Rabbits can be very active and full of energy.
It can be a problem when it comes to sleeping.
For example… you’ll sometimes hear them running or thumping on the ground.
Other times, they’ll dig or chew as loud as they can.
The best way to sleep on time with your bun is to learn what makes them sleep at night.
Here you will find out:
- When to see a vet and why you should.
- 23 ways to make your rabbit sleep at night.
- What to do if your rabbit keeps staying up late.
- How to know if your rabbit wants attention or not.
- And many many more…
How do I make my rabbit sleep at night?
You can make your rabbit sleep at night by keeping them active in the morning. You should also give them a consistent schedule. Don’t forget to turn the lights off. Make them feel safe and comfortable. You can also try playing some music to soothe them.
23 ways to make your rabbit sleep at night
#1: Keep them active during the daytime
As crepuscular animals, meaning they are active at dusk or dawn…
It’s natural for bunnies to be up early in the morning or late at night.
But if they don’t move around enough in the daytime, they will make up for it in the evening.
This is why you should tire them out by keeping them active.
You don’t have to do a lot. You only have to interact with them as much as you can.
Let them out of their enclosure and watch what they do. They will play, run around, dig, or explore. Whatever they do, they must remain active. It also serves as part of their exercise.
Just like humans, most of us work during the day and feel tired at night.
The same can work for rabbits.
Reading tip: 29 Best Ways To Bond With Your Rabbits (Backed By Science)
#2: Get them a companion
If your rabbit is alone, you can consider getting them a companion. For their best interest, having a friend will make them very happy.
Rabbits are social animals, it’s common for them to live together, as stated by research.
Loneliness can make them misbehave.
Too much of it can even lead to depression.
No matter what, it’s not healthy for a bunny.
If you bring home another rabbit…
It can help solve a lot of their problematic behavior. They’ll be too busy with each other to even make a noise at night.
They can also cuddle and sleep better once their bonds are deep enough.
It won’t work right away, but you only need patience.
In case you’re worried they both will stay up late, then there are more ways to fix it.
Keep reading for more.
#3: Know if they’re being noisy for attention
Rabbits can be smart. They’re as smart as a 2-year old kid.
This means that they can learn to do things to get what they want. Here’s a quick example of how they do. Let’s say your bunny thumps their feet on the ground which wakes you up.
You get up and see what’s going on.
Realizing that nothing’s wrong, you give them a little head pat which makes them feel good.
A smart bunny will learn that thumping can get them some attention. Thus, they will keep doing it at night if they feel bored or they want to see you.
If this is the case, you need to ignore it whenever your bunny does it.
While it can be hard to not pay attention to your cute pet, it’s one way to fix their habit.
You can wear headphones and listen to music to ignore them. If you can’t fall asleep, you can use earbuds.
This way, they will get tired of trying and choose to go back to sleep.
Don’t worry, you can make it up to them in the morning. This is why tip #1 is crucial.
#4: Give them access to unlimited hay
Rabbits have teeth that never stop growing. This is why they always need to chew on things.
If you give them enough hay, it can keep them satisfied for the evening.
After chewing as much as they want or need, they’ll go to sleep. It can also help prevent dental problems in your bunny.
Overgrown teeth can be bad for your bunny’s health, as claimed by a study.
Hay is also their main source of fiber which makes up their entire diet. By feeding them with the right diet, you can keep your bunny healthy while making sure they can sleep at night.
Cause if they are sick… it can make it hard for them to go to bed.
But if you can’t give them an unlimited amount of hay, you can give them enough that should last for the whole night.
Learn more: 23 Tips To Stop A Rabbit From Chewing Everything (How-To)
#5: Make sure they have enough water
Some rabbits can find it hard to sleep without drinking enough water.
After all, it does feel uncomfortable when your throat feels dry.
You need a bit of water to cool down and stay hydrated.
So to help your rabbit sleep, make sure they have access to their drink.
Use a bowl that’s big enough to hold at least 1.69oz to 5.07oz (50 to 150ml) of water.
That’s the average amount they need to drink per day.
But during the hot season or if your rabbit is a large breed, they may need more than that.
Bunnies can also be clumsy and spill their water by accident.
This can leave them without anything to drink until you give them some.
Make it a habit to check their water bowl at least 3 times a day.
One in the morning, the afternoon, and in the evening. This will help you see if they need more water or not.
#6: Follow a consistent schedule
Rabbits are creatures of habit. They can adapt to a pattern with ease.
As long as you give them a consistent pattern to follow, they can behave very well.
This includes managing their sleep.
Make sure you start their day by following tip #1. Keep them active. Feed them at a fixed time. Take them out to play at a set time too. Decide a fair time limit.
As long as they are getting used to it, your rabbit will remember their schedule.
This is crucial for recently adopted bunnies. But of course, even old rabbits can still get used to this technique.
Once you finish your daily routine, your rabbit will think, “Oh, we’re done for today. You’re going to sleep? Okay, I’ll sleep now too.”
#7: Keep their room fresh and clean
Cleanliness is crucial for rabbits. After all, their nose is very sensitive.
They have 100 million scent cells that they rely on most of the time, according to research.
So if they can smell things in the house or their room even at night…
It can be a challenge for them to fall asleep.
Rabbits are also curious animals. As long as their nose gets stimulated by a scent, they will be active.
You can get rid of unwanted odors by keeping the room fresh and clean.
It’s ideal to clean their enclosure at least twice a day. Do it once in the morning and one more in the evening.
This will also prevent the risk of illnesses for your rabbits since they can be sensitive to dust or dirt.
You may also wonder: Why do rabbits dig in their cage?
#8: Give them a soft, comfortable bed
You might think rabbits won’t need a soft bed when their fur is already soft enough for them.
While it’s true that their fur helps keep them comfortable…
Your bunny would still like to sleep on soft beddings. It’s better to let them sleep on something almost as soft as them.
This can make them feel as if they are sleeping next to another rabbit.
Most rabbits tend to sleep while cuddling with each other. But if you can’t get them a friend as stated in tip #2, this is a good alternative.
You can buy a soft cushion for pets online or choose the best bedding for them.
Here are 5 great bedding ideas:
- Paper pellets.
- Pelleted straws.
- Fleece bedding.
- Hemp bedding.
- Aspen bedding.
Any of these can make your bunny sleep in peace at night.
Continue reading: 11 Surprising Reasons Why Rabbits Move Their Bedding
#9: Avoid causing anxiety
As prey animals, rabbits can get anxious a lot. Even the slightest noise can make them afraid.
If this happens, they can have a hard time going to sleep.
What you can do to help them is to know what can scare them.
So, here’s a list of things that can cause anxiety in rabbits:
- Loud noises.
- Strange scents.
- Other animals.
- Overcrowding.
- Sudden movements.
With their great senses, rabbits can be sensitive.
If you own other pets, it might be better to keep them separate at night.
Some rabbits can’t sleep well if there are predator animals nearby.
If they are not bonded together, your rabbit will feel anxious.
To know if this is the case, here are 7 signs to watch out for:
- Stiff body.
- Erect, pointed ears.
- Freezing out of fear.
- Abnormal breathing.
- Making weird noises.
- Rapid nose twitching.
- Thumping their legs on the floor.
If your rabbit continues to show signs of stress and anxiety, consider visiting the vet.
Check out this article: 21 Proven Ways To Instantly Calm Down A Scared Bunny
#10: Give them enough attention
Some rabbits can be attention-hoggers. This can happen if they feel very attached to you.
They can be clingy once you bond deep enough with them.
Because of this, your rabbit might stay up all night in hopes you will spend time with them.
They will make a lot of noise to get your attention.
To prevent this and to keep them satisfied, make sure you give them enough time.
Rabbits can feel upset if you ignore them too much. So as much as possible, notice them at all times.
Even if you’re busy doing something, it won’t hurt to give them a little head scratch.
That’s one way to show them that you notice their presence. You are accepting their affection.
This way, your rabbit can feel pleased.
#11: Play with them a few minutes before bedtime
Some rabbits would like to play for a bit right before sleeping.
This is common in young bunnies, but some adults can do the same. It’s like how you would read a child a bedtime story to make them sleep in a good mood.
So, it will help put them to sleep if you give your rabbit what they want.
A few minutes won’t be that long.
Most rabbits get bored or tired right away too. If you’re not sure if your bunny wants to play with you, there are hints they can give.
Here are signs of a playful bunny:
- Doing the binky.
- Biting you gently.
- Interacting with their toys.
- Nudging you and your hand.
- Jumping or climbing on you.
Bunnies will do one or more of these to “invite” you to play with them.
#12: Use quiet toys
If your rabbit owns toys that make a lot of noise, this can prolong their sleepiness.
To make sure the night is quiet and peaceful…
Put away those toys that can be loud. For example, toys that squeak when you squish them or balls that have a bell attached to them.
These toys are common and can make your bunny entertained, but they can be troublesome at night.
Instead, you should give them toys that make little to no sound at all.
An example would be a chew toy. These toys can be good for your bunny’s teeth.
At the same time, it’s quiet enough to make them want to sleep.
#13: Try playing soothing music
In some cases, music can help put your rabbit to sleep.
Not all rabbits will respond to it, but it can work for some. Besides, you won’t lose anything by giving it a shot.
There are “rabbit-themed” songs you can find online such as youtube.
You can leave the music playing in the background at night. It can also help with anxious rabbits.
It can be calming even for people to listen to.
For a better idea, here’s an example that you can play:
These bunny music are often nature and forest-themed ambiance music.
It makes you and your rabbit feel as if you are in the wild, relaxing together.
#14: Put the lights out
Rabbits are sensitive to light. As long as it’s bright, it can be hard for them to sleep.
As mentioned, they are crepuscular animals. Being active at dusk or dawn, their eyes are more accustomed to dim lights.
Not too dark, but not too bright either. It’s ideal for them.
So one way to help them sleep is to make sure all the lights are off.
Based on a study, rabbits sleep for about 47.5% or 11.4 hours per day.
Though, rabbits don’t sleep straight just like we do. Instead, they wake up in intervals a few times a day.
But as long as you keep the lights out, they won’t stay up too long.
This will convince your rabbit that it is still nighttime and they need to go to sleep more.
#15: Cover their enclosure with a blanket
Some rabbits prefer to hide when they sleep. They feel safer this way.
So if you are keeping them in a cage, one way to help them sleep better is to cover it up with a blanket.
This can make them feel shielded.
It’s crucial to consider this in case you own other pets like cats or dogs.
These animals are predator types and can make a rabbit feel uneasy, especially if they are stuck in a cage.
There are times when the other animal can be awake at night and this will terrorize a rabbit.
Even if they get along well enough…
Keep in mind that rabbits are prey animals. No matter how harmless the other pets are, your rabbit needs security.
If you cover up their cage, make sure to leave enough space.
Don’t cover it all the way that it might block the airway. Otherwise, it can be bad for your rabbit’s health.
#16: Give them other hiding spots
If your rabbit has the freedom to roam at night, it can help to give them other hiding spots.
In the wild, rabbits live and sleep underground. Their burrows are where they hide from predators.
They feel safer that way.
But as pets, they can’t dig and live in tunnels like they do in nature. So, what you can do is offer alternatives.
You can buy some rabbit tunnels that they can use.
If they want to use it as a sleeping spot, add some soft bedding to make it comfortable for them.
If your rabbit can see that there are many spots for them to hide in…
They can feel at ease. The next thing you know, they’ll be sleeping in peace in one of those spots.
If you don’t want to buy a tunnel, you can use simple cardboard boxes as an alternative.
Worried if they might eat cardboard boxes?
Read more about it here: Can Rabbits Eat Cardboard? 3 Dangers, 5 Reasons & 3 Tips
#17: Make sure they have enough space
A small living space can make it hard for them to sleep. It’s not good for their entire welfare.
Tight spaces can stress them out and even lead to depression. As curious animals, they always want to move and roam around.
It’s in their nature to be quite an adventurous detective.
Without enough space, your rabbit won’t feel comfortable.
At best, you can let them free-roam a room. Don’t keep them in a cage all day.
For their and your belongings’ safety (since they might chew on them)…
You can choose to bunny-proof your home.
With more room to explore, your bunny will be happy. Once they’ve “inspected” your house, they will sleep better at night.
They’ll be thinking, “Coast clear. No enemies found. Let’s sleep!”
#18: Close the window curtains
Sometimes, turning the light off isn’t enough. As long as natural light can reach the room your bunny is in, they’ll be awake.
A common source of this is leaving the windows open.
If the curtains are not covering it, there will be dim lights in the room.
This can keep your bunny up all night. After all, they can see better under dimmed lights.
Make sure to cover your window curtains in the evening.
#19: Place a mat on the floor to avoid noisy steps
Remember, rabbits are sensitive to sound. The smallest noise can wake them up.
So if your floor makes a creaking sound or any type of noise, placing a mat can help you out.
You can also use other options such as carpets or rugs.
If your bunny is hopping around at night, the lack of sound can also make them realize how quiet it is.
The silence can help convince them that it is time to sleep.
After all, too much silence is common at night, the time where many predators are out to hunt.
Once your rabbit notices this…
They’ll go to sleep and wait until morning to be active again.
#20: Regulate the room temperature
The room temperature is also crucial in your bunny’s comfort.
Too much heat can lead to heatstroke… and too much cold can lead to hypothermia. For their health, it’s best to keep them at their ideal room temperature.
Most rabbits prefer a room temperature of 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C).
As long as you keep it at this level, they can sleep well at night.
Think your rabbit might be sick? You might want to check out:
Read next: 21 Effective Tips To Treat A Sick Rabbit At Home (How-To)
#21: Provide proper air ventilation
The ventilation should also be important. If the air is unclean, sleeping can be troublesome.
Your rabbit can even get sick from polluted air.
For example, poor airflow can lead to snuffles. It is a condition that makes it hard for them to breathe.
Your rabbit will sneeze and have a runny nose. At the same time, they can get weak.
For their safety, make sure the air is always clean.
Learn more about sniffles: 21 Rabbit Snuffle Symptoms + 7 Tips
#22: Consider spaying or neutering
In some cases, behavior problems start with a rabbit’s imbalanced hormones.
This means that when they become an adult, they can have a lot of issues.
Most rabbits reach this stage as early as 3 months old.
If you have no plans of breeding them…
It might be best if you spay or neuter your rabbit. If their hormones are normal, they can be calm at night. They won’t be in heat or misbehave at all.
It’s also a way to avoid the risk of cancer.
#23: Visit a vet to check their health
If a rabbit is unwell, sleeping can be a problem for them. In case you suspect that your rabbit is sick, take them to the vet ASAP.
Most rabbits will hide their illness as part of their instinct.
But with their fragile body, it’s important to treat any problem immediately.
To know if your rabbit is sick, here are 7 common signs:
- Lethargy.
- Appetite loss.
- Limp or stiff body.
- Change in behavior.
- Runny eyes and nose.
- Changes in their poop.
- Making weird noises and movements.
If you notice one or more of these, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet.
Once your bunny is healthy, they can sleep comfortably at night.
People also ask:
How to keep a rabbit quiet at night?
To keep a rabbit quiet at night, make sure they feel safe and comfortable. If a rabbit is nervous, they tend to thump their feet on the ground. Avoid buying them noisy toys.
You should also learn if they’re being noisy for attention or not.
Some rabbits will be loud for the sake of getting noticed.
Consider leaving them enough food to chew on to keep them quiet and busy at night. It’s also enough to entertain them.
If your rabbit is digging at night, you can make a digging box for them.
It can make less noise if they are digging on actual soil or sand compared to digging on the floor alone.