Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In some wireless communications systems, a user equipment (UE) may receive control signaling indicating a configuration for performing a sidelink discontinuous reception procedure, where the configuration indicates a duration of a timer associated with an active duration for the first UE to receive sidelink retransmissions during the sidelink discontinuous reception procedure. The UE may then receive a first sidelink communication including data and may, in some cases, transmit feedback requesting a retransmission of the data. The UE may then receive second sidelink communication including the retransmitted data. Prior to receiving the second sidelink communication including the retransmitted data, the UE may initiate the timer according to the configuration. Thus, the UE may be in an active mode to receive the second sidelink communication.