Bearded dragons displaying the curious behavior of sleeping while standing upright can be alarming for owners. However, this reptile habit is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Bearded dragons sleeping in an upright position is normal behavior. They sleep this way in the wild to watch for predators and regulate body temperature by exposing their underside.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the reasons bearded dragons sleep standing up and when you should be concerned about this reptilian quirk.
Reasons Bearded Dragons Sleep Standing Up
Instinctive Self-Preservation
Bearded dragons have an instinct to perch up high to survey their surroundings and watch for predators in the wild. Even domestic dragons retain this innate behavior and will scramble to the highest point in their enclosure to sleep.
Sleeping elevated gives them a panoramic view if danger approaches while exposing less of their body.
Thermoregulation
Reptiles are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Bearded dragons sleep on their front legs to expose their underside to warmth while protecting vital organs. An elevated basking area allows air to circulate under their belly to prevent overheating.
This posture also maximizes heat absorption in their limbs to kickstart metabolism in the morning.
Growing Pains
Younger dragons under 18 months old endure bone growth spurts that can cause discomfort when lying down. Sleeping upright takes pressure off developing hip joints and vertebrae. Providing ample calcium supplements aids proper skeletal growth to resolve temporary growing pains over time.
Normal vs Abnormal Standing Sleep
Signs of Normal Standing Sleep
Bearded dragons sleeping while standing upright is often completely normal behavior. Here are some signs it may be harmless:
- Eyes closed or half-closed while standing
- Body and legs are relaxed, not rigid
- Dragon is steady on its feet, not wobbling or swaying
- No signs of injury, illness, or stress
- Occurs when basking under heat lamp or at night
Standing sleep allows bearded dragons to react quickly to predators or changes in their environment. In the wild, this survival mechanism helps them avoid threats. It’s an instinctive behavior they exhibit even when safely housed as pets.
Signs of Abnormal Standing Sleep
While upright sleeping is normal, certain behaviors may indicate a health or husbandry issue:
- Eyes wide open while standing motionless
- Body rigid, tense, or shaking
- Unsteady on feet, falling over
- Mouth gaping open
- Occurs frequently during the day
- Lasts for extended periods of time
Abnormal standing sleep may be a sign of stress, neurological issues, respiratory infection, metabolic bone disease, dehydration, or improper lighting/heating. It’s important to observe your bearded dragon closely and consult an exotic vet if concerned.
With proper husbandry, enrichment, and diet, standing sleep is nothing to worry about. But vigilance about your dragon’s health is always wise. When in doubt, reach out to experts for guidance.
Tips for Healthy Bearded Dragon Sleep
Provide Proper Heat
One of the most important factors for healthy bearded dragon sleep is providing proper heat. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, so they need adequate heat to regulate their body temperature and properly digest their food. The ideal temperature range for bearded dragons at night is around 75-80°F.
You can maintain these ambient temperatures using a ceramic heat emitter or nocturnal heat lamp in one section of the enclosure. Just make sure your beardie can move to cooler areas of the tank if it gets too warm.
Supplemental heating is especially important if the room itself gets below 65°F at night.
You’ll also want to provide a basking spot reaching 95-100°F for your bearded dragon to warm up in the mornings. Place the basking light at one end of the tank so there is a cool side and a warm side. Giving your beardie this thermal gradient allows it to thermoregulate properly.
Offer Ideal Sleep Caves
In the wild, bearded dragons sleep in rock crevices, burrows, and other sheltered areas. You can replicate this in your beardie’s habitat by providing a proper sleep cave. Good options include halved coconut shells, hollow reptile logs, upturned boxes with a cut out entryway, and artificial rock caves.
The cave should allow your bearded dragon to get completely out of sight and feel secure while sleeping.
Make sure the cave is an appropriate size for your beardie. It should be just large enough for the dragon to turn around in and lie down. Position the cave on the cool end of the enclosure so your bearded dragon can sleep in its preferred temperature range.
Putting a soft substrate like reptile carpet or paper towels in the cave can also encourage sleeping.
Check For Discomfort
Sometimes bearded dragons sleep awkwardly if they are having health issues or discomfort. Pay attention to your beardie’s normal sleep habits and look for any changes. Sleeping upright could indicate problems like respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, or stress.
Make sure you are meeting all of your bearded dragon’s basic needs. It should have proper heating/lighting, a balanced diet with calcium supplementation, adequate hydration, and regular gentle handling.
Also have an exotic vet examine your beardie if you notice any symptoms of illness or discomfort along with odd sleep postures. Addressing any underlying health problems can help your bearded dragon get back to sleeping well.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons sleeping upright is an innate behavior driven by natural instincts. With proper husbandry, standing sleep is nothing to fret over. However, if abnormalities arise it could signal an underlying health issue requiring veterinary attention.
Overall, an upright sleeping dragon is a dragon at peace with its environment.
