Have you ever wondered why your rabbit’s eyes stay cracked open when it sleeps? Those oddly open but glazed over eyes definitely look eerie when your bunny is conked out. Rabbits have some unique behaviors when it comes to sleeping that differ from other pets. With their eyes peeled halfway open and their body completely still, it can be hard to tell if your rabbit is actually asleep or stealthily spying on you! In this article, we’ll demystify the quirky sleep habits of rabbits. We’ll explore why rabbits snooze with their eyes ajar, how their weird open-eyed sleep is possible, and how to know when your bunny truly is in dreamland versus laying awake. Get ready to dive into the peculiar world of rabbit sleep!
Do Rabbits Have a Third Eyelid?
Rabbits do have a third eyelid, called a nictitating membrane. This translucent membrane is located in the inner corner of a rabbit's eye. It functions to moisten and protect the eye.
When needed, the nictitating membrane will sweep horizontally across the eye to moisten and clean it. This happens frequently when the rabbit is awake. The membrane also serves to protect the eye from dust and debris.
You may see a rabbit's third eyelid move across the eye when the rabbit is relaxed or sleepy. However, when rabbits are in deep REM sleep, the third eyelid is retracted so it does not block vision.
Rabbits' eyes function differently than human eyes. Rabbits have excellent peripheral and low light vision thanks to their large corneas and pupils. However, they have poor visual acuity and cannot see objects close up very well.
Because rabbits have laterally positioned eyes, they have nearly 360 degrees of vision. This gives them the ability to effectively watch for predators while remaining alert even in a resting state.
While rabbits may appear to have their eyes open when sleeping, they are not using their vision during deep REM sleep. Instead, they rely on their strong hearing and sense of smell to remain aware of potential threats while getting much needed rest.
Even though a sleeping rabbit may seem to have its eyes open, its vision is offline during REM sleep. The nictitating membrane provides moisture and protection to the corneal surface during this vulnerable time.
Do Rabbits Sleep with Their Eyes Open or Closed?
Rabbits often sleep with their eyes partially open. This can look strange to human owners who are used to other pets like cats and dogs whose eyes are closed when sleeping. However, it is completely normal rabbit behavior.
In the wild, rabbits need to stay vigilant to avoid falling prey to predators. As a result, they developed the ability to sleep with their eyes open so they can wake up at the slightest sight or sound that could signal danger.
Domestic rabbits retain this instinctual behavior, even when there are no predators nearby. Their eyes will remain propped open even during deeper REM sleep stages.
However, there are some exceptions. Some rabbits may close their eyes for short naps. Their eyes may also momentarily close and flutter during REM sleep.
Young rabbits tend to sleep with eyes wide open more often than adult rabbits. As rabbits grow older and more comfortable in their environment, they may sleep in a more relaxed state with eyes partially closed.
While their eyes are not fully shut, rabbits are still able to get quality sleep. Their retinas essentially turn "off" during sleep, even though their eyes are still open. This allows them to get the rest they require to function.
So in summary, it is characteristic of rabbits to sleep with eyes propped open. An owner should not worry if their rabbit's eyes remain open, as this is normal and not a sign of a health problem. However, if a rabbit is suddenly unable to fully close its eyes, that could indicate a condition requiring veterinary attention.
How Do I Know if My Rabbit is Sleeping?
It can sometimes be difficult to determine if your rabbit is fully sleeping or just resting. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your rabbit has drifted into a sleeping state:
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Closed or partially closed eyes – A rabbit may briefly close its eyes all the way when in REM sleep. More often, its eyes will appear slightly shut or half-closed when sleeping.
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Slow, rhythmic breathing – A sleeping rabbit's breathing will become slower and more regular versus the faster, uneven breathing of an alert rabbit.
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Lying down fully – Rabbits like to lounge, but a sleeping rabbit will completely relax its body, often laying with legs stretched out.
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No responsiveness – A sleeping rabbit will not respond to noises or other stimuli until woken. Try gently calling its name or rattling a favorite treat bag. Limited or no reaction means deep sleep.
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Twitching – You may notice subtle twitching of the whiskers, ears, legs or other body parts as a rabbit experiences REM sleep.
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Tooth grinding – Some rabbits rhythmically grind their teeth together during sleep, signaling contentment.
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Loud snoring – An odd quirk of rabbits is they snore loudly while sleeping!
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Lack of awareness – A sleeping rabbit will not be scanning its surroundings and will appear totally unaware of its environment.
Remember that rabbits are prey animals, so they often only sleep deeply in short spurts. Look for a combination of these signs to determine if your rabbit is getting some shuteye or just resting its head. With time, you will recognize your own rabbit's sleep behaviors.
Rabbit Asleep with Eyes Open vs. Staring at Me
When you notice your rabbit's eyes open while it is asleep, you may wonder if it is actually sleeping or awake and staring at you. Here are some ways to tell the difference:
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Eyes wide open with pupils constricted indicates your rabbit is awake and actively looking around. Its eyes will be bright and focused.
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Partially closed, dull looking eyes means your rabbit is likely sleeping, even though its eyes are not fully shut. Its pupils will appear more dilated.
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A staring rabbit is completely still and has its gaze fixed on something. A sleeping rabbit's eyes may wander around unconsciously.
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Your rabbit's head will be upright and ears erect if it is awake and staring. If asleep, the head and ears will be more relaxed.
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Try moving around the room – if your rabbit's eyes follow you, it is awake. Lack of tracking means it is asleep.
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A staring rabbit is very alert to sounds and other stimuli. An asleep rabbit will not respond to normal noises or its name being called.
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Notice the breathing – a smooth, steady breathing rhythm signals sleep versus uneven, faster breaths of an awake rabbit.
With practice, you will learn your own rabbit's sleep behaviors. While it may appear to be staring at you, remember that rabbits naturally sleep with eyes open. With time you will be able to tell the difference at a glance!