CBD vs. Melatonin: Which One Is Better for Sleep?

If you have often experienced difficulty sleeping or insomnia, you may have resorted to sedatives or sleep medications. But while they can provide rest, you may feel unsure about what you are getting. The best natural alternative can either be CBD or Melatonin. Melatonin can help you relax while you are sleeping, while cannabis can help improve sleep quality and reduce pain.

The next step is selecting which one is the best option or whether both would work for you. Below, we describe the benefits and the tradeoffs between CBD and melatonin supplements and outline how to combine them.

Common Causes of Poor Sleep Patterns

People suffering from sleep disorders and those resorting to sleep aids have increased over the decade. Various potential causes could contribute to poor sleep patterns and insomnia. Some of them include:

• Medicine that disrupts your sleeping patterns
• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Consuming too much caffeine late in the day
• Physical conditions such as chronic pain or restless leg syndrome
• Environmental factors such as noisy surroundings or uncomfortable bed

When you are sleep deprived, most of your essential daily activities will be affected and become more challenging to do than usual. You will become unmotivated to work and unproductive, and your personal and social commitments will suffer. In the worst cases, you may experience injuries and accidents. This is why researchers and scientists are finding possible solutions to sleep deficiency.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is produced mainly in our pineal gland and is an essential hormone that helps the body to feel ready for sleep. It is also released from the bones, platelets, gastrointestinal system, eye, skin, and lymphocytes. Our bodies naturally produce melatonin, which decreases during nighttime and increases before bedtime to support the normal sleep-wake cycle.

Newborns are full of melatonin, which makes them fall asleep and have a good night’s rest easier and better. Our melatonin level continues to be high throughout our teenage years and even during college life. Although this naturally occurring sleep hormone is created by our body to support sleep, its production decreases and slows down as we age.

How melatonin production operates is primarily affected by dietary changes and light exposure. It is likely that constant interaction with artificial light, such as the blue light coming from cell phones and television sets, can disrupt melatonin supplementation.

How Does Melatonin Work?

Melatonin can influence wakefulness at night as well as sleep at night. It usually hits the body at night, with the most significant amounts peaking between 11 PM and 3 AM. Melatonin’s MT1 and MT2 receptors activate during the night so that you can get as much quality sleep as possible.

However, having melatonin does not mean you can sleep well every time. The hormone only tells your mind and body when it is time to sleep and controls your sleep-wake cycle. Thus, using melatonin supplements is helpful if you have sleep troubles due to jet lag or are suffering from delayed sleep phase disorder.

Unlike over-the-counter sleep aids, a melatonin supplement has a non-intoxicating effect. Instead, taking melatonin triggers the brain receptors and sets your body’s internal clock to prepare you for rest. Melatonin is usually available in tablets, liquids, or chewable forms. It is one of the prescription medications that require a doctor’s advice to be aware of when and how it should be taken.

What Are the Effects of Taking Melatonin?

Melatonin has been a common medication used since 1890 for many ailments. It is safe and highly effective in patients who have taken more than 5 mg (100mg or higher). Many people with frequent melatonin use can sleep about three to four hours. Generally, anything taken during naps can become addictive, but melatonin is not addictive at all. However, it is possible to overdose by taking an extremely high melatonin dosage.

In the absence of proper treatment and usage for sleep, melatonin may lead to vivid nightmares, excessive daytime sleepiness, or other sleep disorders. Melatonin is an effective sleep aid but can cause more trouble when taken improperly.

Nevertheless, melatonin is a natural remedy for restoring sleep cycles and having a good night’s sleep. It helps reset your circadian rhythm or your so-called body clock. Research suggests that melatonin supplements may help certain people fall and stay asleep, including older individuals and night shift workers.

When taking melatonin supplements, you should remember and take into consideration the following points:

• Do not expose yourself to blue light to avoid negating the effects of the melatonin. It is best to turn off your gadgets, television, or bedroom lights at least two to three hours before sleeping since the light in the room can affect your sleep.
• Use warm or yellow night lights, so your brain will think it is sleep time. LED lights have a bluish hue, which will keep you awake.
• Avoid taking melatonin during the day since you may feel drowsy due to your circadian rhythm being thrown off. Only take the supplement during the day if you work at night.
• Melatonin supplements are only advisable for short-term use since no studies back up their effectiveness and safety for long-term usage. They are meant to reset the sleep-wake cycle and not be used as sleeping pills.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a naturally produced cannabinoid of cannabis plant species. The cannabis plant contains nearly 2,000 cannabinoids. CBD supplements are found in several convenient forms, including gummies, oils, capsules, and other products. . Despite its popularity, most CBD manufacturers are now turning to the hemp plant since it has less THC content than cannabis. Not only is hemp manufacturing easy to handle, but it is ideal for people whose THC tolerance is weak.

Different Forms of CBD

CBD products can be a great alternative to other sleep medications if you want to achieve deep sleep. There are various CBD products you can take to help manage sleep disorders. These products come in various forms, such as:

• CBD capsules

CBD capsules are easy-to-use and discreet products you can incorporate into your sleep routine. Quality capsules should be formulated without added fillers and must be tested for purity and potency. Check out Boost Softgel Caps, which contain CBD isolates and organic hempseed oil, or Headstash CBD Medi Caps, which have 25mg CBD per capsule.

• CBD edibles

CBD edibles let you enjoy CBD in gummy, chocolate, mints, or beverage forms. Make sure to find an edible infused with CBD and not just coated with it. Try Mota CBD Milk Chocolate Bar to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects of THC. You can also use Mota Medicated CBD Honey as a sweetener or topping for your tea before you sleep.

• CBD tinctures

CBD tinctures are products that are used sublingually or placed under the tongue for faster and more potent effects. Ensure that you only buy tinctures that contain no fillers or other plant compounds and are tested for safety.

Try Mota CBD Sleep Tincture, formulated with CBD isolate and melatonin, to help you fall asleep faster and deeper. You can also check out Boost CBD Tincture – Sleep if you want a pure CBD tincture with spearmint or orange flavour.

• CBD topicals

CBD topicals are creams, balms, or lotions applied directly to your skin to reduce discomfort or pain that may be affecting your sleep. Opt for a higher CBD dosage to reap more positive effects since your skin is less porous than your under-tongue area.

Try Mota Lip Balm, infused with organic shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, grapeseed oil, and 5mg of CBD. You can also treat your body with a relaxing bath before sleep using VIDA Chamomile Smile TCH/CBD Bath Bomb, which has chamomile flowers, Epsom salt, essential oils, 100mg THC, and 50mg CBD.

How Does CBD Work?

Same with melatonin, taking CBD affects specific receptors in our body’s nervous system. CBD interacts with CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, which affect mood, sleep, appetite, and memory, among others.

CBD is an effective sleep aid if you have trouble falling asleep. Although the exact composition of CBD that makes it an effective sedative remains to be found, it may relate directly to cannabis’ ability to support sleep by reducing anxiety and chronic pain. CBD is also well recognized for having anti-inflammatory properties to regulate the body’s immune system.

CBD has proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, which results in better sleep and other health benefits. Although many studies support CBD’s ability to provide positive benefits for specific sleep issues, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any serious medical condition. Always consult a medical professional before adding CBD to your night routine.

What Are the Effects of Taking CBD?

The use of CBD has no known severe side effects and has generally been deemed to be well-tolerated. However, taking CBD is not always advisable if you will do it in combination with any other drug. Some common side effects of CBD are diarrhea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, and fatigue.

There is no standard dosage for CBD since our body’s response to CBD is unique. A typical dietary intake of CBD for an adult is between 30 mg daily. In some cases, the recommended dose is sometimes higher, but it seems to be better tolerated and most effective for anxiety and depression in this moderate range.

If you consult a doctor, you should find high-quality hemp products with high levels of THC content. An enormous amount of CBD gummies, tinctures, vapes, and topical products contain false information regarding purity and doses. Thus, stick to the most trusted and reliable CBD brands and dispensaries.

Can You Take Both CBD Oil and Melatonin For Sleep?

Yes, it is possible to use CBD products with melatonin supplements to fall asleep safely. Taking CBD and melatonin together is an effective duo to restore your sleep patterns and balance the mind. Since they work similarly, their processes are likely complementary to one another. Both are proven beneficial to sleep and may offer different outcomes depending on your body and the dosage.

CBD helps to prevent daytime drowsiness, while melatonin helps with sleep. Some people have noticed that CBD increases their alertness and decreases anxiety. Melatonin may be effective in reducing sleep problems as long as it can offset its wake-stimulating properties. This combination can help improve your overall sleep quality. However, a suitable dosage is required when combining both.

To help you decide whether you should take CBD, melatonin, or both, here is an overview of how to take them, how they support sleep, and who they are best for:

• CBD helps address the common causes of sleep disorders, such as stress, anxiety, and pain. On the other hand, melatonin reduces the amount of time it takes for you to sleep and increases the period of deep sleep.
• CBD can be taken as edibles, capsules, topicals, and tinctures. On the other hand, a melatonin supplement can only be taken in the form of capsules, tablets, and gummies.
• CBD can be used by those who find it hard to fall or stay asleep due to anxiety, stress, and other medical conditions. On the other hand, melatonin is best for those who find it hard to sleep due to jet lag or sleep disorders.

How to Take Melatonin and CBD Supplements Safely

Although you can take both CBD and melatonin, it is vital not to overdo it. As always, start with low doses and let your body get acclimated. Consuming anything over 30mg of melatonin may induce adverse effects when dosing. The optimum dose depends on your age, weight, and sensitivity. Take between 0.2 to 2mg, or whatever is the lowest dose available on your chosen product, for the safest results.

For CBD, the optimum dosage also depends on your age, weight, and sensitivity. The recommended starting dose is 5mg. Be patient with how your body reacts to the substance since your tolerance level will change as you increase your dosing.

Take melatonin for at least two to three hours before going to bed. For CBD, take it at least 30 minutes to one hour before your bedtime. Melatonin takes a longer time to take effect since it is not a sleeping pill. It tells your body when you should start winding down, which can take a few hours.

Potential Dangers of Sleep Medications

Many depend on melatonin replacement therapy or CBD products to get a good night’s sleep. A sleep aid may become harmful in the long run if you start getting dependent on them. The Food and Drug Administration has called out certain sleeping pills for being dangerous and causing accidents and injuries.

Sleeping medications are fast effecting, but their chemicals can become harmful and worsen your sleep issues. Some of the common symptoms of sleeping pill abuse include:

• Dizziness
• Difficulties with focus and coordination
• Foggy memory
• Nightmares
• Lightheadedness
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Palpitations
• Hives
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Dry mouth

Sleeping pills readily available over the counter are one of the reasons why such sleep aids are overused. If sleep medications are used long-term, health complications and even death may occur. Thus, looking for natural alternatives such as CBD or melatonin is better.

CBD vs. Melatonin For Sleep FAQs

Is CBD a good replacement for melatonin?

Melatonin is often the go-to alternative for many people to get a restful sleep. However, research shows that CBD is also a safe and effective alternative to sleeping medications. It can improve the quality and duration of sleep due to its ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain. Unlike melatonin, clinical trials studying the effectiveness of CBD for sleep disorders are still in their early stages. Thus, you should only consume and add CBD to your sleep routine after consulting a healthcare practitioner.

Can you take CBD and melatonin together?

Yes. Your body naturally produces melatonin. Thus, whenever you consume CBD, you combine melatonin with the substance. CBD gummies and capsules infused with melatonin are available on the market and can help you fall asleep quicker and deeper. Although CBD can be combined with melatonin, ensure not to take it with other drugs and substances such as antihistamines, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioids, and alcohol.

Is CBD oil the same as melatonin?

CBD oil and melatonin are completely different products but have similar benefits for obtaining healthy sleep. Melatonin and CBD can support sleep onset by maintaining circadian rhythms and calming your body. More research is needed to link CBD to improved sleep since the effects vary from person to person. To get a restful night’s sleep, you can use CBD oil at least one hour before bedtime.

Is it good to take CBD for sleep?

CBD is known for improving sleep and staying asleep by decreasing or alleviating the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, which can keep you from falling asleep. CBD may help treat grogginess, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other symptoms of insomnia and sleepiness. Although research on the potential benefits of CBD for sleep is still preliminary, many people using it for chronic pain report having better quality sleep.

Conclusion

The number of people that rely on sleep medications for their sleep disorders is increasing over time. Fortunately, products containing CBD and melatonin for sleep are becoming more accessible online and in physical stores. However, we suggest you test each form separately before trying the other, e.g., test CBD alone and then melatonin.

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