Breastfeeding and Sleep
- Naturally Nurture
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 14
Can I get a good nights sleep while I am breastfeeding?
This is one of those pervasive myths - formula fed babies sleep better than breastfed babies.
Let's go back to the beginning and look at how sleep and babies actually work!
Understanding Infant Sleep Cycles
Newborns have very different sleep patterns compared to adults. While we cycle through sleep in roughly 90-minute intervals, a baby’s sleep cycle is much shorter—usually around 45-60 minutes. This means they wake more frequently, and for good reason!
Frequent waking is biologically normal and even protective, as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies are born with small stomachs and need to feed often, including at night, to support their rapid growth and brain development. While it may feel exhausting, night waking is a normal part of early parenting, regardless of how a baby is fed.
Breastfeeding and Sleep – The Science
One of the lesser-known benefits of breastfeeding is how it actually supports sleep—for both baby and mother. Breastmilk contains hormones that help regulate sleep patterns, including:
Melatonin – This sleep-inducing hormone is naturally present in breastmilk, particularly at night, helping babies learn the difference between day and night.
Tryptophan – An amino acid that promotes serotonin production, which in turn supports sleep regulation and mood stabilization.
Prolactin – A hormone that helps with milk production and also induces drowsiness in the breastfeeding mother, making it easier to fall back asleep.
Additionally, breastfeeding at night helps maintain milk supply, as prolactin levels are highest during the night. This is nature’s way of ensuring that a mother produces enough milk to meet her baby’s needs.
The Myth of “Formula Helps Babies Sleep Longer”
Some parents are told that giving a baby formula will help them sleep longer stretches at night. While it is true that formula takes longer to digest, meaning some babies may have slightly longer intervals between feeds, it doesn’t necessarily mean better sleep for parents.
Sleep is developmental, not just about hunger. Babies wake for many reasons besides feeding—comfort, temperature regulation, teething, developmental leaps, or simply because their sleep cycles are naturally short.
Formula-fed babies can still wake frequently, and bottle-feeding at night often requires more effort (preparing bottles, burping, settling) than breastfeeding, which can be done quickly and easily.
Formula sits heavier in the stomach and takes longer to filter through their system, coupled with them often taking a bit too much milk than they need. Thereby putting them into a false deeper sleep (a bit like how we are sleepy/need a nap after a large meal - Christmas afternoon nap anyone?).
Breastfed babies often return to sleep faster after night feeds due to the calming hormones in breastmilk.
Practical Tips for More Rest While Breastfeeding
While night waking is normal, there are ways to make breastfeeding at night more manageable so you can still get the rest you need:
Safe Co-Sleeping or Bedsharing – If practiced safely, sleeping close to your baby can make night feeds easier and reduce disruption to your own sleep.
Dream Feeding – Offering a feed before you go to bed can sometimes help extend the first stretch of sleep for both you and baby.
Optimise Your Sleep Environment – A dark room, white noise, and having everything you need for night feeds within arm’s reach can make nighttime wake-ups smoother.
Get Support – Your partner or another support person can help with nappy changes, settling baby after feeds, or bringing baby to you for feeds so you can stay as rested as possible.
Nap When Possible – If nighttime sleep is interrupted, try to nap during the day when baby sleeps to make up for lost rest.
When to Seek Help
While frequent waking is normal in newborns, extreme sleep deprivation can take a toll on your physical and mental health. If you are struggling with exhaustion, anxiety, or feel like something isn’t right with your baby’s sleep or feeding patterns, it’s okay to seek support.
So when will they sleep?
Prof Amy Brown, out of Swansea university conducted some research into baby sleep. They looked at the sleep of 700 babies and found that most of the 6-12 months babies still woke up at least once or twice. In fact only 20% slept for a greater length.
The team also found that there was no significant difference in nighttime awakenings between formula and breastmilk fed babies, or with the amount of solid food they were having in the day. Her great educational video can be found here: https://youtu.be/KloS897cp-c
Kath Stagg, in her unofficial social media poll, also found how normal it was for little ones to wake up. In fact she received answers from up to 4 year olds, and found that around 20% of the time even they are waking up frequently, with over half waking up sometimes. That can be found here:
(She also found a change at 18-24 months - this age group suddenly started waking up more!)
Breastfeeding and sleep can absolutely go hand in hand. While newborn sleep patterns may not be what we wish for, they are normal and temporary. Over time, babies naturally start to sleep for longer stretches, but this may not happen for a while. By understanding how infant sleep works and making adjustments to support your own rest, you can navigate breastfeeding at night in a way that works for your family.
You’re not alone—every breastfeeding parent has been there. And remember, this phase won’t last forever!
If you need support with your baby's feeding, their sleep, or feeling better about how things are going then please get in contact.
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