Staying awake while breastfeeding

Li
I have been breastfeeding my 8 day old son. During the night feedings I am having the hardest time staying awake. He nurses for 40 mins at a time. I am so worried about falling asleep while feeding him in my bed. I thought I would take him in the living room to feed in the recliner to keep awake but the lactation consultant advised against it saying that there is a better chance of hurting him if i fall asleep sitting up. He could get wedged between me and the chair, he could fall on the floor, etc. is anyone else having trouble staying awake or have any suggestions?