You should not leave any lights on at night for your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons require complete darkness at night, and there are numerous advantages to providing this environment. Not only does darkness promote better sleep, but it also helps the reptile’s metabolism and stress levels to remain healthy.
When bearded dragons are exposed to light at night, their normal circadian rhythm is disrupted, which can cause stress and a variety of health issues.
Consider placing the cage in a dark area of your home, using curtains or blinds to block out any light sources, and using a light-tight cover for the cage to create a suitable dark environment for your pet bearded dragon.
If your bearded dragon is used to being around lights at night, you may need to gradually introduce it to a dark environment. During this time, keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and make any necessary adjustments.
What You'll Learn
The Benefits of Darkness for Bearded Dragons
Better Sleep
A dark environment is essential for bearded dragons in order to get enough sleep. Bearded dragons can become irritable and lethargic if they do not get enough rest, making it difficult for them to interact with their owners.
Healthier Metabolism
Darkness aids in the regulation of a bearded dragons metabolism. The UVB radiation from the sun allows them to metabolize vitamin D3 and calcium. A dark environment aids in this process by allowing them to rest and recover properly. Bearded dragons must have complete darkness at night, just as they would in their natural habitat. Without it, their vitamin D3 and calcium metabolism can suffer, resulting in a weakened immune system and other health issues.
Improved Stress Levels
These reptiles can become stressed and anxious if they do not have a regular day and night cycle, which can lead to health problems and behavioral issues. You can help your bearded dragon relax and reduce stress by providing it with a dark environment at night. This is especially important for younger bearded dragons who are still adjusting to their new surroundings.
The Risks of Leaving Lights on at Night
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- Leaving the lights on will disrupt their circadian rhythm and disrupt their sleep patterns, which can be harmful to the lizard’s overall health.
- Leaving the lights on all night can lead to increased stress and, in the long run, health problems.
- Create a dark environment for your bearded dragon and turn off the lights while they sleep to keep them healthy and happy.
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Impacts on Circadian Rhythm
Bearded dragons are light sensitive and are subject to the same effects on circadian rhythms as other species. This sensitivity is caused by cryptochromes, which are photoreceptors found in plants and animals. Blue light was discovered to have the greatest impact on circadian rhythms. As a result, leaving lights on at night can disrupt your bearded dragon’s natural sleep cycle, causing stress and a variety of health issues associated with disrupted sleep patterns.
Increased Stress Levels
Bearded dragons that are exposed to lights at night may experience increased stress, which can be harmful to their health. Stress will not only cause a loss of appetite, but it may also result in an inability to properly thermoregulate.
Health Problems Associated With Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Leaving the lights on at night can cause a variety of health issues in bearded dragons. Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are examples of long-term health issues. It can also cause behavioral changes like aggression, increased appetite, and decreased activity levels.
How to Create a Dark Environment for Your Bearded Dragon
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- Consider placing the cage in a corner of the room or against a wall to ensure your beardie has access to a dark spot.
- Blackout curtains or blinds can be used to create a darker environment without blocking out natural sunlight during the day.
- It is also beneficial to use a light-tight cover on the cage to ensure darkness at night.
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Positioning the Cage
The position of the cage is imortant in providing a dark environment for your bearded dragon. To ensure that your pet dragon gets enough darkness, keep the tank away from windows, lamps, and other sources of light.
Using Curtains or Blinds
One of the simplest ways to provide a dark environment for your Bearded Dragon is to use curtains or blinds. To ensure that your beardie receives adequate darkness, choose curtains or blinds that are thick enough to block out any light that enters the cage. You should also make sure that all windows are completely covered and that there are no gaps where light can enter.
Using a Light-Tight Cover
A light-tight cover is an excellent way to provide your bearded dragon with a dark environment in which to sleep. Light-tight covers are available in a variety of sizes and materials at most pet stores and online. Select one that fits snugly on the cage and is simple to open and close when necessary.
What to Do if Your Bearded Dragon Is Used to Lights at Night
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- If your bearded dragon is used to having lights on at night, transitioning them to a dark environment can be a challenging task.
- The best method is to gradually reduce the amount of light exposure they receive during the night.
- Begin by lowering the brightness of the lights and leaving them on for shorter periods of time.
- Keep an eye on your bearded dragon’s behavior to ensure that he or she is adapting well and getting enough rest.
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Gradual Transition to a Dark Environment
If your dragon isn’t used to complete darkness, introduce them to a dark environment gradually. It is not good for the dragon to be exposed to sudden darkness if they haven’t experienced it before. Start by turning off the lights an hour before normal bedtime to gradually transition your bearded dragon to a dark environment. Do this for a few days, then gradually increase the time by fifteen minutes per day until your bearded dragon is able to sleep in complete darkness.
Monitoring Your Bearded Dragon’s Behavior
Monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior after you have created a dark environment for them. Check to see if they sleep at night and are active during the day. If they appear sluggish or aren’t getting enough rest, it could be because the light is interfering with their sleep patterns.
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- Bearded dragons need complete darkness at night to stay healthy, get enough sleep, and stay stress-free.
- Light exposure at night disrupts their circadian rhythm, causing health problems and stress.
- Position the cage in a dark area of your home, use curtains or blinds to block out light sources, and consider using a light-tight cover for the cage to create a suitable dark environment for your pet.
- Leaving lights on at night can result in aggressive behavior, decreased activity levels, and long-term health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- If your bearded dragon is used to seeing lights at night, gradually transition it to a dark environment by reducing light exposure and monitoring their behavior.
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Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
