Do rabbits sleep with their eyes open? Discover the truth, signs of rabbit sleep, and how to help your bunny feel safe and relaxed at home.

Do Rabbits Sleep with Their Eyes Open? Must Know Signs of Rabbits Sleep Habits

If you’ve ever checked on your pet rabbit and found them staring back at you in the middle of the night, you might wonder: do rabbits sleep with their eyes open? The short answer is yes – rabbits can and often do sleep with their eyes open. This unusual habit can be surprising (and even a little spooky) for first-time bunny owners. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal.

In this article, we’ll explore how rabbits sleep, why they sometimes snooze without closing their eyes, and how you can tell when your bunny is actually asleep. We’ll also discuss whether all rabbits do this, if you should be concerned, and ways to help your furry friend feel safe and comfortable. By understanding these unique rabbit behaviors (one of many challenges of owning a rabbit), you’ll be better prepared to care for your pet and appreciate just how fascinating bunnies really are. Let’s hope to it!

How Do Rabbits Sleep?

Rabbits don’t sleep quite the same way humans (or cats and dogs) do. Instead of one long stretch of sleep at night, rabbits take many short naps throughout the day and night. According to BunnyLady.com, rabbits average about 8 hours of sleep a day – sometimes more, if they feel especially safe and relaxed.

Bunnies are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk​ bunnylady.com. They tend to nap off and on during midday and also catch periodic sleep at night, rather than sleeping straight through. This is why your rabbit might seem to be awake often – they’re taking lots of “bunny power naps”!

Another thing that makes rabbit sleep unique is their sleeping positions. A rabbit might curl up into a comfortable “loaf” position (with feet tucked under and ears relaxed) or sprawl out on its belly. Some rabbits even perform an adorable “flop,” where they suddenly roll onto their side and lie still.

Don’t be surprised if you catch your bunny twitching their paws or whiskers a bit – like many animals, rabbits can dream during REM sleep and might have slight jerky movements while sleeping​ smallpetselect.com.

Why Do Rabbits Sleep with Their Eyes Open?

So, why would a bunny snooze with its eyes wide open? The main reason is instinct and survival. In the wild, rabbits are prey animals. They developed the ability to doze off without closing their eyes as a defense mechanism to stay alert for danger​ rabbit.org. A rabbit’s eyes have a special adaptation: a thin, transparent third eyelid (called the nictitating membrane) that acts like built-in “goggles.”

This third eyelid can cover the eye while still allowing some vision. Thanks to it, rabbits can keep their eyes moist and protected without having to fully shut their eyelids​ bunnylady.com. In fact, rabbits blink far less often than humans do – only about 12 times per hour – and it doesn’t harm their eyes​ rabbit.org.

When a rabbit sleeps with its eyes open, it can still detect movement and changes in light around it. The eyes’ light receptors keep sending signals to the brain, even as the bunny snoozes​ bunnylady.com. This means if a predator (or anything surprising) comes near, the rabbit can wake up and react much faster than if its eyes were closed. It had to wake and then open them​ rabbit.org.

It’s basically a built-in alarm system! Wild rabbits heavily rely on this trick to survive. Even our domestic pet rabbits have retained this instinct. According to the House Rabbit Society, sleeping with eyes open is a common survival tactic for bunnies​ rabbit.org. They’ve evolved to be light sleepers who can spring into action at a moment’s notice.

Does this mean your pet is always on high alert?

Not necessarily. Many pet bunnies still sleep with their eyes open simply out of inherited instinct, even when they’re in a safe home. However, rabbits will close their eyes to sleep when they feel very secure and comfortable​ bunnylady.com. If your rabbit trusts its environment (and you), you might catch it fully closing its eyes during a deep sleep. Seeing a bunny sleep with eyes shut is a great sign that they feel safe.

Signs Your Rabbit is Sleeping

How can you tell if your rabbit is actually sleeping, especially when those eyes are open? There are a few tell-tale signs to look for:

Watch the nose

Rabbits twitch their noses frequently when awake. If you notice your bunny’s nose slowing down or not wiggling at all, they are likely asleep​ bunnylady.com. A stationary nose (or very slow occasional twitch) is a strong indicator your rabbit is in dreamland.

Slow breathing

Look closely at your rabbit’s sides. When asleep, their breathing becomes slower and more even. You might see their flanks gently rise and fall at a relaxed pace.

Unresponsive at first

A sleeping rabbit might not respond immediately to minor noises or your approach. Be gentle – if they’re fast asleep, they may startle if suddenly touched. Try calling their name softly or making a slight noise. A sleeping bunny will wake up a bit more slowly (but still pretty quick compared to us). If they immediately snap to attention at every tiny sound, they might have just been resting but awake.

Half-closed eyelids

Some rabbits will partially close their eyes when napping. You might notice their eyes look a bit droopy or you might even see the cloudy third eyelid covering part of the eye. This can make it look like they’re staring off or in a trance – a good sign they’re snoozing. In other cases, the eyes stay open, but with that distant “1000-yard stare.”

Twitching during dreams

Just like dogs or cats, rabbits can dream. If your bunny’s paws, ears, or facial muscles give a tiny twitch or their whiskers wiggle while they’re otherwise still, they are probably in a deep sleep dreaming. They might even make a soft grunting or mumbling noise (rare, but some owners report cute squeaks or snoring from dreaming bunnies!).

Do All Rabbits Sleep This Way?

Do all rabbits sleep with their eyes open? The behavior is common, but it depends on the individual rabbit and the situation. Almost all rabbits can sleep with eyes open thanks to their anatomy. However, whether they actually do it often will vary:

Comfort level

The more secure and relaxed a rabbit feels, the more likely it is to close its eyes when sleeping. Many rabbits will only sleep with their eyes closed if they feel very safe and comfortable in their environment​ bunnylady.com. For instance, a bunny that has become completely at ease in a loving home might start shutting its eyes for naps, showing total trust. In contrast, a rabbit that’s more on edge or still adapting to a new home may keep eyes open all the time, ready to react.

Habituation

Some pet rabbits get into the habit of sleeping with eyes open out of routine, even if there’s no real danger. It’s what their wild ancestors did, so they might do it by default. Other bunnies, especially those who are well-socialized and used to a calm household, might drop the habit and frequently indulge in closed-eye snoozes.

Age and health

Very young rabbits (baby kits) initially sleep with eyes closed – in fact, baby rabbits are born with eyes sealed shut for the first week or two of life. As they grow, they develop the ability to sleep with eyes open. Older rabbits that are confident might not bother keeping eyes open as much. Health can play a role too; if a rabbit is ill or extremely tired, it may close its eyes more because the drive for deep rest overrides caution.

Lighting and environment

If the room is brightly lit, a rabbit might half-close its eyelids or use the third eyelid to shield against light while napping. In a darker, quiet room, you might catch them fully asleep with eyes closed. Rabbits in outdoor hutches or in busy environments may keep eyes open more just because there’s more stimuli around.

In general, most rabbits will often appear to sleep with their eyes open, but they are capable of closing them – and many do at least some of the time. Don’t be alarmed if your bunny never seems to shut its eyes. Over time, as trust grows, you may notice them closing eyes more often.

If you are lucky enough to see your rabbit sleeping with eyes closed, take it as a compliment – it means your pet feels super safe! But if they keep them open, that’s okay too. They’re just being a bunny.

Should You Be Concerned?

Seeing your pet rabbit seemingly never closing its eyes can be a bit disconcerting. The good news is that in most cases, you should not be concerned at all. Sleeping with their eyes open is a natural behavior for rabbits and does not harm them. Their eyes aren’t drying out or hurting because, as mentioned, the third eyelid keeps them protected and moist. This means your bunny can sleep open-eyed without any negative effect on eye health​ rabbit.org. So, you generally don’t need to worry about this quirk.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your rabbit is happy and healthy:

Make sure they are actually sleeping at times

If your rabbit seems to be constantly alert and never relaxes, stress could be a factor. Most rabbits will take naps (even if you can’t easily tell). If yours truly never appears to rest, double-check their environment for things that might be bothering them (loud noises, other pets, not enough hiding space, etc.). A rabbit that is afraid or stressed might stay alert and sleep less. This isn’t about the eyes open specifically, but overall rest. Rabbits need their ~8 hours of sleep to stay healthy, so a continually anxious rabbit might not be getting enough Z’s.

Look for other signs of contentment

Eyes open during sleep is fine, but you want to see that at other times your bunny does show relaxed, happy body language (like “pancaking” on the floor comfortably, doing the occasional binky jump, eating well, and grooming themselves). These signs mean your rabbit is generally doing well. If the rabbit is always tense or hiding, you might need to work on making them feel safer (see next section).

Don’t startle a sleeping rabbit

Because rabbits can wake so suddenly, a startled bunny might kick or bolt which can injure them or you. If you think your rabbit is asleep (eyes open or not), try to announce yourself gently. You can softly say their name or rustle some hay, so they wake up calmly. This way you won’t scare the daylights out of your dozing friend.

Watch for eye issues unrelated to sleep

The act of sleeping with eyes open itself isn’t a problem, but you should still routinely check that your rabbit’s eyes are clear, bright, and free of discharge. If you notice redness, constant watering, or swelling, those could be signs of an eye infection or other issue (unrelated to the sleeping habit). In such cases, consult a rabbit-savvy vet. Also, if your rabbit is keeping one or both eyes open because they physically can’t close them or won’t close one eye, that could indicate injury – again, a vet visit is warranted. But this is very different from the normal open-eye snoozing behavior.

Appreciate the flop–

Many new owners are concerned the first time their rabbit does a dramatic flop and lies still with eyes open. It can look like the rabbit fainted or even died. If this happens but then you notice gentle breathing, your rabbit is fine – just in deep sleep. Once you know to expect it, the flop pose becomes one of the most endearing (and funny) things about having a rabbit. It’s a sign of trust. So, don’t panic; grab a camera!

In summary, a rabbit sleeping with its eyes open is usually nothing to fret over. It’s one of those quirky rabbit behaviors that might seem odd to us but is second nature to them. As long as your bunny is getting enough rest and feels secure, you can let them enjoy their naps however they like. If you ever have concerns about your rabbit’s sleeping patterns or health, though, it’s best to consult your vet for peace of mind. Otherwise, rest assured (pun intended) that your open-eyed sleeper is doing exactly what rabbits are meant to do.

How to Make Your Rabbit Feel Safe

One way to possibly encourage your rabbit to sometimes close its eyes (and simply to ensure they’re happy) is to make them feel safe and secure in their environment. Here are some tips on creating a comfort zone for your bunny:

Provide a cozy hideaway

In the wild, rabbits sleep in burrows or enclosed spaces where they feel protected. You can mimic this by giving your rabbit a “bedroom” area that’s dark, quiet, and enclosed – like a wooden hidey box, a small pet tent, or a covered part of their cage. Having a safe hideout can help your rabbit relax deeply. In fact, if they have a burrow-like spot with soft bedding, they’re more likely to get into a good sleep routine and feel at ease ​smallpetselect.com. Try lining a pet house or a corner of their enclosure with hay or a soft blanket to make it extra inviting.

Keep the noise down

Rabbits are easily startled by loud sudden noises. During your rabbit’s main rest periods (often late morning to afternoon, and late night), try to keep the household calm. For example, locate their enclosure in a quieter part of the house if possible. This doesn’t mean you need to tiptoe all day – rabbits can adapt to normal household sounds – but be mindful of things like vacuum cleaners, shouting, or a blaring TV right next to their sleeping spot.

Maintain a routine

Bunnies love predictability. Feeding, playtime, and bedtime around the same times each day help a rabbit know when it’s “safe” to relax. If they know, for instance, that after a certain hour the house is dark and quiet, they’ll feel more secure to close their eyes and snooze. Try to stick to a regular schedule for interacting with your rabbit and give them plenty of undisturbed quiet time each day.

Bond with your rabbit

Spend time earning your rabbit’s trust. Sit with them, speak softly, offer treats by hand, and gently pet them (if they enjoy petting). As your rabbit becomes more comfortable with you, they’ll feel safer in your presence. A rabbit that trusts its human may flop down and sleep openly even when you’re in the room – the ultimate sign of feeling safe. Building a bond takes patience, but it’s very rewarding. (For more on creating a great environment and bond, see our guide on how to care for a pet bunny rabbit, which covers housing and socialization tips.)

Consider a companion

Rabbits are social animals. If feasible, having a second rabbit (properly bonded) can make both rabbits feel more secure. They often take cues from each other. A confident bunny can teach a more nervous one that it’s okay to relax. They may even sleep cuddled up together. Of course, adding a new rabbit requires careful introduction – but it’s something to think about if your single rabbit seems lonely or anxious.

Ensure their needs are met

A rabbit that is hungry, cold, or uncomfortable won’t sleep soundly. Make sure your bunny’s basic needs are covered. They should have ample hay and water, a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold), and a clean, spacious enclosure. Pain or illness can also prevent a rabbit from relaxing. Keeping up with regular vet check-ups and being alert to any signs of discomfort will help your rabbit feel their best. A healthy rabbit is a happier, calmer rabbit.

Be patient with new rabbits

If you have a new pet rabbit, they might not feel safe enough to fully relax for a few weeks. It’s a big adjustment coming into a new home. Provide hiding spots, give them space, and avoid handling them too much at first. Let them come to you when ready. Over time, you’ll likely notice them gradually stretching out more and sleeping more deeply as they realize they’re in a safe place.

By following these tips, you create a secure environment where your rabbit can truly rest. You might even start to catch your bunny sleeping with eyes blissfully closed from time to time! But even if not, a safe and happy rabbit will display other signs of contentment (purring tooth clicks, playful behavior, etc.). Remember, a key part of rabbit care is providing a stress-free, rabbit-friendly home – something we emphasize in all our pet care guides. Your efforts will be rewarded with a trusting, relaxed pet.

Places to Learn More About Rabbits

Hands-on learning and exposure to rabbits can be a great way for families (especially kids) to understand these animals better. If you’re in the U.S., there are some wonderful rabbit-themed attractions and education centers you can visit. Here are two notable places where you and your children can learn more about rabbits, see them up close, and even get some expert insights:

1. Clark’s Elioak Farm – Ellicott City, MD

Location

Ellicott City, Maryland (about 20 minutes west of Baltimore).

Open Hours

Seasonal (Spring through Fall). Typically, open April–November, Tuesday–Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, and weekends 10 AM to 5:30 PM ​clarklandfarm.com. (Closed in winter months and on most Mondays.)

Review Summary

Clark’s Elioak Farm is a family-friendly petting farm known for its gentle animals and storybook charm. Visitors consistently rate it around 4.5/5 stars for its welcoming atmosphere. Kids love petting the bunnies, feeding farm animals, and exploring the Enchanted Forest attractions (fairy tale displays relocated from an old theme park).

Parents often praise the farm as “a perfect day outing for young children” with plenty of open space and a relaxed vibe. It’s described as clean, safe, and educational – a place where children can learn about farm animals (including rabbits) in a fun, hands-on way.

Phone Number

(410) 730-4049 ​clarklandfarm.com. It’s a good idea to call or check their website before visiting, as hours can vary with seasons and weather.

Directions

From Baltimore, MD, take I-70 west toward Ellicott City and exit onto MD-108/Clarksville Pike. The farm is located at 10500 Clarksville Pike ​clarklandfarm.com, about 5 miles from downtown Ellicott City. It’s an easy drive from the city – roughly a 30-minute trip from Baltimore. Look for the signs for Clark’s Elioak Farm on MD-108; there’s a big green barn and entrance visible from the road. Plenty of free parking is available on-site.

Clark’s Elioak Farm not only lets you see and pet rabbits, but you can also talk to the staff about how they care for their bunnies. It’s a great interactive way for kids to learn simple facts, like what rabbits eat and how they live on a farm. It’s an enjoyable learning adventure for any rabbit enthusiast.

2. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Bunny House) – Kanab, UT

Location

Kanab, Utah (southwestern Utah). The sanctuary is located at 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741 – nestled in the beautiful red rock canyon country.

Open Hours

The sanctuary is open to visitors year-round, seven days a week. The Bunny House, which is the dedicated area for domestic rabbits (and some guinea pigs), offers guided tours daily at 2:00 PM​ bestfriends.org. Each tour lasts about 30 minutes and lets you meet the bunnies and learn about their care. Visitors can also do self-guided driving tours of the larger sanctuary during daylight hours. It’s recommended to schedule tours in advance via the Best Friends website.

Review Summary

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is often called “the happiest place on earth for animals.” It’s the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary and has a world-renowned reputation. Reviews from visitors are glowing – many give it 5 stars for the inspiring and educational experience. Visitors love the hands-on aspect of the tours (you might get to pet a calm bunny or observe feeding time) and frequently mention how friendly and informative the guides are. The entire sanctuary has a serene, compassionate atmosphere.

People leave with a deeper understanding of rabbits and other rescued pets. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, “If you love animals, this place is fantastic. The tour was informative and fun the dedication of the staff is amazing.” It’s an eye-opening visit that both kids and adults remember for years.

Phone Number

(435) 644-2001 (main sanctuary contact). You can call for information about tours, volunteering, or directions. The staff can advise on the best times to visit the Bunny House and any special COVID policies or requirements in effect.

Directions

Kanab, UT is the nearest town (the sanctuary is about 5 miles north of Kanab). From Kanab, simply drive north on US Highway 89. The entrance to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary will be on the right side, clearly marked by a large sign, after approximately a 10-minute drive ​bestfriends.org. (It’s located between mile markers 69 and 70 on Highway 89 in Angel Canyon.) Once you turn in, follow the road about 1.5 miles to reach the Welcome Center.

If you’re coming from farther away: from Las Vegas, NV it’s roughly a 4-hour drive northeast; from St. George, UT it’s about 1.5 hours east. The scenery is gorgeous, so the drive is enjoyable. Detailed directions from various cities are available on the Best Friends website. Kanab itself is a small city, so amenities are limited but you’ll find gas stations and restaurants there. Best Friends also has a visitor center in town and offers lodging options if you plan an overnight trip.

Visiting the Best Friends Bunny House is an incredible way to learn about rabbits on a deeper level. Unlike a petting zoo, this is a working sanctuary – home to rabbits that have been rescued from various situations. You and your family can hear stories of these bunnies, see how they behave in their enriched environment, and even discover facts from staff about things like rabbit body language and sleeping habits.

The sanctuary setting also teaches respect for animals: it shows how providing a safe, caring environment allows rabbits to thrive. If you’re on a road trip through Utah or specifically interested in animal welfare, this is a must-visit destination. Plus, the surrounding canyon is absolutely beautiful for a family outing. By the end of your visit, you’ll likely have a newfound appreciation for bunnies (and possibly a desire to adopt one!).

Final Thoughts

Rabbits are amazing creatures with some traits that can puzzle us – like their ability to sleep with their eyes open. Now you know that this quirky behavior is a result of natural instinct and clever anatomy, not a cause for alarm. Your bunny isn’t sleep-deprived or staring into space; they’re catching their naps in their own special way. By understanding how and why rabbits sleep the way they do, you’re better equipped to care for your pet and ensure they feel secure. Remember that a happy rabbit might still nap with eyes open, and that’s perfectly okay.

Lastly, continue learning and engaging with the rabbit community. Whether through visiting educational places like farms or sanctuaries or reading trustworthy rabbit care resources (like House Rabbit Society or PetMD), staying informed will help you be the best bunny parent you can be. We hope this article has answered your question about rabbits sleeping with their eyes open and given your insight into your pet’s world. With patience and love, you’ll see that your rabbit has many interesting behaviors, and each one – even sleeping with open eyes – is part of what makes them such delightful and unique pets.

You can visit our Pet Buddies Care website for getting more pet related blogs and products.

Final tip: next time you catch your bunny “wide-awake asleep,” snap a cute photo – it’s one of those only-a-rabbit moments that never gets old! Sweet dreams to you and your bunny.