How to Help a Restless Dog Sleep at Night

Boost Daytime Activity to Improve Night Sleep

Restless nights often reflect an under-stimulated day. Dogs need mental and physical engagement to feel tired and settled at bedtime. Experts recommend increasing exposure to daylight and incorporating enriching activities during the day—even for dogs with health limitations.

Simple modifications include short walks, sniffing games, retrieving or tug-of-war play, and reward-based training. Feeding should be turned into a challenge: hide food in puzzle toys, spread it around the yard, or stuff it into Kongs. These activities keep the dog mentally active and reduce the urge to seek attention at night.

> “Not only does enrichment help keep the dog more active and stimulated during the day, but it also has been shown to improve brain health.”

Establish a Clear Nighttime Routine

At bedtime, take your dog to their bed or crate and leave them there. If they wake and whine, do not respond with comfort, food, or attention—this rewards the behavior. Instead, wait until they are quiet before acknowledging them. You can use calm, simple commands like “sit” or “lie down” to help settle them.

For puppies, this is especially important. If you respond to nighttime crying, you teach them that noise gets attention. One expert suggests being neutral or even slightly unpleasant at night—ignoring whining, picking up the puppy only to take them outside, and returning them to the crate quickly.

> “My priority is to teach the puppy to keep quiet unless disaster is about to strike.”

Address Nighttime Wandering and Anxiety

Older dogs may wander, bark, or vocalize at night due to cognitive decline (CDS), poor vision, or hearing loss. They may feel lost in the dark or confused by changes in their environment.

One effective solution: install solar-powered lights near the dog’s bed. A reader found this eliminated her dog’s nighttime agitation—she was simply disoriented in the dark.

If your dog is restless but otherwise happy during the day, crating can help contain wandering. However, if they still vocalize, consider consulting your vet about safe sedation or supplements like melatonin, L-theanine, or pheromones.

> “It turned out that his agitation was a result of getting lost in the dark.”

Rule Out Medical Causes Like Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Nighttime restlessness in older dogs may signal Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CDS)—a condition similar to dementia in humans. Signs include waking at night, pacing, barking, confusion, and reduced interest in play.

In one case, a 15-year-old dog named Junior showed these symptoms. After ruling out other health issues, a vet diagnosed CDS. He was treated with Anipryl (selegiline hydrochloride), which boosts brain dopamine and improves alertness during the day.

If you suspect CDS, consult your vet. They may recommend medication, dietary changes, or supplements. Never give supplements without professional advice.

Protect Your Own Sleep and Well-Being

It’s okay to need rest too. If your dog’s nighttime behavior is overwhelming, consider using earplugs or white noise to mask sounds—just ensure you can still hear your dog if needed for safety.

Keep a daily or monthly log of your dog’s behavior, sleep patterns, and mood. This helps track changes over time and supports better decisions, especially if quality-of-life concerns arise.

> “I wish I had written a short monthly assessment of what Cricket could do and not do…”