Do breastfeeding hormones make you sleepy?

The Sleepy Side of Breastfeeding: Understanding Hormonal Influences
Breastfeeding is a profound experience for new mothers, not only for the bond it fosters with their infants but also for the physiological changes it triggers in their bodies. Among these changes, the release of certain hormones plays a significant role in how mothers feel during and after nursing sessions, particularly regarding sleepiness.
Key Hormones at Play
The primary hormones involved in breastfeeding include prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin, which is released after childbirth, is crucial for milk production. However, it also has a sedative effect, contributing to feelings of drowsiness in new mothers. This is particularly notable in the early days of motherhood when fatigue is already a common companion due to the demands of caring for a newborn.
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” is released during breastfeeding and is associated with feelings of relaxation and bonding. This hormone not only facilitates milk letdown but also promotes a sense of calm, which can lead to increased sleepiness. The combination of these hormones creates a physiological environment that encourages mothers to rest, which is essential for recovery and bonding with their babies.
The Impact on Sleep Patterns
Interestingly, studies suggest that breastfeeding mothers may actually experience more sleep than their formula-feeding counterparts. This paradox can be attributed to the calming effects of the hormones released during breastfeeding, which can help mothers fall asleep more easily after nursing sessions. The act of breastfeeding itself can become a soothing ritual, allowing mothers to relax and potentially drift off to sleep while nursing.
However, the reality of sleep for new mothers is complex. While the hormonal effects can promote drowsiness, the interrupted sleep patterns that come with caring for a newborn can lead to overall fatigue. The need to wake frequently for feedings can counteract the benefits of the sleep-inducing hormones.
Conclusion: A Natural Response
In summary, the hormones associated with breastfeeding, particularly prolactin and oxytocin, do indeed contribute to feelings of sleepiness in new mothers. This response is a natural part of the breastfeeding process, designed to encourage rest and recovery during a demanding time. Understanding this hormonal influence can help mothers navigate the challenges of early motherhood, recognizing that their feelings of fatigue are not just a personal struggle but a biological response to the demands of nurturing a new life.

Do breastfeeding hormones make you tired?

Prolactin and oxytocin are two hormones that have everything to do with breastfeeding because they contribute to your milk production and letdown reflex. But you’ll notice that these hormones do more than just produce your milk. They might make you feel relaxed while breastfeeding — which can lead to drowsiness.

How long does it take hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

During lactation, prolactin helps keep milk production going while inhibiting ovulation. This is why breastfeeding mothers don’t ovulate or have a menstrual cycle until after weaning. It can take up to two years for a woman’s hormone levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels.

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].

Why do I get so sleepy 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 am I so tired 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.

What are the side effects of breastfeeding hormones?

Oxytocin and prolactin
While breastfeeding, these hormones promoted feelings of contentment, peace, and intimacy. As these hormone levels drop, some individuals experience complex physical and emotional symptoms including moodiness, sadness, or insomnia.

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.

What hormones are sleepy when breastfeeding?

When a baby breastfeeds, a hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is released in both mum and baby. This hormone is sleep-inducing so you both go back to sleep more quickly. Other hormones in breastmilk also help baby to sleep. When breastfed babies sleep close to their mums, they tend to have the same sleep patterns.

Why does breastfeeding make me so sleepy?

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.

Can breastfeeding make you fall asleep?

The researchers, with UVA Health and UVA Health Children’s, are urging care providers to provide additional guidance for new parents on safe feeding practices, such as informing new moms that a hormone naturally released during breastfeeding will make them feel sleepy.