Watching your axolotl rest motionless at the bottom of the tank might leave you wondering: is my axolotl sleeping, sick, or just resting? Knowing how these creatures sleep helps you tell normal behavior from potential health problems.

Do Axolotls Actually Sleep?

Yes, axolotls definitely sleep, though their sleep looks very different from mammals or even most other pets. Axolotls have periods of reduced activity and awareness that count as sleep, even though they lack many features we connect with sleeping.

What Axolotl Sleep Looks Like

When your axolotl sleeps, you’ll notice several clear behaviors:

• Complete stillness for long periods
• Slower gill movement and breathing
• Less response to outside activity
• Relaxed body posture
• Usually staying in one favorite spot
• Less awareness of surroundings

Unlike dogs or cats that clearly curl up and close their eyes, axolotls simply stop moving and become less alert to their environment.

Do Axolotls Sleep With Their Eyes Open?

Yes, axolotls always sleep with their eyes wide open because they don’t have eyelids. This can be strange for new owners who aren’t used to seeing a pet “sleep” while appearing to stare directly at them.

Why Their Eyes Stay Open

Axolotls are water salamanders that never grow eyelids. Land animals need eyelids to keep eyes moist and protected from air and debris. Since axolotls live underwater their whole lives, the water naturally keeps their eyes moist and clean.

How to Tell They’re Sleeping Despite Open Eyes

Watch for these signs that show sleep from being awake:

• No reaction when you approach the tank
• Gills move more slowly than usual
• Body stays completely relaxed in one position
• Takes several seconds to respond if disturbed
• Often positioned in a corner or hiding spot

After watching your axolotl for a few days, you’ll easily see the difference between alert wakefulness and drowsy rest.

Do Axolotls Sleep at Night?

No, axolotls typically don’t sleep at night. These creatures are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active during nighttime hours and sleep during the day instead.

Their Natural Daily Rhythm

In the wild, axolotls hunt and explore during darkness when they’re safer from predators. This instinct remains strong in pet axolotls.

Typical Daily Schedule

• Morning (6am-10am): Winding down after nighttime activity, may still be somewhat active
• Midday (10am-4pm): Deep sleep period, minimal movement
• Late Afternoon (4pm-7pm): Light sleep or rest, occasionally moving
• Evening (7pm-10pm): Waking up, increasing activity
• Night (10pm-6am): Peak activity time, hunting and exploring

Your axolotl’s exact schedule may vary based on room lighting, feeding times, and individual personality.

When Do Axolotls Sleep?

Axolotls mainly sleep during daylight hours, with their deepest sleep happening in mid-morning through early afternoon. However, they also take short rest periods throughout their active night hours.

Factors That Affect Sleep Timing

Several things change when your axolotl chooses to sleep:

Room Lighting

Bright daylight encourages sleep, while darkness triggers activity. If your room stays dark all day, your axolotl’s schedule might shift.

Feeding Schedule

Axolotls often rest after eating. If you feed them in the morning, they’ll probably sleep shortly after. Evening feeding keeps them active longer into the night.

Tank Location

Tanks in busy, noisy areas may disrupt normal sleep patterns. Axolotls sleep better in quieter spots with predictable lighting.

Water Temperature

Cooler water (60-64°F) promotes normal activity and rest cycles. Warmer water makes axolotls stressed and can disrupt their natural rhythm.

Age and Health

Young axolotls sleep less often than adults. Sick or stressed axolotls may sleep much more than healthy ones, or struggle to rest at all.

How Do Axolotls Sleep?

Axolotls sleep by simply stopping movement and entering a state of reduced awareness. Unlike mammals that go through different sleep stages with brain wave changes, axolotl sleep appears simpler and more uniform.

Common Sleep Positions

Axolotls don’t have one standard sleep position but tend to prefer certain postures:

The Flat Rest

Lying completely flat on the tank bottom with legs spread out. This is the most common sleep position and shows total relaxation.

The Corner Wedge

Tucking into a corner with their body pressed against two walls. This position offers security and support.

The Cave Dweller

Hiding inside decorations, under plants, or in provided caves. Many axolotls prefer sleeping in enclosed spaces where they feel protected.

The Floater

Some axolotls sleep while floating midwater or near the surface. This is less common and can sometimes mean health issues, though some individuals just prefer it.

The Plant Perch

Resting on top of or draped over plants and decorations. This raised position appeals to some axolotls.

Sleep Duration

Individual sleep sessions vary, but most axolotls sleep 8-12 hours during the day. They don’t sleep all at once but may wake briefly, move to a new spot, then resume sleeping.

Sleep Depth

Axolotl sleep appears lighter than mammal sleep. They remain somewhat aware of major disturbances and can wake quickly if needed. However, during deep sleep periods, they show minimal response to gentle touches or movements.

Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment

Help your axolotl maintain healthy sleep patterns by setting up their tank properly.

Control the Light

Keep tank lights off or very dim. Use room lighting on a natural day-night cycle rather than tank lights. If you need light to view your axolotl, use low-wattage ambient room lights.

Reduce Noise

Place the tank away from TVs, stereos, and high-traffic areas. While axolotls don’t have external ears, they sense vibrations through water.

Maintain Cool Temperature

Keep water between 60-64°F. Warmer temperatures stress axolotls and disrupt normal behavior including sleep patterns.

Provide Hiding Spots

Add caves, tunnels, and plants so your axolotl can choose secure sleeping locations. Most axolotls sleep better when they have options for shelter.

Keep Water Quality High

Poor water conditions cause stress that interferes with normal rest. Test water weekly and maintain zero ammonia and nitrites.

Establish Routine

Feed at consistent times and maintain regular lighting schedules. Predictable routines help axolotls develop healthy sleep-wake cycles.

Signs of Healthy vs Unhealthy Sleep

Learning to spot normal sleep helps you catch health problems early.

Normal Healthy Sleep

• Sleeps mainly during daylight hours
• Wakes readily when food is offered
• Changes position occasionally
• Resumes normal activity in evening
• Gills look healthy and fluffy
• Body appears relaxed, not stiff

Warning Signs Something’s Wrong

• Sleeping 24 hours straight without waking
• Completely unresponsive even to food
• Sleeping in strange positions like upside down
• Sleeping while floating at odd angles
• Gills look damaged or very pale
• Not sleeping at all for days
• Sudden major changes in sleep schedule

If you notice these concerning patterns, test your water right away and consider whether your axolotl needs veterinary care.

How Much Sleep Do Axolotls Need?

Adult axolotls typically sleep 8-14 hours per day, mostly during daylight. This varies by individual, age, and environmental factors.

Age Differences

Baby axolotls are more active overall and may sleep only 6-8 hours daily. As they mature, sleep periods lengthen. Very old axolotls might sleep 16+ hours as their metabolism slows.

Seasonal Variations

Wild axolotls experience seasonal changes in activity levels. Pet axolotls may show slight seasonal patterns too, especially if kept in rooms with natural temperature and light variations.

After Feeding

Axolotls often rest or sleep for several hours after eating large meals while they digest. This is completely normal.

Do Axolotls Dream?

We don’t know if axolotls dream. Dreaming requires brain activity that’s been studied mainly in mammals and birds. Axolotl brains are much simpler, and no research has looked at whether they experience anything like dreams during sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my axolotl sleeping all the time?

Constant sleeping suggests illness, poor water quality, or temperature stress. Test water parameters right away and check that temperature stays at 60-64°F. If water is perfect but sleeping persists, consult a vet.

Is it normal for my axolotl to sleep standing up?

Occasionally yes, but frequent vertical sleeping might mean swim bladder problems or difficulty staying submerged. Monitor for other symptoms.

Should I turn off all lights when my axolotl sleeps?

No need to make the room pitch black during the day. Normal daylight is fine. Just avoid bright direct light on the tank and use dim lighting if needed.

Can I wake my axolotl up to feed it?

Yes, gently disturbing the water or dropping food nearby will wake them. However, try feeding during their naturally active evening hours instead.

Why does my axolotl only sleep in one specific spot?

Axolotls are creatures of habit and often choose favorite resting places. As long as they’re healthy and the spot isn’t dangerous, this is perfectly normal.

Do axolotls need darkness to sleep?

Not complete darkness, but they sleep better in dim conditions. Bright light stresses them since they can’t close their eyes to block it out.

How can I tell if my axolotl is sleeping or dead?

Sleeping axolotls show slow gill movement. Gently disturb the water near them sleeping axolotls will eventually react. If there’s absolutely no gill movement and no response to gentle movement, something is seriously wrong.

Is it bad if my axolotl’s sleep schedule changes?

Minor variations are normal, but sudden major shifts often mean environmental stress or health issues. Check temperature and water quality first.

Can I use a night light in my axolotl’s room?

Dim night lights are fine, but red or blue lights are better than white since they’re less disturbing to natural behavior.

Why does my axolotl wake up when I walk by?

Axolotls sense vibrations through the water. Your footsteps create vibrations they can detect, causing them to wake and investigate potential food sources.

Do axolotls sleep more in winter?

If room temperature drops slightly in winter (while staying in safe range), axolotls might sleep slightly more. Extreme cold is dangerous though.

Should I worry if my baby axolotl barely sleeps?

Young axolotls are naturally more active and sleep less than adults. As long as they eat well and show no stress signs, this is normal.

Common Sleep-Related Problems

Insomnia (Constant Activity)

If your axolotl never rests, check for:

• Water too warm (over 68°F)
• Ammonia or nitrite in water
• Parasites causing discomfort
• Hunger
• Too much light

Too Much Sleeping (Lethargy)

Too much sleep means:

• Illness or infection
• Poor water quality
• Temperature shock
• Impaction from eating gravel
• Severe stress

Floating While Sleeping

Occasional floating is okay, but frequent floating suggests:

• Overfeeding and gas buildup
• Swallowed air
• Internal issues
• Water too warm

Watching Your Axolotl’s Sleep Patterns

Spend time watching your axolotl over several days to learn their individual patterns. Here’s what I noticed with mine:

What times they usually sleep My axolotl crashes around 9am after his morning swim and sleeps hardest between 11am-3pm. He starts getting active again around 6pm when I get home from work.

Favorite sleeping locations He loves wedging himself in the back left corner behind the driftwood. Sometimes he sleeps flat under the java fern, but that corner is definitely his go-to spot.

How long sleep periods last Usually 3-4 hours at a stretch during the day. He’ll wake up, do a lap around the tank, then settle back down for another few hours.

How they position themselves Mostly the flat pancake position with all four legs spread out. When he’s really tired, he looks like a little rug on the bottom. Occasionally he props himself on a rock at a slight angle.

How easily they wake Pretty light sleeper honestly. If I walk near the tank, his gills perk up. But during his deep afternoon sleep, I can open the lid quietly without him noticing right away.

Keeping these mental notes helped me realize something was wrong last month when he suddenly started sleeping in weird floating positions instead of his usual corner spot. Turned out the water was too warm.

The Bottom Line

Axolotls definitely sleep, but not the way most pets do. They sleep with eyes wide open during the day, remain fairly still but not completely unaware, and wake up when evening arrives to hunt and explore. Understanding their nocturnal nature helps you provide better care feed them in the evening, keep daytime lighting dim, and don’t worry when you see your axolotl lying motionless on the tank bottom during the day. That’s just a well-rested axolotl enjoying their normal sleep schedule. Watch for changes in sleep patterns as these often signal health or water quality issues that need attention. Once you learn your axolotl’s unique sleep habits, you’ll easily tell when something’s off and can take action to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.