Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so you may wonder if it’s okay to keep a light on for them at night. You may not want to disrupt their natural sleep cycle or make them feel unsafe in the dark, so is it essential for your hamster to have a night light?
Your hamster does not need light at night to be comfortable or healthy. However, they feed at night and may need light to help them search for food. Providing a low level of light can help them find food easily and make it easier for you to observe your hamster’s behavior in the dark.
Too much light can make it difficult for your hamster to do its normal nighttime activities and lead to increased stress levels. In this blog post, I’ll explore whether or not your hamster needs light at night and what kind of lighting is best.
How Much Light Does a Hamster Need at Night?
Hamsters don’t need light at night and prefer complete darkness. As they are nocturnal animals, hamsters mostly sleep during the day. They are most active at night when their environment is dark and peaceful.
Being in the dark also helps keep them from feeling too exposed and vulnerable. It is generally not recommended to keep any lights on in and around your hamster’s cage at night.
Constant light exposure disrupts your hamster’s natural sleep cycle and causes them stress and anxiety. If your hamster’s cage is in a room with some light at night, it is best to cover the cage with a light-blocking blanket to ensure it gets enough darkness.
You can also use a light specifically designed for hamsters, as these are designed to be dim enough to not irritate nocturnal pets. A small amount of light will let you check on your hamster at night and won’t disturb its circadian rhythm.
Best Type of Lights for Hamsters
A red light bulb is the best kind of light for a hamster, as they emit minimal light and won’t disturb your hamster’s sleep cycle. Hamsters don’t see red light the same way humans do, and scientists have proven that red hues make hamsters happier than white light. It also helps your little buddy stay safe and comfortable in its cage when it is dark outside.
While you can use any red bulb for your hamster, why not check out this LOHAS Red Night Light. This red LED night light emits a soothing red glow with a slider on the side for you to adjust the brightness. It also comes with a sensor that automatically turns the night light on at dusk when the room is dark enough.
Allowing your hamster to have a dimly lit living space at night will help it maintain its natural sleep cycle. Consider placing the light 24-36 inches (2-3 feet) from your hamster’s cage — it should not be close or easily accessible to your hamster.
This helps your hamster sleep peacefully without the risk of feeling overwhelmed by bright lights. Additionally, it allows your little friend to stay active and alert during night hours.
Potential Risks of Bright Light at Night for Hamsters
Bright lights at night can be detrimental to a hamster’s health. They can disrupt the normal biological rhythms of your pet, disturbing their cycle and causing them to be stressed. An increase in stress hormones can cause various health issues in your pet, including but not limited to the following:
- Skin issues
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Weakened immunity
- Obesity
Excess light in its cage can make your hamster feel exposed and vulnerable, making it more likely to develop behavioral issues. This could lead to it showing signs of aggression and territoriality and decreased social interactions with people.
The Natural Sleep Cycle of a Hamster
The natural sleep cycle of a hamster is different from that of humans. Hamsters are crepuscular animals, active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk and sleeping during the day.
Hamsters need at least 10 hours of darkness each night to maintain their natural sleep cycle. During the night, try to keep all light sources out of their cage and away from them. Similarly, these pets also require a minimum of 10 hours of light during the day.
During the daytime, the light you provide your hamster may come from natural daylight or artificial lighting, such as a fluorescent lamp or LED bulb.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters don’t need light at night as they feel most comfortable and safe in the dark. These tiny animals are nocturnal creatures, so they love being active at night in peaceful darkness. Too much light at night will disrupt a hamster’s circadian rhythm and cause stress and anxiety.
However, you can use a red night light as it’s dim enough to not disturb your hamster but allows you to check on your pet at night without causing harm or discomfort.