Why does breastfeeding make you sleepy?

The Sleep-Inducing Effects of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often described as a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but it can also lead to unexpected bouts of sleepiness for new mothers. This phenomenon is not merely a coincidence; it is deeply rooted in the physiological and hormonal changes that occur during nursing.
Hormonal Influence
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding can make mothers feel sleepy is the release of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is crucial for milk production, but it also has a sedative effect. When a mother breastfeeds, prolactin levels rise, promoting relaxation and drowsiness. This hormonal response is a natural part of the breastfeeding process, designed to help mothers bond with their infants and encourage nurturing behaviors.
Additionally, breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, another hormone that plays a significant role in maternal bonding and relaxation. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” and contributes to feelings of calm and well-being. The combination of these hormones can create a perfect storm for fatigue, making it easy for mothers to feel drowsy while nursing.
Physical Demands and Sleep Disruption
Beyond hormonal changes, the physical demands of breastfeeding can also contribute to fatigue. Newborns typically require feeding every 2-3 hours, which can lead to significant sleep disruption for mothers. This frequent nursing schedule means that mothers often find themselves awake during the night, leading to cumulative sleep deprivation. The exhaustion from managing these demands can make the act of sitting down to breastfeed feel like an invitation to sleep.
Moreover, the physical posture of breastfeeding can also be a factor. Many mothers find themselves in less-than-comfortable positions while nursing, which can lead to physical discomfort and fatigue. This discomfort, combined with the soothing effects of breastfeeding, can easily lull a mother into a state of sleepiness.
Coping with Fatigue
While the sleepy effects of breastfeeding are natural, they can be challenging for new mothers trying to navigate the demands of caring for a newborn. Experts suggest several strategies to help manage this fatigue. For instance, mothers can try to rest whenever their baby sleeps, prioritize self-care, and seek support from family and friends to share the load.
In conclusion, the sleepiness that often accompanies breastfeeding is a complex interplay of hormonal changes, physical demands, and the natural rhythms of caring for a newborn. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase of motherhood with greater awareness and support.

Why do I feel sleepy while breastfeeding?

Oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone,” packs a powerful punch that, while supporting healthy breastfeeding/chestfeeding, has one potentially dangerous side-effect: it can make people tired.

Why is breastfeeding mentally exhausting?

Women often struggle with the pressure to feed very regularly, as well as the lack of sleep due to nighttime feeding. As a result, lots of new mothers find themselves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and struggling with their mental health.

How many hours should a breastfeeding mom sleep?

Like any other adult, a nursing mother should strive for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. She has to get adequate sleep in order to maintain her health and have the energy necessary to care for her child. She may benefit from short naps throughout the day to feel more rested.

Do breastfeeding hormones make you sleepy?

Research also shows that, overall, breastfeeding mothers get more sleep than mixed- and formula-feeding mothers. This is for a number of reasons, including the impact of natural hormones and chemicals released for baby and mother when breastfeeding at night.

When do babies no longer need night feeds?

between 2 – 4 months
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics [2], most formula-fed babies no longer need night feedings between 2 – 4 months of age.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

How many hours of sleep does a breastfeeding mom need?

6 hours
This leads us to believe that shooting for 6 hours per night as a breastfeeding mom is a good goal. Some will do fine with a bit less, some will still feel like they didn’t get enough with more than 6.

Why does breastfeeding make you lose weight?

Breastfeeding makes your body burn calories which helps you lose weight. If you are patient, you may be surprised at how much weight you lose naturally while breastfeeding.

Why do breastfeeding moms get more sleep?

In a US study, exclusively breastfeeding women averaged 30 min more nocturnal sleep than women who used formula at night, but measures of sleep fragmentation did not differ [25]. Lactation hormones such as prolactin help mothers adapt to the stresses of caring for an infant, including broken sleep [13, 26, 27].

How do I stop my tiredness from breastfeeding?

Plan to nap and rest during the day whenever possible to make up for interrupted sleep at night. Set up “feeding stations” around your home. These should include diaper-changing materials as well as anything you might need while breastfeeding, such as water, snacks, reading materials, or music.