Introduction

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets due to their relaxed nature and easy-to-care-for behavior. One of the factors that beginner owners may wonder is whether they need to use a night light to provide illumination during the dark hours. This article aims to answer that question.

Understanding Bearded Dragons’ Needs

Before we get into the issue of night lighting, it’s important to understand the natural habitat of bearded dragons. In the wild, they live in the rocky and arid regions of Australia, where they spend their days basking in the sun, and their nights sleeping in complete darkness.

Therefore, bearded dragons require access to 10-14 hours of UVB light per day to mimic their natural environment, which also helps them regulate their body temperature and produce Vitamin D3. Additionally, they need a cooler area to retreat when they need it.

What Purpose Does a Night Light Serve?

A night light’s function is to provide a dim light source that replaces the sun’s light during the night. The idea behind using a night light is that it helps simulate their natural environment and prevents them from getting disoriented, stressed, or anxious if they wake up in complete darkness.

However, it’s worth noting that bearded dragons are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. They tend to sleep during the day and throughout the night, so excess lighting during the night may interfere with their sleep cycles and cause sleep disturbances, leading to an unhealthy pet.

When Should You Use a Night Light for Your Bearded Dragon?

Not all bearded dragons need a night light, and it depends on individual preferences, behavior and the ambient light in their living area. Here are some scenarios where using a night light may be beneficial:

1. New hatchlings and younger bearded dragons:

Younger and smaller bearded dragons may feel more secure when there is a low light source during the night. They are often more jumpy and nervous when they are getting used to a new environment or a larger one.

2. No natural light sources:

If your bearded dragon’s living environment doesn’t have any natural light sources, like during the dark winter months or in basements, a night light can help provide a more consistent photoperiod throughout the day and night cycles.

3. Ambient light too bright:

Night lighting may be necessary if the ambient light in their living area is too bright, which can affect their quality of sleep adversely. Reptiles need a proper light-dark cycle for their well-being, and too much light at night can disrupt their normal activities.

Selecting the Right Night Light

If you decide to use a night light for your bearded dragon, choosing the right one is crucial to their health and comfort. Here are some tips on how to pick the right night light for your bearded dragon:

1. Low-wattage bulbs:

Choose a low-wattage bulb that emits a low-intensity light output. Incandescent light bulbs over 40 watts can emit too much heat and light, which can be harmful to your bearded dragon’s health and disrupt their natural sleep cycles.

2. Avoid red and blue bulbs:

Red and blue lights can interfere with the reptile’s circadian rhythm, and they are best avoided. Red lights are less harmful than blue lights, but they can create an unnecessary visual panic in some bearded dragons, so it’s better to choose neutral or yellow tones.

3. Set up the light correctly:

Place the night light in a position where it covers only part of the enclosure and doesn’t create a bright spot, which can cause discomfort to your bearded dragon. Some advisable locations include behind a plant or object, under a hide, or on the outskirts of the terrarium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, not all bearded dragons need a night light, but if you notice your pet needs a low light source, make sure to choose the right type of bulb and position it correctly to avoid disrupting their sleep cycle. Finally, always keep in mind the importance of UVB lighting during the day to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.