KidZone Animals
Chameleons: Sleep

Chameleon Claps Hands
Chameleon Clasps Hands
Photographer: Angela GS; License CC BY 2.0

Chameleons sleep where they like to. Often, they like to stay put in one place for a very long time. Their highly movable eyes allow them to stay seated on a branch or pile of leaves for a long time, so when they can find time during the day to close their eyes, they usually just fall asleep in place.

Chameleon
Chameleon
Photographer: David Bruce; License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Some species of chameleon like to use leaves and brush to protect themselves from predators while they sleep, while others climb up branches using their impressive hooked feet to ensure their safety. Because almost all species of chameleon need two types of light each day, they will sleep at odd hours to make sure they are getting their proper nutrition!