hamster house costs between €5 and €30, for example.