Does breast milk at night have melatonin in it?

The Presence of Melatonin in Nighttime Breast Milk
Breast milk is not just a source of nutrition for infants; it also plays a crucial role in regulating their sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. One of the key components that varies in breast milk throughout the day is melatonin, a hormone known for its sleep-inducing properties.
Research indicates that melatonin is indeed present in breast milk, with its levels exhibiting a pronounced circadian rhythm. Specifically, the concentration of melatonin is significantly higher in milk produced at night compared to that produced during the day. Studies have shown that nighttime breast milk can peak in melatonin levels around 3 AM, while daytime milk contains barely detectable amounts of this hormone . This fluctuation suggests that the timing of breastfeeding can influence an infant’s sleep patterns.
The Role of Melatonin in Infant Sleep
The presence of melatonin in nighttime breast milk is believed to help infants establish their sleep-wake cycles. As melatonin promotes sleep and digestion, the higher levels found in evening milk may assist babies in falling asleep more easily and potentially sleeping for longer periods. This is particularly important in the early months of life when establishing a healthy sleep routine is crucial for both the infant’s development and the parents’ well-being.
Moreover, the composition of breast milk is tailored to the needs of the infant at different times of the day. Morning milk is rich in cortisol, a hormone that promotes alertness, while evening milk is designed to encourage sleep. This natural variation in breast milk composition underscores the biological sophistication of breastfeeding, as it aligns with the infant’s circadian rhythms.
Implications for Breastfeeding PracticesBreast Milk and Melatonin
Yes, breast milk produced at night does contain higher levels of melatonin compared to breast milk produced during the day. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that plays a key role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle.
The concentration of melatonin in breast milk follows a distinct circadian pattern, with levels peaking around 3 AM and being virtually undetectable during the day. This suggests that the melatonin in nighttime breast milk may help entrain the infant’s developing circadian rhythm and promote better sleep.
In contrast, morning breast milk tends to be higher in cortisol, a hormone that promotes alertness. This “mistimed” feeding of daytime and nighttime hormones could potentially disrupt an infant’s sleep-wake cycle.
Overall, the presence of melatonin in nighttime breast milk is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps synchronize the infant’s circadian rhythms with the mother’s, providing important developmental benefits for the baby.

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?

You’re right, it is supply and demand so yes, eventually you’ll stop producing as much milk at night but if you’re still consistently nursing during the day then your body will continue to produce milk at those times.

Is there something in breast milk that helps babies sleep?

Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep. Infants cannot produce this hormone on their own and rely on the secretion in breast milk to help regulate their circadian rhythms.

Does 4am breast milk have melatonin?

Breast milk clearly exhibits a 24-hour pattern, with melatonin concentrations high during the evening and night (starting about 9pm and peaking between 2 and 3am) but are barely detectable in daytime milk. Infants are not born with an established circadian rhythm; it develops after three to four months.

Does breast milk pumped at night have melatonin?

In one highly cited study, reported melatonin concentrations in milk were beyond the limit of detection (<43 pmol/L) during the day but 99 ± 26 pmol/L during the night.

Does breast milk at night make baby sleep?

Your morning breast milk has a hormone called cortisol in it, which helps babies become alert and awake during the day. And your breast milk in the evening is high in a hormone called melatonin (aka the sleep hormone), which helps the baby fall asleep.

Why do breastfed babies sleep better at night?

Breastmilk at night
For most mothers, breastmilk will gradually increase in fat content throughout the day. During the evening, young babies often cluster feed, taking in frequent feeds of this fattier milk, which tends to satisfy them enough to have their longest stretch of sleep.

How long does melatonin stay in breastmilk?

They studied melatonin concentrations in the expressed breastmilk from 13 women after the milk was frozen and defrosted. Measurements were taken at 1,2,3,4, and 24 hours after defrosting. They found that melatonin levels are stable for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours after defrosting.

What time is melatonin highest in babies?

3pm: melatonin starts to slowly rise and they begin to slow down in preparation for sleep. 7pm to 7.30pm: their melatonin is at its peak. When it’s at its peak the level stays consistent until midnight.

Does breast milk at night make a baby sleep?

Your morning breast milk has a hormone called cortisol in it, which helps babies become alert and awake during the day. And your breast milk in the evening is high in a hormone called melatonin (aka the sleep hormone), which helps the baby fall asleep.

When is melatonin highest in breast milk?

Breast milk clearly exhibits a 24-hour pattern, with melatonin concentrations high during the evening and night (starting about 9pm and peaking between 2 and 3am) but are barely detectable in daytime milk.