Yes, hamsters spend most of their time sleeping during the day.
Hamsters are typical nocturnal animals. Their biological clocks determine that they will sleep for most of the day and become active at night. Here is a detailed explanation of why hamsters sleep during the day:
1. Habits of Nocturnal Animals
When living in the wild, hamsters will hide in their burrows and sleep during the day to avoid being preyed upon by natural enemies. This habit remains even after they are domesticated by humans. So, even at home, hamsters will sleep for long periods during the day and start to be active in the evening or at night.
2. Duration of Sleep
Hamsters need to sleep for about 14 hours a day on average, which is their normal physiological requirement. If their sleep time is forcibly disrupted, it may cause them stress and affect their health.
3. Environmental Adaptation
Hamsters are quite sensitive to environmental temperature. Being too cold or too hot may make them choose to sleep to reduce energy consumption. In addition, if a hamster is sick or frightened, it may also show abnormal drowsiness.
4. How to Determine Their Health
Although it is normal for hamsters to sleep during the day, if they are not active at night either, or if they show symptoms such as loss of appetite or rough fur, these may be signs of illness and require timely attention.
5. It Is Not Recommended to Forcefully Change Their Schedule
Although you can make hamsters a little more active during the day by adjusting the environment (such as pulling down blackout curtains) or using food to induce them, forcefully changing their biological clocks may have an adverse impact on their health.
In conclusion, it is a natural habit for hamsters to sleep during the day. As long as they are active at night and have no other abnormal manifestations, there is no need to worry.