A Comprehensive Guide to Hamsters' Daily Sleep Habits (Compiled from Trusted Sources)
1. Sleep Duration
Adult Hamsters: Typically sleep 12–14 hours per day; some individuals may sleep up to 18 hours.
Baby Hamsters: Due to growth and development needs, they require longer sleep, often up to 18 hours per day.
2. Sleep Characteristics
Segmented Sleep: Hamsters do not sleep continuously. Instead, their sleep is divided into multiple short cycles (each lasting approximately 11–12 minutes), with around 75 cycles per day.
Light Sleep Dominant: By nature, hamsters are alert animals. They spend most of their sleep time in light sleep and are easily woken up.
3. Day-Night Routine
Sleep During the Day: Usually sleep from 6–7 AM until 6 PM.
Active at Night: Their active period is from 7 PM to 4 AM, during which they eat and exercise.
4. Important Notes
Avoid Disturbance: Do not forcefully wake hamsters during the day, as this may cause stress or aggressive behavior (such as biting).
Environmental Requirements: Keep the cage quiet and dark, and maintain a stable temperature between 20–28°C (68–82.4°F) to prevent pseudo-hibernation.
Summary
As nocturnal animals, hamsters sleep approximately 12–18 hours per day, with baby hamsters sleeping even longer. Their sleep mainly consists of short light-sleep cycles. It is essential to respect their natural sleep schedule and provide a suitable resting environment.