Herbie Murray
Sleep deprivation is a common issue for new parents, and it can be made worse when dealing with the challenges of breastfeeding. While there are over-the-counter sleep aids and herbal remedies available, it is important to exercise caution when taking any medication while breastfeeding, as it may pass into the breast milk and affect the baby. Consulting a doctor or a specialist breastfeeding medicines advice service is highly recommended to ensure the safety of both mother and child. This paragraph will discuss the options available for sleep aids while breastfeeding and provide an overview of the considerations and precautions that need to be taken.
Sleep aids that can be taken while breastfeeding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melatonin | Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is often recommended to prevent jet lag and insomnia. It is available in tablet and liquid form and can be found in most natural food stores. However, there is limited research on its safety for breastfeeding mothers. Some sources suggest consulting a doctor before taking melatonin while others advise against it. |
| Valerian | Valerian has traditionally been used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. It can be added to hot water or steeped as a tea. Experts recommend not taking valerian regularly for longer than four to six weeks at a time. |
| Doxylamine and diphenhydramine | Both of these are antihistamines that are often used to induce sleep and are considered safe for breastfeeding in small doses. However, they may impact milk supply. |
| Zolpidem | Zolpidem is a sedative that may be prescribed to breastfeeding mothers with sleep disorders. Only small amounts of the drug pass into the breast milk. Infant monitoring is required. |
| Benzodiazepines | Benzodiazepines are another type of sedative that may be prescribed to breastfeeding mothers with sleep disorders. Small amounts of the drug pass into the breast milk. |
| Zopiclone | Zopiclone can be used during breastfeeding but infant monitoring is required. |
| Lavender oil and chamomile tea | Sprinkling lavender oil on the pillow and drinking chamomile tea can help relax and induce sleep. |
| Warm milk | Warm milk before bedtime is a traditional remedy for insomnia. Milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which raises serotonin levels in the brain and may induce sleepiness. |
| Lifestyle changes | Making lifestyle changes such as sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, and exercising regularly can help improve sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Natural sleep aids
While breastfeeding, it is important to be cautious about the substances you consume, as they can be passed on to your baby through breast milk. Most doctors advise against taking sleeping pills while breastfeeding, as they can have adverse effects on the baby. However, natural sleep aids can provide a safer alternative to improve your sleep quality. Here are some natural sleep aids that may be helpful:
Valerian
Valerian has traditionally been used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. It can be consumed by adding the recommended amount of tincture to hot water or steeping dried valerian root in boiling water for a bedtime tea. However, it is recommended not to take valerian regularly for extended periods, usually not exceeding four to six weeks at a time.
Warm Milk
Warm milk before bedtime is a well-known traditional remedy for insomnia. Milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which raises serotonin levels in the brain and may promote sleepiness. While the amount of tryptophan in milk is relatively small, the soothing effect of warm milk can still be psychologically beneficial in inducing sleep.
Herbal Teas
Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile tea, are known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties. These teas provide a natural way to relax and improve sleep quality without the risk of adverse side effects associated with some medications.
Lavender Oil
Sprinkling lavender oil on your pillow can create a soothing and relaxing aroma that may help you unwind and fall asleep more easily. Aromatherapy with lavender oil is a gentle and natural way to enhance sleep quality.
Lifestyle Changes
Making simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your sleep. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding substances like alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine can promote better sleep. Regular exercise and practices like yoga have also been shown to improve sleep quality.
It is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids, especially when breastfeeding, to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
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Over-the-counter sleep aids
Sleep deprivation is common during pregnancy, with insomnia affecting between 5% and 38% of women in early pregnancy, and up to 60% in late pregnancy. While over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are available, it is important to exercise caution when taking any medication while breastfeeding.
Most doctors advise against taking sleeping pills during motherhood as they may pass into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby. However, in cases of severe sleep disorders, doctors may prescribe medications such as zolpidem, benzodiazepines, or zopiclone, which are considered relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers as they are only present in small amounts in breast milk. Nevertheless, infant monitoring is recommended to watch for potential side effects such as drowsiness, slowed breathing rate, and dry mouth.
Some over-the-counter sleep aids, such as melatonin, are available without a prescription. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. While it is a popular sleep aid, there is limited research on its safety during breastfeeding. Experts generally recommend against taking melatonin while breastfeeding until more is known about its effects.
Antihistamines like doxylamine and diphenhydramine are also available over the counter and are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers in small doses. However, these medications may impact milk supply, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking them and to only take them occasionally, ideally after the last breastfeeding or pumping session of the night.
In addition to medication, there are natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help improve sleep while breastfeeding. These include drinking herbal teas like chamomile, sprinkling lavender oil on your pillow, drinking warm milk, and improving sleep hygiene by sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a dark, quiet, and cool bedroom environment.
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Herbal remedies
While some sleeping pills may be prescribed to breastfeeding mothers, they are generally not recommended due to the risk of adverse effects on the baby. Sleeping pills can pass into breast milk and cause drowsiness or sedation in infants, altering their sleep patterns, feeding habits, and interacting with other medications. As such, it is important to consult a doctor or pediatrician before taking any sleep medication, including over-the-counter antihistamines, which can also cause sleepiness.
Instead, some breastfeeding mothers may opt for herbal remedies to aid sleep. However, it is important to note that even herbal remedies should be used with caution and after consultation with a healthcare provider. Here are some herbal remedies that are believed to be safe and may help with sleep:
- Chamomile: Chamomile tea is known for its mild calming effect and is also used to relieve indigestion, flatulence, gastrointestinal spasms, and inflammation. However, some people may have a strong allergic reaction to chamomile, especially if they are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
- Hops: Sleeping on a pillow stuffed with dried hops is a traditional remedy for sleeplessness and nervous conditions. Hops can also be consumed as a bitter tea or as a freeze-dried extract in capsule form.
- Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is a stomach-soothing sedative that can be steeped into a subtly flavoured tea. It is often combined with other calming herbs to enhance its effects.
- Valerian: Valerian has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. It can be added to hot water or consumed as a tea by steeping the dried valerian root in boiling water. However, it is recommended not to take valerian regularly for longer than four to six weeks at a time.
Additionally, some commercial herbal sleep aids, such as WishGarden Herbs Sleepy Nights, are specifically marketed as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. These usually come in the form of liquid tinctures or teas and may contain a combination of herbs like chamomile, linden leaf, flower, milky oats, and skullcap extract.
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Doctor-prescribed sleep aids
Sleep deprivation is a common issue for new mothers, and it can be made worse by the need to breastfeed throughout the night. While there are over-the-counter medications and natural remedies that may help, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding. Doctors will be able to advise on the safest options for you and your baby and may prescribe drugs with a low ability to pass into breast milk.
Some drugs that may be prescribed by doctors for breastfeeding mothers with sleep disorders include zolpidem, zopiclone, and benzodiazepines. These drugs can pass into breast milk, but only in small amounts. However, it is important to monitor infants for possible drowsiness, which may affect their weight gain. Extremely young or preterm babies may experience respiratory depression and low muscle tone if exposed to zolpidem.
Melatonin is another over-the-counter sleep aid that may be considered safe for breastfeeding mothers in some cases. While melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone, there is limited research on its safety for breastfeeding mothers and infants. Experts generally recommend consulting a doctor before taking melatonin while breastfeeding.
It is important to note that sleep aids are not the only solution to sleep deprivation during breastfeeding. Making lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene, exercising, and practising relaxation techniques, can also help enhance sleep and improve overall well-being.
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Lifestyle changes
While taking medication to aid sleep is an option, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking any drugs, especially if you are breastfeeding. Sleeping pills, for example, are generally not advised during breastfeeding as they may pass into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby.
Instead, you could try making some lifestyle changes to help you fall asleep more easily. Here are some suggestions:
Stick to a sleep schedule
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
Wind down before bed
Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This could include activities such as reading, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath. Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching TV or using electronic devices, at least an hour before bed.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can keep you awake, while alcohol can disrupt your sleep quality. It is best to limit or avoid these substances, especially close to bedtime.
Get regular exercise
Exercising during the day can help improve your sleep at night. Yoga, in particular, has been found to enhance sleep quality. However, avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime, as it may make it harder to fall asleep.
Create a comfortable sleep environment
Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to create a relaxing and peaceful sleep environment.
Keep a sleep diary
If you're having trouble identifying the cause of your sleep difficulties, consider keeping a sleep diary. Record your sleep patterns, thoughts, and feelings, as well as any factors that may be impacting your sleep, such as stress or anxiety. This can help you identify any underlying issues and make necessary adjustments.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep deprivation is common among new mothers due to hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, and the constant care a newborn requires. While there are over-the-counter sleep aids like melatonin that you can consider taking, there has not been enough research to prove that taking melatonin while breastfeeding is safe. Melatonin is not recommended for children under 3 years old, and it may cause side effects like agitation, sleepiness, and bed-wetting in young children. It is best to consult your doctor before taking any sleep medication while breastfeeding.
Most doctors do not advise taking sleeping pills during motherhood because they may leak into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby. However, in cases of severe sleep disorders, doctors may prescribe sedatives such as zolpidem or zopiclone. These drugs mix in breast milk at a low level, but infant monitoring is required.
There are some natural sleep remedies that are considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Drinking warm milk before bedtime is a traditional remedy for insomnia. Milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which raises serotonin levels in the brain and may help you sleep. Other natural remedies include drinking chamomile tea, sprinkling lavender oil on your pillow, and exercising.
