So yes, turtles do sleep underwater. Species such as painted turtles, map turtles, sliders, mud turtles, musk turtles all sleep underwater. ... Most aquatic turtles sleep underwater for 4 to 7 hours. During this time, the turtle will surface for a moment, replenish their air supply and resume their sleep.

How long can painted turtles stay underwater?

Red Eared Sliders can spend 20 – 30 minutes underwater without taking a breath. Box Turtles can hold their breath 15 – 30 minutes. Painted Turtles can stay underwater for many hours.

Where do painted turtles sleep at night?

Painted turtles bury themselves in sand or mud at the bottom of a pond to sleep, absorbing oxygen from the water.