Should basking lights stay on overnight?
Written by
John Williams
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.Turtles should have a normal light-dark cycle. Basking lights should never be left on overnight, and they should have a dark period to rest properly overnight. The right cycle can help to keep their immune system healthy and keep them from suffering from chronic stress.
Darkness Benefits
- Triggers natural melatonin production for immune health
- Allows full digestive system rest after daytime basking
- Prevents chronic stress from constant light exposure
- Supports natural circadian rhythms
Temperature Management
- Water heaters maintain safe nighttime temperatures
- Basking areas cool naturally during dark periods
- Mimics natural environmental temperature drops
- Prevents dangerous overheating during rest
Health Risks Prevention
- Avoids sleep deprivation and immune suppression
- Prevents eye strain and retinal damage
- Reduces metabolic disorders from constant activity
- Minimizes stress-induced appetite loss
Utilize dependable timers to automate your lighting schedules. Set basking lights for 10-12 hours of daylight that imitate natural photoperiods. Total darkness should last 10-12 hours overnight. You can always use gradual dimming or a 30-minute twilight period to mimic dawn/dusk lights, which alleviates stress on reptiles.
Turtles in captivity under continuous light conditions also suffer horrific side effects. They develop sleep deprivation, which shuts down immune response, eye damage due to constant exposure to UV light, and those who fail to follow this exhibit profound metabolic disorders resulting from disrupted digestive cycles. Ensure that your turtle is provided with continuous darkness, similar to what they experience in their natural environment.
Read the full article: 10 Best Turtle Basking Platforms
