When your dog is suddenly not sleeping at night anymore, it can leave both of you exhausted and frustrated.
Nighttime restlessness is often a sign that something in your dog’s physical or emotional health has changed, and understanding why it’s happening is the first step toward helping them settle again.
This guide explains the most common reasons a dog may stop sleeping at night, what you can do at home, and when it’s best to involve your veterinarian.
Dog Not Sleeping at Night Anymore: Why It Happens
A dog not sleeping at night anymore is usually linked to discomfort, anxiety, age-related changes, nighttime noises, or underlying medical issues that make it hard for them to settle. Dogs rely heavily on routine, and anything that disrupts their physical comfort or daily schedule can lead to nighttime pacing, whining, or restlessness.
Pain from arthritis or digestive upset may prevent relaxed sleep, while anxiety can be triggered by storms, neighborhood activity, or separation from their owner.
In older dogs, cognitive changes can cause confusion after dark. Even something as simple as reduced daytime exercise can lead to too much pent-up energy at bedtime.
Dog Not Sleeping at Night Anymore: Common Causes
Stress
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons dogs suddenly struggle with nighttime sleep. Dogs are highly sensitive to environmental sounds, changes in routine, or emotional tension in the household.
A dog experiencing anxiety may pace, whine, bark, or stay unusually alert instead of relaxing. They might keep moving from room to room, unable to find a comfortable place to settle. This restlessness becomes especially noticeable at night when the house is quiet.
In the context of your dog not sleeping at night anymore, anxiety disrupts their ability to transition into deep rest.
This can stem from loud noises outside, new household members, separation from their owner, or recent changes such as moving homes or schedule shifts.
The stress keeps their nervous system activated, preventing them from calming down long enough to sleep.
Related: Dog restless at night and not sleeping (Why it happens)
Pain
Pain is a significant but often overlooked cause. Dogs instinctively hide discomfort, so nighttime restlessness may be one of the earliest signs that something feels wrong.
Arthritis, joint stiffness, muscle soreness, bloating, dental pain, or internal inflammation can all make it difficult for dogs to lie down comfortably.
They may pace, sit, stand, lie down, then repeat the cycle because no position feels right.
If your dog is not sleeping at night anymore due to pain, you may also notice hesitation to jump on the bed or couch, limping, groaning, or stiffness after waking. Because pain intensifies when the body is still, nighttime can be particularly challenging.
Increased Nighttime Urination or Digestive Upset
If your dog suddenly needs to go outside more frequently at night, their sleep will naturally be disrupted. Conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney issues, diabetes, and digestive irritation can all increase nighttime restlessness.
A dog with an upset stomach may pace, lick their lips, swallow repeatedly, or seek grass during late-night outings. Dogs with urinary discomfort may ask to go out multiple times or seem unable to settle.
This is a serious concern when your dog is not sleeping at night anymore because frequent trips outside or physical discomfort prevent them from entering deep, restorative sleep.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Senior dogs may experience canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia), which disrupts their sleep-wake cycle.
Dogs with cognitive decline may become confused after dark, wander aimlessly, forget where their bed is, or wake their owners repeatedly for reassurance.
You may also notice new anxiety, staring at walls, or difficulty recognizing familiar cues.
When an older dog is not sleeping at night anymore, this cause becomes more likely. Their internal clock becomes misaligned, causing them to sleep more during the day and stay awake or restless through the night.
Lack Mental Stimulation
Dogs that don’t receive enough physical or mental activity during the day may struggle to wind down at night. Excess energy often appears as pacing, playfulness, whining, or repeatedly getting up and down instead of sleeping.
This cause is especially common in younger dogs, active breeds, or dogs whose normal routine was recently disrupted. If your dog is suddenly not sleeping at night anymore, consider whether their daytime activity level has decreased due to weather, schedule changes, or lifestyle adjustments.
Read more: Old Dog Panting and Restless at Night (Here’s Why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Sleeping at Night Anymore
If your dog is suddenly not sleeping at night anymore, start by observing their behavior closely during both daytime and nighttime. Look for signs of discomfort, fear, digestive upset, or environmental triggers. You can also make simple changes to help create a calmer nighttime routine.
First, ensure your dog’s sleeping environment is comfortable and consistent. Use soft bedding and a quiet space.
Some dogs feel safer sleeping closer to their owners, while others rest better in a separate room—follow your dog’s preferences. A predictable bedtime routine, such as an evening walk, light training, or calming music, can help signal that it’s time to wind down.
Next, consider increasing daytime exercise or enrichment. Dogs that burn mental and physical energy are naturally more relaxed at night. Even adding a short evening walk or 10 minutes of scent games can make a difference.
If you suspect anxiety, try calming aids such as white noise, a weighted blanket for dogs, pheromone diffusers, or gentle reassurance during noisy nights. Avoid punishment, as it can increase stress.
When discomfort or pain seems likely, avoid giving human medications, but offer supportive bedding, slow and controlled movement before bed, and gentle massage if your dog enjoys it. Schedule a vet visit to properly evaluate the source of discomfort.
Finally, avoid feeding large meals right before bed. A light evening meal, along with a bedtime bathroom break, can help minimize digestive or urinary disruptions during the night.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog is not sleeping at night anymore and shows signs of discomfort such as limping, whining, panting, or reluctance to lie down. These may indicate pain that needs medical attention.
A vet visit is also important if your dog is pacing or whining at night along with vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, or needing to urinate more frequently.
These symptoms can point to infections, digestive problems, or metabolic issues.
For older dogs, nighttime confusion, wandering, or increased anxiety should be evaluated, as canine cognitive dysfunction is treatable and manageable with early intervention.
If your dog suddenly becomes extremely restless, cries out in pain, or shows bloating, pale gums, or repeated attempts to vomit, seek emergency care immediately.
Related: Dog shaking and restless at night (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is not sleeping at night anymore, it’s often their way of telling you something feels different—whether physically, emotionally, or behaviorally.
By observing their patterns, adjusting their routine, and seeking veterinary care when needed, most dogs can return to peaceful, restful nights.
Stay patient, supportive, and attentive to the small clues your dog gives you, and you’ll be well on your way to helping them feel comfortable and secure again.