No, breast milk itself does not directly cause sleepiness in the mother. However, the act of breastfeeding and the hormones released during this process significantly impact sleep.
The Role of Hormones
The key hormone involved is prolactin. As stated in multiple sources (Cradlewise, [source from June 20, 2024]), prolactin is released during breastfeeding. This hormone doesn't reside in the breast milk itself, but rather enters the mother's bloodstream, promoting relaxation and sleepiness. This explains why many breastfeeding mothers feel tired and sleepy after feeding their baby. Another hormone, oxytocin, also plays a role. Released during breastfeeding, oxytocin is known for its calming and relaxing effects (NICHQ, [source from Sep 5, 2018]). This contributes to the overall feeling of relaxation experienced after breastfeeding.
Important Clarification
It's crucial to understand that the sleepiness experienced by mothers is a consequence of hormonal changes triggered by breastfeeding, not a direct effect of consuming breast milk.
Other Factors Affecting Sleep
While hormones play a significant role, other factors contribute to sleep patterns in breastfeeding mothers:
- Physical exhaustion: Caring for a newborn is inherently demanding.
- Disrupted sleep cycles: Frequent nighttime feedings interrupt sleep.
Therefore, while breast milk itself doesn't induce sleep, the physiological response to breastfeeding, especially the release of prolactin and oxytocin, strongly contributes to the sleepiness felt by many mothers.
