Why Puppies Need Naps: The Science of Sweet Sleep
At Fi & Mimi, we believe every dog deserves comfort—especially the littlest ones. If you’ve ever watched your puppy drift off mid-play, nose buried in a cozy bed, tail twitching with dreams—you know just how precious nap time can be. But did you know those naps are vital to your puppy’s health and development?
Let’s explore the science behind puppy naps, how much sleep they really need, and how the right bed can help your pup thrive from day one.
Why Do Puppies Sleep So Much?
Puppies are little sponges. They’re constantly absorbing the world around them—learning smells, sounds, faces, rules, and routines. All of that mental and physical stimulation burns a surprising amount of energy.
Just like human babies, puppies need plenty of rest to recover, grow, and stay balanced. In fact, most puppies sleep 18–20 hours a day in their first few months of life (Niwano et al., 2020). That’s not laziness—it’s biology.
During sleep, their bodies release growth hormones, form new neural connections, and even boost their immune systems. Every nap is a chance for the brain and body to catch up with the day’s discoveries.
Sleep Supports Healthy Brain Development
One of the most fascinating things about puppy sleep is how it fuels learning.
A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports found that sleep helps dogs retain new commands and training information. Researchers observed that after learning a new task, dogs who took naps performed better when tested later—suggesting that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation (Iotchev et al., 2020).
Now imagine how important that is for a puppy who's learning everything from potty training to basic manners. Every successful "sit" or “stay” is followed by behind-the-scenes brain work—most of which happens while your pup snoozes in a cozy bed.
Sleep Also Supports Physical Growth
Those floppy ears and oversized paws don’t grow themselves.
When puppies sleep, their bodies produce growth hormone—especially during deep sleep stages. This hormone helps build muscles, bones, and tissues, setting the foundation for a strong, healthy adult dog.
Sleep also helps regulate metabolism and supports joint development, both of which are essential for large-breed puppies or those prone to orthopedic issues.
Skipping naps—or not getting restful sleep—can throw a puppy’s growth off course, much like it can in children.
Sleep Calms the Chaos
Let’s be honest: puppies are chaos. Adorable, fluffy, mischievous chaos.
Without enough sleep, that chaos can escalate into hyperactivity, crankiness, or even fear-based behaviors. Just like toddlers, overtired puppies tend to act out, bark more, struggle with training, and have trouble self-regulating.
By ensuring your puppy gets proper rest, you’re not just promoting health—you’re encouraging emotional balance. A well-rested puppy is a calmer, more confident puppy.
How Often Should Puppies Nap?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some general guidelines:
Puppy AgeTotal Sleep Needed (Per Day)Wake Time Between Naps8–12 weeks18–20 hours1 hour3–4 months16–18 hours1.5–2 hours5–6 months14–16 hours2–3 hours
Your puppy might nap anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours at a time. It’s important to watch for signs of sleepiness—like yawning, zoomie crashes, or excessive chewing—and encourage downtime before overtiredness sets in.
The Role of a Safe, Supportive Bed
Puppies need a dedicated sleep space just like we do—a place that’s soft, safe, and just for them.
At Fi & Mimi, we design our beds with your dog’s comfort and development in mind. Here’s why a proper bed makes a difference:
Security: A familiar bed helps your puppy feel safe and secure. This emotional comfort promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.
Support: Growing bones and joints need gentle, ergonomic support. Soft yet structured bedding reduces pressure and supports healthy posture.
Temperature Regulation: Puppies can be sensitive to cold or overheating. Our materials are breathable, cozy, and just the right kind of snuggle-ready.
Routine Building: Teaching your puppy that their bed is a "nap zone" helps create positive sleep associations, making training (and nighttime routines) easier.
Whether your pup curls into a donut shape or sprawls belly-up, the right sleep space sets the stage for rest and growth.
What About Nighttime?
While daytime naps are critical, consistent nighttime sleep is just as important.
Help your puppy transition to overnight rest with a gentle bedtime routine:
Wind down with quiet play or snuggles
Avoid food or water an hour before bed
Offer a final potty break
Lead them to their bed (crate or open, depending on your setup)
Use calming cues—like a white noise machine or familiar blanket
And remember: if your puppy whimpers at night, it may be due to needing a potty break or feeling unsure. Respond calmly, but avoid turning it into playtime.
The Dangers of Skimping on Sleep
We get it—life is exciting with a puppy. But skipping naps or pushing through fatigue can backfire.
Chronic sleep deprivation in dogs has been linked to behavioral problems like anxiety, reactivity, and attention deficits. It can also compromise their developing immune system and delay proper socialization.
So, when your puppy passes out mid-toy, let them sleep. That’s when the real magic is happening.
Final Thoughts: Let Sleeping Puppies Lie
Puppyhood is short, but it’s packed with growth, curiosity, and joy. Sleep is the invisible glue holding it all together.
By encouraging regular naps and providing a bed that’s as comfortable as it is calming, you’re setting your puppy up for a lifetime of health, happiness, and resilience.
At Fi & Mimi, we believe great days start with great sleep—no matter how small the paws.
References
Iotchev, I., Stetina, B. U., & Kubinyi, E. (2020). Dogs’ episodic-like memory is influenced by sleep. Scientific Reports, 10, 23668. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80784-7
Niwano, Y., Sawa, K., Imai, Y., et al. (2020). Daily activity patterns and sleep behavior of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) under owners’ schedule. PLoS ONE, 15(9): e0237836. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237836