Why does breastmilk make babies sleepy?

The Sleep-Inducing Magic of Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is often a soothing experience for both mother and baby, but one of the most intriguing aspects of breast milk is its ability to make infants sleepy. This phenomenon can be attributed to several key components found in breast milk, particularly the timing of feeding and the hormonal composition of the milk itself.
Hormonal Influences
One of the primary reasons breast milk induces sleepiness in babies is its varying hormonal content throughout the day. Research indicates that breast milk pumped at night contains higher levels of melatonin, the hormone associated with drowsiness. This “night milk” is rich in nucleotides that are believed to promote sleep, creating a natural lullaby for infants during nighttime feedings. In contrast, milk expressed in the morning has elevated cortisol levels, a hormone that can make babies more alert and active.
Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Patterns
Breast milk also plays a crucial role in helping infants establish their circadian rhythms. The composition of breast milk changes throughout the day, aligning with the natural sleep-wake cycles of both mother and child. This means that when a baby consumes milk at night, they are not only receiving nourishment but also signals that help regulate their internal clock. The presence of sleep-promoting compounds in nighttime milk reinforces these rhythms, making it easier for babies to drift off to sleep after feeding.
Central Nervous System Relaxation
Additionally, certain ingredients in breast milk have been shown to stimulate or relax the central nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and restfulness. Researchers have identified specific components that vary over a 24-hour period, which can enhance the sleep-inducing effects of nighttime feedings. This biological orchestration ensures that babies receive the right mix of nutrients and hormones to encourage sleep when they need it most.
The Maternal Connection
Interestingly, the act of breastfeeding itself can also contribute to a baby’s sleepiness. The process releases prolactin in mothers, a hormone that not only helps maintain milk supply but also promotes relaxation and sleepiness in the mother. This mutual relaxation can create a soothing environment for the baby, further enhancing the likelihood of sleep after feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, the sleep-inducing properties of breast milk are a fascinating interplay of hormonal changes, circadian rhythm regulation, and the calming effects of breastfeeding. As mothers and babies engage in this natural bonding experience, the unique composition of breast milk works to ensure that infants not only receive essential nutrients but also the gentle nudge towards restful sleep. This remarkable biological design highlights the profound connection between a mother and her child, fostering both nourishment and tranquility.

Why does my baby fall asleep every time I breastfeed?

It’s common for babies to fall asleep after nursing. However, you should see a pediatrician if your baby is frequently falling asleep during nursing, as they may not be getting enough feeding.

Is there something in breast milk that makes babies sleepy?

Yes. Breast milk pumped at night has more melatonin — the hormone of drowsiness — and higher levels of nucleotides thought to promote sleep. By contrast, breast milk pumped in the morning features higher concentration of cortisol, a stress hormone that makes babies more alert.

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].

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.

What time of day is breast milk the fattiest?

You make more watery or thirst quenching milk in the morning, and less volume but fattier milk in the evening. This is why your baby may want to cluster feed or fuss feed in the evenings. Your milk producing hormone prolactin is highest in the middle of the night.

Why is my baby so sleepy after drinking milk?

Breastmilk includes hormones that promote relaxation in babies, which often makes them sleepier. The environment is set up to cue your baby’s brain that it’s time for sleep (dark room, sound machine is on, etc). Your baby associates feeding with sleep.

Why does breastmilk make babies tired?

Breastmilk at night is also high in the amino acid tryptophan, which in turn helps your baby to make melatonin, which is used by the body to develop its circadian rhythm (our internal system for recognising the difference between day and night) and to sleep better.

Why is it important to breastfeed at night?

Benefits of Night time Feeding:
It helps establish the baby’s circadian rhythm, potentially leading to longer sleep stretches as they grow older. Feeding at night helps regulate the mother’s prolactin and oxytocin levels, which are essential for milk production and maternal well-being.

What time does breast milk start producing 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.

Why does breastfeeding make you lose weight?

After that, breastfeeding may help people lose weight. People who exclusively breastfeed may use 400–500 calories daily to produce the milk a baby requires from 0 to 6 months. This is on top of their usual calorie requirements. People who consume fewer calories than their body uses may lose weight.