If your dog won't settle at night, start with the basics: daily exercise, a consistent bedtime, and a quiet, comfortable place to sleep. From there, natural sleep aids like melatonin, L-theanine, valerian root, and chamomile can support relaxation. For dogs whose restlessness carries into the night, full spectrum CBD oil paired with CBN is one of the most targeted options, since CBN is the cannabinoid most associated with sleep. Earth Buddy's Sleep Support Hemp Extract uses a 4:1 CBN:CBD ratio to support natural sleep rhythms without next-day grogginess. Always start low, go slow, and check with your vet if your dog's sleep changes suddenly.
Sleep is a vital component of a dog's health. It's not just about getting enough rest; your pet needs to have quality sleep as well. If you notice your furry friend having trouble dozing off, it could be a sign of underlying health issues or an indication that they aren't comfortable in their surroundings. Fortunately, there are natural supplements to help dogs sleep without resorting to pharmaceuticals.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to help a dog sleep through the night and some sleep aids you can use at home, including essential oils and herbs, that can improve your dog’s quality of sleep and potentially help with falling asleep.
We'll also share some information on how much sleep dogs need, canine sleep disorders, and how to encourage good sleeping habits.
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
There's no magic number when it comes to how much sleep your dog needs each night because every dog is different. Some dogs need more sleep than others, while some dogs require less rest than others during the day as well as at night.
| Life stage | Sleep per day |
| Puppies (under 1 year) | 16–20 hours |
| Adult dogs (1–7 years) | 12–14 hours |
| Senior dogs (7+ years) | 16–18 hours |
Signs Your Dog Is Ready for Bed
If you notice that your healthy dogs look tired but isn't tired enough to fall asleep, here are some signs that can help you determine when it's time for bed:
- Loss of interest in playtime: When dogs are tired, they typically show it by losing interest in their toys and other activities. If your pooch suddenly seems disinterested in playing or chasing their favorite toy, they may be ready for a nap.
- Excessive yawning: Dogs yawn for all sorts of reasons, but excessive yawning is usually a sign that they're tired or bored - which means they could use some rest! The more often your dog yawns without any obvious reason (such as being exposed to extreme temperatures), the more likely it is that he needs sleep.
- Dilated pupils: Another surefire indicator that your pup needs to get some shut-eye? Dilated pupils (the result of dilation of the iris).
How Much Sleep Do Puppies and Senior Dogs Need?
Age changes how much rest a dog needs. Puppies sleep 16 to 20 hours a day because their bodies and brains are growing fast, and most of that development happens during sleep. Adult dogs settle into roughly 12 to 14 hours, counting daytime naps.
Senior dogs swing back up to 16 to 18 hours, partly because aging takes more recovery and partly because their nighttime sleep is often lighter and more broken. If a puppy or senior dog seems to sleep plenty but still acts restless or groggy, the issue is usually sleep quality, not quantity, and that is where routine, comfort, and targeted support come in.
Why Won't My Dog Sleep at Night? Canine Sleep Patterns
Canine insomnia is a common problem in dogs. It is a condition where the dog cannot sleep well and is restless at night. This can be caused by many factors. Some of these include:
- Discomfort
- Boredom and stress
- Separation stress
- Lack of exercise
- Sudden changes in routine
Dogs that are struggling with insomnia often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They might even wake up earlier than usual and be unable to get back to sleep. If your dog has these symptoms, they may have canine insomnia.
It's important to note that not all animals with sleep issues have the same problems. While some dogs may struggle with falling asleep, others might have trouble staying asleep or waking up much earlier than usual. In some cases, restless or anxious dogs may pace around or whine, but they won't settle down enough to fall asleep again. They may also show other unusual behaviors that are atypical when they’re overly tired.
Why Is My Senior Dog Restless and Pacing at Night?
Older dogs often sleep more during the day and less at night. Cognitive changes, joint discomfort, and more frequent bathroom needs can all interrupt their rest, and discomfort tends to feel worse at night when there are no distractions.
A steady daily routine, an easy-to-reach bed, and targeted support like CBN with CBD can help an aging dog settle. Because a sudden change in sleep can also signal an underlying health issue, it's worth a vet visit if your senior dog's nights change quickly.
9 Natural Supplements to Help Dogs Sleep
Is your dog restless at night? Do they wake you up continuously moving around and looking for something to do? Are you tired of listening to the pitter-patter of little paws on the floor?
If you’re experiencing a restless dog at night, what can you give a dog to help them sleep? If your dog has trouble sleeping, there are a number of natural supplements that can help them get some shut-eye. These supplements promote relaxation and help maintain normal sleeping habits.
Melatonin for Dogs
The amount of melatonin that's released into your dog's body depends on how much light they see during the day and how dark it gets at night. This is why some dogs seem to need more sleep than others. Some dogs don't get enough darkness at night or bright light during the day to stimulate their pineal glands into making enough of the natural hormone, melatonin. If your dog has trouble sleeping at night, you may want to offer melatonin supplements to help them get a good night's rest.
In addition to helping with sleep disorders, melatonin may prove beneficial for dogs who have trouble adjusting to changes in their environment. For example, dogs may experience stress when something in their environment changes, like their daily routine.
Melatonin can help ease this issue by resetting the body's internal clock as well as maintaining contentment during separation, travel, motion sickness, and tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine so they can rest better at night.
L-Theanine for Dogs
L-Theanine for dogs is often used for stress, but it also has many other potential benefits. It can help animals maintain a normal and relaxed disposition, help support cognitive function, help animals cope with external stresses, and even help support normal behavior patterns.
When you give your dog L-theanine, it crosses into their bloodstream and travels to the brain. There, it attaches itself to receptors on nerve cells called GABA receptors. These receptors are responsible for relaxing your dog's body, including their muscles and brain, promoting calming effects.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs
If you have a sleep-deprived puppy or older dogs who have trouble getting restful sleep, full-spectrum CBD oil for sleep in dogs could be helpful. The CBD oil found in cannabis has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits, including easing hyperactivity and promoting relaxation.
CBN for Dogs (Sleep Support)
CBN (cannabinol) is the cannabinoid most associated with sleep and deeper relaxation. It supports the body's natural sleep rhythm rather than acting as a sedative, so your dog rests at night without feeling groggy the next day. Earth Buddy's Sleep Support Hemp Extract combines CBN and CBD in a 4:1 ratio for exactly this reason. It's a first choice for nighttime restlessness, travel, and senior dogs whose sleep cycles have shifted.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is another natural supplement that can be used to help dogs sleep. It's often sold in both powder and capsule form, so you can find what works best for your dog. Valerian root is usually thought of as a short-term treatment, but if needed, it can also be used as a long-term solution with veterinary support.
When using this supplement, it's important to note that it may not work well with other medications or supplements. As with any supplement, pet safety must come first. If you're using valerian root along with other supplements or medications, you must speak with your vet about any possible interactions between those substances.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the gentlest calming herbs and a long-standing sleep aid for people and pets alike. It supports relaxation and can take the edge off a restless evening. You'll find it in many dog-safe calming blends, or as a weak, cooled tea added to food or water. Check with your vet on the amount, and skip it if your dog is on other medications until you've confirmed it's a good fit.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are potent aromatic extracts that come from plants, flowers, and herbs. They are extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing, which is why they are so concentrated with beneficial properties. There are many different types of essential oils available on the market today, all with unique scents, benefits, and uses.
Here are some of the most popular essential oils that may promote relaxation:
- Lavender: Lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils for dogs because it helps keep your pet calm and relaxed.
Essential oils can be used in combination with other holistic therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, to help your dog relax and fall asleep more easily. To use essential oils for sleep, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil into a diffuser, or place a few drops on a cotton ball and place it under your dog's bedding.
L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an amino acid the body uses to make serotonin, which in turn supports melatonin and a steady sleep-wake cycle. It's the same compound people associate with turkey. In dogs, it's often paired with other calming ingredients to support a relaxed, settled mood at the end of the day. As with any supplement, start with a vet-confirmed amount.
Sleep Support Hemp Extract pairs CBN with full spectrum CBD in a 4:1 ratio to support your dog's natural sleep cycle, not knock them out
Earth Buddy Sleep Support: CBN and CBD for Restful Nights
How to Help a Dog Sleep Through the Night
The good news is that you can encourage your dog to sleep more and be less hyperactive by providing a safe place for them to sleep and making sure they get enough exercise.
Build a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Dogs thrive on rhythm. Feeding, walking, and winding down at the same times each day helps set your dog's internal clock so nighttime rest comes more easily. Keep the hour before bed calm: a short potty break, lights down, and quiet.
Create a Calm, Comfortable Sleep Space
The first action you need to take is to provide your dog with a safe place to sleep. Pet safety is key and ensuring they feel secure in their environment is crucial. Dogs like to be able to curl up in a small space, so if you have an old blanket or pillow, put it in the corner of the room for them to use as a bed. If you don't have anything for them, buy a pet bed or make one out of cardboard boxes and blankets.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A dog with pent-up energy won't settle. Daily physical exercise plus a little mental work (a sniff walk, a puzzle feeder, a short training session) burns off the restlessness that keeps dogs pacing at night. Tired in a good way is the goal.
How Long Do Sleep Supplements Take to Work on Dogs?
The format matters as much as the ingredient. Oil tinctures and water-soluble formats are absorbed faster than treats, which have to be digested first. Calming amino acids like L-theanine can settle a dog within about an hour, while cannabinoids often work best with consistent daily use over a couple of weeks.
In Earth Buddy's 2022 Calming Pathfinder Study, a 26-day real-world study with around 70 pet owners during July fireworks season, 95% of owners found the lower dosage recommendations effective and 77% would recommend the products to other pet owners. Start low, stay consistent, and give the routine time to build.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sleep do dogs need?
Most adult dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours a day, counting daytime naps. Puppies and senior dogs need more, often 16 to 20 hours, because growing and aging both take more recovery. What matters most is quality. A dog who sleeps plenty but still seems restless or groggy may be dealing with discomfort, stress, or a disrupted routine.
What can I give my dog to sleep at night?
Natural options include melatonin, L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, and full spectrum CBD oil. For nighttime restlessness specifically, CBN is the cannabinoid most associated with sleep. Earth Buddy's Sleep Support Hemp Extract combines CBN and CBD in a 4:1 ratio to support natural sleep cycles. Talk to your vet before adding any supplement, especially if your dog takes medication.
Is melatonin safe for dogs?
Melatonin is widely used to support healthy sleep-wake cycles in dogs. Use a dog-specific product with no xylitol, and confirm the dose with your veterinarian. Melatonin can interact with some medications, so a quick vet check is worth it.
Does CBD help dogs sleep?
Full spectrum CBD supports the endocannabinoid system, which helps the body maintain balance, including relaxation. For sleep, CBD works best paired with CBN. Earth Buddy's Sleep Support Hemp Extract is built around that combination so it supports rest at night without sedating your dog during the day.
Why is my senior dog restless and pacing at night?
Older dogs can have disrupted sleep from cognitive changes, joint discomfort, or more frequent bathroom needs. A consistent routine, a supportive bed, and targeted support like CBN with CBD can help. Any sudden change in a senior dog's sleep should be checked by your vet, since it can point to an underlying issue.
How long does it take for a sleep supplement to work on a dog?
It depends on the format. Water-soluble and oil tinctures are absorbed faster than treats, which need to be digested first. Many calming ingredients like L-theanine settle in within an hour. Cannabinoids often work best with consistent daily use over a couple of weeks, which lets support build in the body.
Can I give my dog melatonin and CBD together?
Many pet owners layer natural sleep aids, but combining supplements is a conversation to have with your veterinarian first. Start with one product, watch how your dog responds, and add from there rather than starting several at once.
Start Sleeping With Natural Supplements For Dogs
We hope that this article has helped you understand how supplements can help make sure your dog sleeps better and feels more relaxed. It’s important for pet parents to remember that there are many other factors at play when it comes to sleep, including stress, diet, exercise, and socialization. With these tips in mind, we wish your pup and all pet parents a good night’s sleep!
Read more: The Ultimate Relaxation Protocol for Dogs: How CBD Can Help
For further reading, we recommend:
- Sleep Issues in Dogs: A Pathophysiological and Clinical Review (PubMed)
- Sleep Duration and Behaviours in Dogs up to 12 Months of Age (PMC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD) Clinical Trial Record (ClinicalTrials.gov
- Melatonin and Sleep Regulation Research (PMC)
- L-Theanine and Relaxation Research (PubMed)
- Veterinary Insight on Canine Sleep (VIN VetzInsight)
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