diff --git a/openhands/security/invariant/analyzer.py b/openhands/security/invariant/analyzer.py
index bba78e4ace..a9548857c6 100644
--- a/openhands/security/invariant/analyzer.py
+++ b/openhands/security/invariant/analyzer.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 # Unless you are working on deprecation, please avoid extending this legacy file and consult the V1 codepaths above.
 # Tag: Legacy-V0
 import re
+import time
 import uuid
 from typing import Any
 
@@ -71,15 +72,16 @@ class InvariantAnalyzer(SecurityAnalyzer):
         else:
             self.container = running_containers[0]
 
-        elapsed = 0
+        start_time = time.time()
         while self.container.status != 'running':
             self.container = self.docker_client.containers.get(self.container_name)
-            elapsed += 1
+            elapsed = time.time() - start_time
             logger.debug(
-                f'waiting for container to start: {elapsed}, container status: {self.container.status}'
+                f'waiting for container to start: {elapsed:.1f}s, container status: {self.container.status}'
             )
             if elapsed > self.timeout:
                 break
+            time.sleep(0.5)
 
         self.api_port = int(
             self.container.attrs['NetworkSettings']['Ports']['8000/tcp'][0]['HostPort']