Do Rabbits Shut Their Eyes When They Sleep?

Have you ever wondered why your rabbit’s eyes are open when it’s sleeping? Those creepy open eyes definitely look like your bunny is awake and watching you! But don’t be alarmed – open eyes during sleep are perfectly normal for rabbits. Join us as we dive into the mysterious world of lagomorph sleep behaviors. We’ll explore why rabbits snooze with peepers wide open and how their unique biology allows this. You’ll learn the secrets to spotting true rabbit REM cycles versus just resting. We’ll also demystify the difference between sleeping with open eyes versus intense staring directly at you. So get ready to hop down the rabbit hole to discover the truth about your bunny’s sleep habits!

Do Rabbits Have a Third Eyelid?

Yes, rabbits have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane. This translucent third eyelid sits inside the eye and helps keep the eye lubricated and protected. When needed, it can slide across the eye to remove debris or distribute tears.

The nictitating membrane is common in many animals, including birds, reptiles, fish and some mammals. In rabbits, it sits in the inside corner of the eye and extends across the eye when needed. It provides additional protection and lubrication to the sensitive eyeball.

When a rabbit is sleeping, the nictitating membrane may partially cover the eye. This helps prevent the eye from drying out during sleep. However, when rabbits sleep, the nictitating membrane usually does not fully cover the eye.

Some key facts about a rabbit's third eyelid:

It is made of translucent cartilage and thin tissue. This allows some light to pass through.
It contains tear glands that release fluid to lubricate the eye.
Small muscles control the movement of the third eyelid across the eye.
It does not fully close off the eye, but provides a protective filter.
Its position can help indicate illness or eye injury in a rabbit. A protruding third eyelid may indicate a problem.
Most rabbits have a third eyelid, however some breeds may have very small or minimal nictitating membranes.
Sometimes called the haw, inner eyelid, or inner lid.

So in summary, yes rabbits do have a third translucent eyelid that can slide across the eye. However, it usually remains only partially covering the eye during sleep. It provides moisture and protection without fully blocking vision.

Do Rabbits Sleep with Their Eyes Open or Closed?

Rabbits often sleep with their eyes partially open. It is rare to see a sleeping rabbit with completely closed eyes. An open eye, even just a slit, is normal for a sleeping rabbit.

There are a few reasons rabbits tend to sleep with their eyes open:

As prey animals, rabbits want to stay alert to danger even when sleeping. Keeping their eyes open allows awareness of threats.
The cornea can dry out if a rabbit's eyes are fully closed for too long. Keeping the eyes partially open provides needed oxygen and lubrication.
Rabbits have a light sleep cycle where they can easily wake if threatened. Open eyes aids this ability to rapidly rouse.
A translucent third eyelid provides moisture and protection for the exposed eye during rabbit sleep.

However, there are exceptions. Some sleeping rabbits, especially deeply sleeping ones, may close their eyes fully. And baby rabbits tend to sleep with eyes closed more than adults.

While open eyes are normal during sleep, a rabbit with fully bulging eyes may indicate a health problem. The eyes should not be protruding or swollen. Just a slit of visible eye and slight eye movement is standard for sleeping rabbits.

Signs that a sleeping rabbit is comfortable and content:

Eyes lightly closed or partially open in a relaxed expression
Head tucked down into body
Lying on side with legs relaxed

So in summary, yes, rabbits predominantly sleep with eyes open or only lightly closed. This allows them to stay aware of threats. But some deep sleeping and young rabbits may show fully closed eyes. Open, exposed eyes are normal for sleeping rabbits.

How Do I Know if My Rabbit is Sleeping?

Rabbits have some clear signs and behaviors that indicate sound sleep versus just resting:

Closed or partially closed eyes – However, be aware rabbits normally sleep with eyes open. Complete eye closure is rare. Just a slit of visible eyeball is normal.
Steady, relaxed breathing – Chest movement is regular versus rapid during wakefulness.
Lack of body tension – Spine and legs appear lax versus upright/tense when awake.
No response to stimuli – Light sounds or movement should not provoke a reaction.
Lying down on side – Usually stretched out fully versus just sitting still when awake.
Rhythmic motions – Some sleeping rabbits make small motions like twitching whiskers, ears or paws.
Loud snoring or tooth grinding – Signs of deep REM sleep.
Lack of alertness – A sleeping rabbit will not interact with environment like an awake rabbit.

The level of sleep can vary:

Light sleep – Easily woken up, may raise head and become alert when stimulated.
Deep sleep – Difficult to rouse, remains still when stimulated.
REM sleep – Eye motions and muscle twitches seen during deep dreaming sleep.

Rabbits need a mix of light and deep sleep. An average of 8-9 hours of sleep per day is typical. Unlike humans who sleep in one long block at night, rabbits get sleep in shorter cycles throughout a 24 hour period.

So look for a relaxed body posture, steady breathing, closed or partially open eyes, lack of reaction to stimuli and rhythmic motions to identify a sleeping rabbit versus one that is merely resting quietly. Rabbits display less defined sleep cues than some other pets, but observant owners can learn a rabbit's individual sleep behaviors.

Rabbit Asleep with Eyes Open vs. Staring at Me

It can sometimes be challenging for owners to determine if their rabbit is sleeping with eyes open or awake and staring at them. Here are some tips:

Look at the eyes – Sleeping eyes, even open, tend to have a "zone out" relaxed appearance versus focused stare of alert rabbit.
Check for eye motions – Small rhythmic eye movements mean REM sleep versus fixed stare when awake.
Note the body posture – Loosely curled up body indicates sleep versus tense/upright when staring.
Check for ambient reactions – An alert rabbit will react to surrounding stimuli versus a sleeping rabbit.
Try interacting – A sleeping rabbit won't respond when you quietly approach or speak versus a staring rabbit.
Consider timing – Rabbits often sleep at night versus more active/staring behavior during day.
Watch breathing – Steady, slow breaths signify sleep rather than quicker breaths when awake.
Look for facial tension – Relaxed face muscles versus tensed muscles if awake and staring.

It is important to accurately determine sleeping versus staring because you don't want to disturb needed rabbit sleep. Also, a staring or fearful rabbit may need reassurance versus a sleeping rabbit that should be left undisturbed.

If uncertain, quietly observe your rabbit’s posture, facial expressions and reactions to better conclude whether your rabbit is sleeping with eyes open or intensely staring at you or stimuli in the environment. Over time, you will learn your individual rabbit’s sleep behaviors.

References:

https://rabbitbreeders.us/questions-and-answers/do-rabbits-shut-their-eyes-when-they-sleep/
https://www.onlinerabbitcare.com/questions-and-answers/do-rabbits-shut-their-eyes-when-they-sleep/