Daylight Dilemma

[vanalisa]

I have fallen into a sleep cycle the opposite from "normal."
Desperately trying rying to correct this.
I'm worried about my fish.
Are they wonky now?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

What do you mean? As in you go to bed/wake up at drastically different times varying from day to day?

 

[Abaddon]

I actually have a similar problem. I go to sleep very late and wake up very late, have been for a very long time. Tbh as long as the fish get a clear day/night cycle it doesn't matter to them what time you switch the lights on and off. What's important is that they get a few hours of light and a few hours of dark every day. I'm not sure exactly what the consequences would be of not doing that, but I imagine it might mess with their metabolism or immunity in the long run. Even if your fish are confused or stressed (not sure what you mean by "wonky"), they should recover once you return to a more regular schedule.

 

[FishGuest5123]

I have also been off on my sleep due to stress and a sick husband. I stay up late and then sleep later than I should in the morning. I just turn the fish lights on when I get up and then turn them off 10-12 hours later. I was worried about them getting fed later in the morning but they are willing to eat any time.

 

[vanalisa]

What do you mean? As in you go to bed/wake up at drastically different times varying from day to day?

Yes, somewhat. This could describe it.
More accurately, I have taken to sleeping mostly all day and up all night. With variences in-between.

 

[vanalisa]

I have also been off on my sleep due to stress and a sick husband. I stay up late and then sleep later than I should in the morning. I just turn the fish lights on when I get up and then turn them off 10-12 hours later. I was worried about them getting fed later in the morning but they are willing to eat any time.

So, as long as they have the equal amounts of light and dark...?
When I go to feed the minnows, they dont seem to respond to faood as mi j as normal. They are also in a well-lit room. If I go to feed rhem at night, they seem quite paralyzed and appear to be "sleeping. "

 

[vanalisa]

I actually have a similar problem. I go to sleep very late and wake up very late, have been for a very long time. Tbh as long as the fish get a clear day/night cycle it doesn't matter to them what time you switch the lights on and off. What's important is that they get a few hours of light and a few hours of dark every day. I'm not sure exactly what the consequences would be of not doing that, but I imagine it might mess with their metabolism or immunity in the long run. Even if your fish are confused or stressed (not sure what you mean by "wonky"), they should recover once you return to a more regular schedule.

I guess I just need to adjust my schedule slowly, and maybe they will follow along.
The ones I am most concerned about are my monnows which are in a bright room in the daytime, then I go to feed them, turn on the light and they seem "frozen"

Also my Pea Puffer seems less responsive to night-time stimulus. Usually he would be ready to go when I get the ligjts on in the am. Now he just seems to hide when I turn on the lights at night.

I'm worried I've messed them up.

 

[FishGuest5123]

So, as long as they have the equal amounts of light and dark...?
When I go to feed the minnows, they dont seem to respond to faood as mi j as normal. They are also in a well-lit room. If I go to feed rhem at night, they seem quite paralyzed and appear to be "sleeping. "

Mine are in a fish room with blinds closed and overhead light only on when I’m in there. The lights from the tanks light the room enough though. I make a point to turn the tank lights off by about 8:00PM. Most are actually on timers so they get the same amount of light no matter what. The ones that aren’t on timer still get relatively same amount of natural daylight anyway.

 

[Naughts]

I have fallen into a sleep cycle the opposite from "normal."
Desperately trying rying to correct this.
I'm worried about my fish.
Are they wonky now?

It is more important that you get a better sleep cycle. I know the world is upside down right now. Do you get a minimum of half an hour outdoors in daylight to ensure you have some vitamin D? The daylight exposure will also let your brain know when you should be awake/ sleeping.
Keep working on it and let us know how you are.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes, somewhat. This could describe it.
More accurately, I have taken to sleeping mostly all day and up all night. With variences in-between.

First off, you really should try to get a solid sleep schedule.

Secondly, if you are becoming “nocturnal”, then turn your fish lights off at day and on at night. The natural light coming in your room will suffice during the day. Just make sure they get at least 10-12 hours of light. (Specifically for your plants)

 

[Abaddon]

If there is any light coming into the tank during the day, and then you switch the lamps on again at night, then yes, I could see how this might confuse them. If the room is bright during the day then the fish won't sleep, and they need their rest just like we do. You can remedy this by covering the tank up during the day (with a blanket or something), or keeping the blinds down etc. Fish can be quite sensitive even to minimal amounts of light. My betta would be kept up on occassion just by the light from my laptop and a small bedside lamp.
It sounds like the minnows might be a bit stressed by the constant light. That said though, once you get your sleep schedule back on track they should recover.

 

[vanalisa]

It is more important that you get a better sleep cycle. I know the world is upside down right now. Do you get a minimum of half an hour outdoors in daylight to ensure you have some vitamin D? The daylight exposure will also let your brain know when you should be awake/ sleeping.
Keep working on it and let us know how you are.

Thank you. No, I haven't been going out. The weather is warming, then cooling, then warming up here in Dallas.
I do need to go outside. Always happiest there. ?

 

[vanalisa]

Thanks, everybody.
@Deanasue
@PheonixKingZ
@Abaddon
@Naughts
I read back, wow the typos! Glad you all could figure it out!

I think I will cover the minnows at night. They are in a studio with skylights so are good on daytime, but nighttime there are outside lights on.
I do need to correct my schedule, though It's been an especially sleepy week. I have a bad Upper Respiratory infection and have been down day and night
I guess those things can wipe you out.
Glad it wasn't the Covid virus.

I did manage to get a WC in for everyone...it was a big production!
Oh, and I found a blue-eyed fry ♡

 

[FishGuest5123]

Thanks, everybody.
@Deanasue
@PheonixKingZ
@Abaddon
@Naughts
I read back, wow the typos! Glad you all could figure it out!

I think I will cover the minnows at night. They are in a studio with skylights so are good on daytime, but nighttime there are outside lights on.
I do need to correct my schedule, though It's been an especially sleepy week. I have a bad Upper Respiratory infection and have been down day and night
I guess those things can wipe you out.
Glad it wasn't the Covid virus.

I did manage to get a WC in for everyone...it was a big production!
Oh, and I found a blue-eyed fry ♡

Awww. So sweet. Hope you’re feeling better.

 

[Naughts]

I do need to go outside. Always happiest there. ?

Even more reason to go out. Wrap up really warm and go sit outside for a few minutes today. Make it a little longer each day. When your health improves, start to take short walks instead.

@Colin_T could probably tell you more but different daylight (dusk etc.) Triggers brain hormones that help you be sleepy or alert at the right times. Good luck!