Puppy Sleep Schedule by Age: How Much Sleep Do Puppies Need?

Your puppy sleeps all day. You're wondering: Is this normal? Is something wrong?

Relax—it's completely normal. Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day. That's not laziness; that's how they grow. Sleep is when the brain develops, muscles form, and the immune system strengthens.

Here's exactly what to expect at each age, and how to create the best sleep environment for your growing pup.

Why Puppies Need So Much Sleep

The Science of Puppy Sleep

Just like human babies, puppies experience critical brain development during sleep. During deep sleep phases:

• Brain connections form: Neural pathways are built and strengthened
• Growth hormone releases: Most of their physical growth happens during sleep
• Memory consolidation occurs: That training session? They're processing it while snoozing
• Immune system strengthens: Sleep is when the body fights infections and builds immunity

A sleep-deprived puppy isn't just cranky—they're literally not developing properly. This is why enforcing nap time is one of the most important things you can do.

Sleep Schedule by Age

8-10 Weeks Old

Total sleep needed: 18-20 hours per day

Typical pattern:

• Awake for 30-45 minutes
• Sleep for 2-3 hours
• Repeat throughout the day

Night sleep:

• Can sleep 4-5 hours before needing a potty break
• Expect 1-2 wake-ups per night for bathroom trips
• By 10 weeks, some puppies sleep 5-6 hours straight

What to expect: Your puppy will crash hard after short play sessions. They have the attention span of a goldfish and the energy of a hummingbird—for about 30 minutes. Then they'll sleep like they've been drugged.

10-12 Weeks Old

Total sleep needed: 18-19 hours per day

Typical pattern:

• Awake for 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Sleep for 2 hours
• Slightly longer wake windows

Night sleep:

• Most puppies can sleep 6-7 hours through the night
• May need one bathroom break around 4-5 AM
• Bladder control is improving but not perfect

What to expect: Your puppy is more engaged with the world and may resist naps. This is when you need to enforce rest—they don't know they're tired.

3-4 Months Old

Total sleep needed: 16-18 hours per day

Typical pattern:

• Awake for 1-2 hours
• Sleep for 1.5-2 hours
• Starting to consolidate sleep into fewer, longer naps

Night sleep:

• Should sleep 7-8 hours without needing a bathroom break
• May wake early (5-6 AM) and be ready to go
• Nighttime potty accidents should be rare

What to expect: Energy levels start to increase. Your puppy may fight naptime like a toddler. Crate training helps enforce needed rest.

4-6 Months Old

Total sleep needed: 14-16 hours per day

Typical pattern:

• Awake for 2-3 hours
• 2-3 solid nap periods during the day
• More structured schedule possible

Night sleep:

• 8-9 hours straight is normal
• Should be fully potty trained overnight
• May try to stay up later than they should

What to expect: Adolescence is beginning. Your puppy has more stamina but still needs forced downtime.

6-12 Months Old

Total sleep needed: 14-16 hours per day (same as adult dogs)

Typical pattern:

• Awake periods of 3-4 hours
• Usually one long nap and one or two shorter ones
• Schedule more similar to adult dogs

Night sleep:

• Full night's sleep (8-10 hours)
• May adjust to your household schedule
• Sleeping through is expected

What to expect: Still technically a puppy but with more adult-like sleep patterns. Teething may temporarily disrupt sleep.

The Overtired Puppy: Recognizing the Signs

Just like human children, puppies get worse when overtired—not calmer. An exhausted puppy shows:

Unmistakable Signs

• "The Zoomies" that won't stop: Frantic running, seemingly possessed
• Increased biting and mouthing: Everything becomes a target
• Crying or whining for no reason: They don't know what they want
• Lack of focus: Can't even respond to their name
• "Demon mode": Attacking furniture, ankles, anything moving

Less Obvious Signs

• Glassy, unfocused eyes
• Yawning repeatedly
• Sitting and staring into space
• Not interested in treats (usually food-motivated)
• Lying down then immediately getting up

The solution: Put them to bed. Not "let them wind down." Not "wait until they're calmer." Pick them up, put them in their crate or pen, walk away. They'll protest for 5-10 minutes, then pass out.

Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment

Crate Training for Sleep

Crates aren't punishment—they're puppy bedrooms. Benefits include:

• Security: Den-like space feels safe
• Sleep enforcement: Prevents them from getting into trouble when they're tired
• House training: Puppies don't like to soil their sleeping space
• Portability: Take their "bedroom" anywhere

Crate setup for sleep:

• Right size: Big enough to stand, turn around, and lie down
• Comfortable bedding (that you don't mind being chewed)
• Covered on three sides to create den feeling
• Near family area but not in high-traffic zone

Sleep Location Options

Option 1: Crate in your bedroom

• Puppy feels close to you
• You can hear them if they need a bathroom break
• Reduces nighttime anxiety

Option 2: Crate in living area

• More separation from the start
• May lead to more nighttime crying initially
• Helps if you're a light sleeper

Option 3: Playpen or puppy-proofed area

• Good for puppies who hate crates
• More space but less den-like
• Make sure it's truly puppy-proofed

The Pre-Sleep Routine

Puppies thrive on routine. Before each sleep:

1. Potty break: Always relieve themselves before crate time
2. Brief calm activity: Gentle petting, not exciting play
3. Settle cue: Use the same word ("bedtime," "crate," "night-night")
4. White noise: A fan or sound machine can help
5. Darkness: Cover the crate or dim the room

Enforced Naps: The Secret Weapon

Most new puppy owners let their puppy dictate sleep. This is a mistake.

The 1-2 Rule

• 1 hour awake
• 2 hours of enforced sleep
• Repeat throughout the day

Don't wait for your puppy to seem tired. After an hour of being awake, put them in their crate for a nap.

Making Enforced Naps Work

1. Same spot every time: Consistency matters
2. Minimal fuss: No long goodbyes
3. Ignore protests: They'll settle within 5-10 minutes
4. Don't rescue them: Crying is normal; respond only to genuine distress
5. Wake them if needed: After 2-3 hours, get them up for a potty break

Common Sleep Problems

Won't Settle at Night

• Did they potty right before bed?
• Is the crate comfortable?
• Are they warm/cool enough?
• Did they get enough exercise during the day?
• Try covering the crate more fully

Wakes Up Too Early

• Don't respond to crying unless it's potty time
• Make sure the room is dark
• White noise can mask morning sounds
• Don't feed immediately upon waking (this trains them to wake earlier)

Fights Naptime

• They're probably overtired—catch them earlier next time
• Make the crate a positive place with treats and kongs
• Cover the crate so they can't see distractions
• Stay consistent; they'll learn the routine

Sleeps More Than Usual

• Could be: growth spurt (normal)
• Could be: not feeling well (monitor)
• Could be: boredom (add more enrichment when awake)
• If concerned: contact your vet

Sample Daily Schedule

For an 8-Week-Old Puppy

Adjust based on your puppy's individual needs and your schedule.

The Bottom Line

Puppies need an enormous amount of sleep, and they don't self-regulate well.

Key takeaways:

• 18-20 hours of sleep is normal for young puppies
• Enforce naps—don't wait for them to seem tired
• An overtired puppy is a demon puppy
• Routine and consistency help everyone
• It gets easier as they mature

Your job isn't to entertain them constantly. Your job is to help them get the rest they need to grow into healthy, well-adjusted dogs.

Related: Crate Training 101 Related: How to Calm a Hyper Puppy Before Bed