How to Use Pumped Milk for Better Baby Sleep: The Importance of Tryptophan
We all know about tryptophan—it’s the chemical in turkey that makes us sleepy after we gorge ourselves on Thanksgiving. But did you know that tryptophan is also an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in our sleep patterns? Let’s dive deeper into what tryptophan is and how it benefits both adults and infants.
What is Tryptophan?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning our bodies cannot produce it on its’ own, and we must obtain it through our diet. It is a precursor to serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood) and melatonin (a hormone that controls our sleep-wake cycle). This is why consuming foods rich in tryptophan, like turkey, can make us feel drowsy.
The Importance of Tryptophan in Breast Milk
Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for growing infants due to its numerous bioactive factors such as cytokines, growth factors, and hormones. One of the critical components of breast milk is l-tryptophan. For breastfed infants, breast milk is the only source of this essential amino acid, as their bodies do not produce it on their own. Some infant formulas also contain l-tryptophan, so parents who choose not to breastfeed can still ensure their babies receive this vital nutrient.
How Tryptophan in Breast Milk Affects Infant Sleep
L-tryptophan levels in breast milk fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest levels occurring at night. This natural variation helps regulate the infant’s circadian rhythm and promotes better sleep. Melatonin, produced from tryptophan, is known to help regulate sleep patterns, making nighttime breast milk particularly beneficial for helping babies sleep. Wow, it’s so cool that our body automatically does this for our baby!
Tips for Pumping and Storing Breast Milk
If you’re pumping breast milk, it’s a good idea to label your pumped milk with the time of day it was expressed—morning, afternoon, or night. This way, you can give your baby nighttime milk at night, which can help establish a good sleep routine for your growing baby. This practice, known as “chrononutrition,” aligns the feeding times with the natural circadian rhythms of the baby, potentially improving sleep quality and overall health.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of tryptophan in both adult and infant nutrition highlights the importance of this essential amino acid. For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring that their babies receive the right nutrients at the right times can make a significant difference in their sleep patterns and overall well-being. By labeling pumped milk and aligning feeding times with natural circadian rhythms, parents can help their babies develop healthy sleep habits from an early age. #doulanearme #michiganfamilydoulaservices
References:
O’Rourke L, Clarke G, Nolan A, et al. Tryptophan metabolic profile in term and preterm breast milk: implications for health. J Nutr Sci. 2018;7:e13. Published 2018 Apr 4. https://doi:10.1017/jns.2017.69
Steinberg LA, O’Connell NC, Hatch TF, Picciano MF, Birch LL. Tryptophan intake influences infants’ sleep latency. J Nutr. 1992;122(9):1781-1791. https://doi:10.1093/jn/122.9.1781
