How Long Do Pomeranians Sleep? (Hours by Age + Sleep Tips)

Pomeranians sleep a lot — and new owners often worry about it. Is all that napping normal? Are they sick? The short answer: for most Poms, extended sleep is completely healthy. But how much sleep is normal changes significantly depending on your dog's age, and knowing the difference between healthy rest and a warning sign is worth understanding.

How Many Hours Do Pomeranians Sleep?

Pomeranians sleep 12–18 hours per day on average — spread across nighttime sleep and daytime naps. That's not unusual for a small dog. Smaller breeds tend to have faster metabolisms and expend energy quickly, which means they need more recovery time between active periods.

The range is wide because age is the biggest factor. A Pom puppy and a senior Pom can have dramatically different sleep needs, even if both are perfectly healthy.

Pomeranian Sleep by Age

| Age | Typical Sleep Per Day |

|---|---|

| Puppy (0–12 months) | 18–20 hours |

| Adult (1–7 years) | 12–14 hours |

| Senior (8+ years) | 15–18 hours |

Puppies sleep the most — and it's essential. During deep sleep, puppies release growth hormones, consolidate learning, and build immune function. A puppy who sleeps 18–20 hours isn't lazy; they're growing. Don't interrupt puppy naps unless necessary.

Adult Poms are the most wakeful. A healthy, well-exercised adult will typically be active and engaged during waking hours, then sleep soundly at night and take a few shorter naps during the day. If your adult Pom seems alert and energetic when awake, their total sleep hours are probably fine.

Senior Poms naturally shift back toward longer sleep. Aging joints and organs require more recovery time, and their metabolism slows. More sleep in an older dog is normal — the key is watching for other changes alongside the increased rest.

Is My Pom Sleeping Too Much?

Sleeping more than usual can simply mean your Pom had a big day — a long walk, a vet visit, a trip somewhere new, or an exciting play session with other dogs. That kind of "recovery napping" is completely normal and should resolve on its own within a day.

Signs that warrant attention:

• Sleeping significantly more than usual for several days in a row without an obvious reason
• Difficult to rouse, or seems groggy and disoriented when they do wake
• Decreased interest in food or water alongside increased sleep
• Not engaging with their favorite activities or toys even when awake
• Any other new symptoms — limping, coughing, weight changes, coat changes

A single sleepy day after a big adventure? That's just a tired Pom. A week of unusual lethargy with no clear explanation is worth a call to your vet.

Is My Pom Not Sleeping Enough?

Under-sleeping in Pomeranians is less common than over-sleeping, but it does happen — and it's worth paying attention to.

Signs your Pom may not be getting enough sleep:

• Restless at night — circling, getting up repeatedly, unable to settle
• More reactive or easily startled than usual during the day
• Increased anxiety behaviors: pacing, excessive licking, clingy behavior
• Energy crashes in the afternoon after seeming wired in the morning

The most common causes of disrupted sleep in Poms are environmental: too much noise, an uncomfortable sleeping surface, too much stimulation late in the day, or anxiety. Overstimulated puppies in particular can become overtired and have trouble winding down — similar to how young children get wired right before a crash.

If your Pom seems chronically unsettled at night, look at their evening routine before assuming a health issue. An overly stimulating play session right before bed, late-night noises, or an inconsistent schedule are often the culprit.

How to Build a Healthy Sleep Routine

A consistent routine makes the biggest difference. Poms are creatures of habit, and a predictable schedule reduces anxiety, improves sleep quality, and makes your own life more manageable.

Consistent bedtime. Going to bed at the same time every night — even on weekends — helps regulate your Pom's internal clock. A Pom who knows roughly when to expect sleep settles more easily than one whose schedule changes night to night.

Crate training for sleep. A crate isn't punishment — for a Pom who's been properly introduced to it, the crate is a den. A safe, predictable space they can rely on. Poms who sleep in their crate consistently tend to sleep more soundly and with less anxiety than those who have free run of the house and can't stop monitoring it.

Quiet environment. Poms are alert dogs. A television left on, footsteps in the hallway, or a window open to street noise can trigger them to rouse repeatedly during the night. A white noise machine near their sleeping area can mask ambient sounds and meaningfully improve nighttime sleep.

Exercise timing matters. A 20–30 minute walk or play session in the afternoon burns off energy and makes settling at night easier. Just avoid vigorous exercise in the 90 minutes before bed — it raises adrenaline and makes it harder for an already-alert dog to wind down.

Limit late-night water and food. Especially for puppies, reducing water intake in the hour before bed decreases the chance of overnight bathroom needs interrupting sleep for both of you.

Sleep and Health: When to See a Vet

Most sleep changes in Poms are benign — a tired day after an adventure, a few restless nights after a household change, or a senior dog naturally sleeping more. But some sleep changes are symptoms of underlying health issues that deserve attention.

Hypothyroidism is one of the more common culprits behind unexplained lethargy in Poms. An underactive thyroid slows metabolism and can cause dramatically increased sleep, alongside weight gain and a dull coat. It's easily diagnosed with a blood test and very manageable with daily medication.

Pain — from arthritis, dental disease, or an injury — can both increase sleep (the body's response to healing) and disrupt it (pain makes comfortable sleep harder). If your Pom is sleeping more but seems restless or uncomfortable when they lie down, pain is worth ruling out.

Infections and illness of almost any kind will increase sleep as the immune system works overtime. Fever, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues — all of these can cause a Pom to sleep significantly more than usual as their body fights back.

When to call the vet: If your Pom has been sleeping more or less than their normal baseline for more than 3–5 days without an obvious explanation, especially if accompanied by any other symptom — changes in eating, drinking, elimination, coat, or behavior — it's worth a conversation with your vet. Small dogs can decline quickly, and early detection makes a significant difference in outcomes.

Quick Sleep Tips Summary

• Match sleep expectations to age — puppies and seniors need more, adults less
• Keep a consistent bedtime routine — same time, same cues, same sleeping spot
• Use a crate — it reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality for most Poms
• Limit stimulation before bed — calm evenings lead to calmer nights
• Call your vet if sleep changes last more than a few days without explanation

A well-rested Pom is a healthier, calmer, and more engaged companion. Most Pom sleep habits are completely normal once you know the baseline for their age — but paying attention to changes is one of the simplest things you can do to catch health issues early.