Hamsters have short, fragmented sleep patterns, with details as follows:
I. Single Sleep Duration
Single Sleep Cycle
On average, each deep sleep cycle lasts about 11.5 minutes, and they cycle through this approximately 75 times a day.
Light sleep may only last a few minutes, characterized by brief eye-opening or slight movements.
Total Daily Sleep Time
Hamsters sleep 12 to 18 hours cumulative daily, with juvenile hamsters able to sleep up to 18 hours.
Elderly hamsters may sleep longer due to slowed metabolism.
II. Characteristics of Sleep Behavior
Circadian Rhythm: Over 80% of their sleep occurs during the day, and they are active at night (especially between 1-3 AM).
Environmental Dependence: Low temperatures or excessive light can prolong each single sleep period.
III. Indications of Abnormalities
If a hamster sleeps continuously for more than 20 hours (e.g., in a state of pseudo-hibernation), check the environmental temperature or its health condition.
Frequent interruptions to their sleep cycle may cause stress or shorten their lifespan.