A dog that suddenly cannot settle or sleep through the night can quickly exhaust both pets and their owners.
Nighttime restlessness is especially concerning because it often signals discomfort, anxiety, or an underlying health problem that is interfering with your dog’s natural sleep cycle.
In this guide, we explain the reasons why your dog may suddenly not sleep at night, what you can do and when to seek veterinary care.
Dog Suddenly Not Sleeping At Night: Why It Happens
A dog suddenly not sleeping at night is usually experiencing pain, anxiety, digestive discomfort, cognitive changes, or illness that makes it difficult to relax and feel safe enough to rest.
Dogs are wired to sleep when their bodies feel calm and stable. When something inside or around them feels wrong, their nervous system stays alert, leading to pacing, whining, or frequent waking.
Because nighttime behavior reflects how comfortable a dog truly feels, this change should never be ignored.
Dog Suddenly Not Sleeping At Night: Common Causes
Pain and Physical Discomfort
Pain is one of the most powerful sleep disruptors in dogs. When joints, muscles, or internal organs hurt, lying down and changing positions can trigger sharp discomfort that keeps a dog from settling.
Arthritis, spinal issues, abdominal pain, or dental disease can all worsen when a dog is still, making night time especially difficult. Dogs may stand up repeatedly, circle, whine, or change sleeping spots trying to find relief.
You may notice stiffness in the morning, limping, reluctance to jump, or sensitivity when touched.
Because pain often intensifies at night, it is a major reason a dog suddenly not sleeping at night begins pacing instead of resting.
Related: Senior Dog Suddenly Not Eating And Sleeping A Lot (Here’s Why)
Anxiety and Emotional Stress
Anxiety keeps a dog’s nervous system in a constant state of alert. Even if the home is quiet, an anxious dog cannot fully relax enough to fall into deep sleep.
Changes in routine, loud noises, separation anxiety, new pets, or unfamiliar environments can all trigger nighttime worry. Dogs may follow their owners, bark, whine, or refuse to lie down.
You may notice clinginess, panting, trembling, or destructive behavior after dark.
This emotional overload is a very common cause of a dog suddenly not sleeping at night even when nothing physical seems wrong.
Digestive Upset
Stomach discomfort often becomes more noticeable when a dog lies down. Acid reflux, gas, or mild nausea can make the body feel unsettled.
Dogs may get up frequently, lick their lips, swallow repeatedly, or seek out water for relief. Eating close to bedtime can worsen this.
You may notice grass eating, drooling, or vomiting in the morning. Digestive distress is a hidden but frequent cause of a dog suddenly not sleeping at night.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Older dogs can develop cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to dementia in humans. This disrupts sleep-wake cycles and causes nighttime restlessness.
Dogs may become disoriented, pace aimlessly, stare at walls, or forget where they are.
You may see increased vocalizing, accidents, or anxiety after dark. This neurological change can make a dog suddenly not sleeping at night even though they seem fine during the day.
Urinary or Kidney Issues
Dogs that feel the urge to urinate frequently cannot stay asleep. Kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and hormonal disorders all increase nighttime trips outside.
Your dog may wake you to go out or pace near the door.
You may also notice increased thirst, accidents, or straining. This physical need can force a dog suddenly not sleeping at night despite being tired.
Underlying Illness
Fever, inflammation, or internal disease can make a dog feel restless and uncomfortable.
Dogs may feel hot, achy, or nauseated, which interferes with sleep.
You may see appetite loss, lethargy during the day, or subtle behavior changes. Illness should always be considered when a dog suddenly not sleeping at night appears out of character.
Related: Dog shaking and restless at night (Causes explained)
Dog Suddenly Not Sleeping At Night: What to Do
When your dog suddenly not sleeping at night, make sure their bed is comfortable and supportive, especially for joint health.
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine so your dog knows when it is time to rest.
Avoid feeding large meals or treats right before bedtime to reduce stomach discomfort.
Provide calm reassurance without reinforcing anxious pacing. Monitor closely for pain, urination changes, or confusion.
When to seek veterinary care
If your dog is pacing, whining, or unable to settle for more than two nights, contact your veterinarian.
Seek veterinary care if nighttime restlessness is paired with appetite loss, vomiting, or limping.
A dog suddenly not sleeping at night along with increased drinking or accidents should be evaluated.
Any rapid behavior change deserves professional attention.
Related: Dog extremely anxious at night (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
A dog suddenly not sleeping at night is usually trying to cope with pain, stress, or internal discomfort. It is rarely just a bad habit.
By paying attention to subtle signs and involving your veterinarian early, you can help your dog return to restful, healthy sleep.