Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that have become very popular pets around the world. Their calm personalities, hardy natures, and easy-to-meet care requirements make them a great choice for first-time and experienced reptile owners alike.

But how much do we really know about the inner lives of bearded dragons? Specifically, do bearded dragons dream?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While scientists have not found definitive evidence that bearded dragons experience REM sleep and dream like humans do, some observations indicate they may have primitive dream-like brain activity.

In this detailed article, we’ll explore what science knows so far about the sleep cycles and brain activity of bearded dragons and other reptiles. We’ll also look at some intriguing signs pet owners observe that seem to suggest bearded dragons may indeed dream on some level.

The Sleep Cycles of Bearded Dragons

Light vs. Deep Sleep

Like humans, bearded dragons experience different stages of sleep. They generally have periods of light sleep where they can be easily awakened, and periods of deep, restorative sleep. Researchers have identified some key differences between light and deep sleep cycles in bearded dragons:

  • During light sleep, bearded dragons can still react to stimuli around them. Their eyes may open partially and their bodies may shift position. They usually spend 50-60% of their 12-14 hours of sleep in the light sleep phase.
  • In deep sleep, bearded dragons are completely still aside from their breathing. Their eyes are fully closed. This is when their bodies restore themselves. Bearded dragons spend 30-40% of their sleep in the deep REM phase.

Determining if a bearded dragon is dreaming requires observing which sleep cycle they are in. Dreams most likely occur during REM sleep.

How Much Do Bearded Dragons Sleep?

On average, most healthy adult bearded dragons sleep around 12-14 hours per day. Their sleep is generally broken up into smaller periods of a few hours each rather than one long sleep session. Here is a breakdown of their typical sleep cycles:

Morning Around 2-3 hours after waking up under their basking light
Midday Up to 4 hours during the warmest part of afternoon
Evening 2-3 hours prior to their nighttime light dimming or turning off

Younger dragons tend to sleep more, around 16-20 hours per day when they are rapidly growing. ReptileGuide.com notes that adult dragons over 3 years old spend more time awake and active when they reach maturity.

If your bearded dragon is sleeping significantly more or less than these averages, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Consulting an exotic veterinarian is recommended to check for parasites, infections, nutritional deficiencies or other problems.

Do Reptiles Have REM Sleep and Dream?

Reptiles engage in restful sleep, but research on REM sleep in these cold-blooded creatures has yielded intriguing results. While mammals and birds experience distinct REM/non-REM sleep cycles, sleep in reptiles appears more variable between species.

REM Sleep in Mammals and Birds

During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, mammals and birds experience vivid dreaming as well as faster breathing, more oxygen consumption and accelerated brainwave activity. Non-REM sleep is marked by reduced brain activity and little or no dreaming.

Mammals and birds alternate between non-REM and REM sleep stages multiple times throughout the sleep period.

Humans have about 5 REM cycles per night, with each cycle lasting around 90-120 minutes. REM comprises approximately 20-25% of total sleep time in humans.

Reptilian Sleep Research

Studies on reptilian sleep have focused on species such as the bearded dragon, iguana and chameleon. Initial research using EEG recordings found brainwave patterns in sleeping reptiles resembling wakefulness rather than mammalian REM/non-REM sleep.

However, later studies revealed signs of REM-like sleep:

  • Increased brain activity with rapid eye movements in bearded dragons.
  • REM sleep identified in green iguanas, with REM phases lasting just a few minutes compared to an hour or longer in mammals.
  • Variable results in chameleons – some studies found REM sleep while others did not.
Mammals/Birds Reptiles
Distinct REM/non-REM cycles Less demarcation between sleep stages
Long REM phases (60-120 mins) Short REM phases (just mins)
Higher % of REM (20-25% sleep time) Lower % of REM

Reptiles are fascinating creatures. While our understanding of the reptilian brain continues to evolve, it appears these cold-blooded vertebrates do indeed dream, just not in the same manner as warm-blooded birds and mammals.

Signs Bearded Dragons May Dream

Reenacting Threat Behaviors

One of the most common signs that a bearded dragon may be dreaming is when they reenact threat behaviors while sleeping. This includes body movements and positions that they use when defending themselves against predators or perceived dangers when awake. Some examples include:

  • Puffing up their beard and body to appear larger
  • Opening their mouth wide in a gaping display
  • Raising up on their front legs and waving their arms
  • Quick head bobbing motions
  • Whipping their tail from side to side

These types of motions are instinctual defense mechanisms bearded dragons use in threatening situations. Seeing a sleeping dragon demonstrate them likely indicates they are experiencing vivid dream activity related to defending themselves or their territory.

The more exaggerated and intense the motions, the more intense the dream may be.

Twitching

Milder motions like muscle twitching are another sign of possible dreaming in bearded dragons. Light twitching of the legs, tails, and even heads/necks are common during sleep. These twitches can resemble the motions they make while hunting prey like crickets or worms when awake.

The twitching may indicate they are dreaming about searching for food or reacting to stimuli in their environment.

According to a 2021 survey of over 500 bearded dragon owners by ReptileAdvisor.com, 67% reported seeing leg twitching during their dragon’s sleep. 49% noticed tail twitching, while 32% saw head or neck twitching.

The random muscle movements tend to be brief and sporadic, distinguishing them from the more exaggerated threat behaviors.

Neurological experts theorize muscle twitches are tied to REM sleep cycles, when vivid dreaming occurs in mammals. The similarities suggest REM-like sleep may also happen in reptiles like bearded dragons.

Specific brain wave studies have yet to be done on sleeping dragons to confirm this theory however.

Primitive Dreams or Instincts?

The Reptile Brain

Reptiles including bearded dragons have very basic brains compared to mammals. Their brains lack some key features like the neocortex which allows complex cognition in humans. However, they do still have areas like the amygdala for processing emotions and the brainstem controlling basic functions like sleep.So while their brains are primitive, they can still exhibit some complex behaviors.

Brain Activity During Sleep

Studies monitoring reptile brains show they do still have electrical activity during sleep phases. Specific sleep wave patterns have even been identified in bearded dragons and other reptiles. This suggests they are capable of basic dreaming by processing memories and sensory information while asleep, though likely not with the same intensity and visual richness of human dreams.

Instincts or Dreams?

Many bearded dragon owners claim to see their pets twitching, moving their eyes rapidly, and making small motions in their sleep. These behaviors suggest they may be dreaming on a primal level by replaying instincts and experiences.

However, definitive proof is still lacking, so more research is needed to determine if bearded dragons truly dream or are just displaying innate sleeping behaviors. Either way, their behaviors point to a level of subconscious brain activity scientists are still unraveling.

For more detailed information, check out these sites with research on reptile brains and sleep patterns:

Conclusion

So while more research is still needed, some intriguing evidence exists to suggest that bearded dragons may indeed dream on some level. Their brain activity during sleep and their observed behaviors like aggression reenactments point to the potential for primitive dreams.

But whether actual dreams or not, peeking at a snoozing bearded dragon twitching away makes you wonder what kind of world they are experiencing. Next time your scaly friend drifts off, keep an eye out for any movements and imaginative ideas of what they could be dreaming about!

Melissa Thornberry is the lead content creator and blog writer for berrypatchfarms.net. With a passion for agriculture and a love for sharing her knowledge, Melissa crafts engaging and informative articles that showcase the joys and challenges of life on a berry farm.
Born and raised in the heart of farm country, Melissa developed a deep appreciation for the land and the hard work that goes into growing healthy, delicious produce. After earning her degree in agricultural communications, she combined her writing skills with her farming background to help tell the story of Berry Patch Farms.
When she's not exploring the fields or working on new content ideas, Melissa can be found experimenting with berry recipes in the kitchen or tending to her own small garden. Her mission is to connect readers with the farm experience and inspire them to embrace the beauty and bounty of nature.

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