Many people struggle with getting adequate, restful sleep. This can negatively impact your quality of life and health. Using cannabidiol (CBD) and melatonin together can promote healthy sleep cycles and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This article explores the science behind using CBD and melatonin for sleep and provides actionable tips for getting better rest.
TL;DR – Research shows taking melatonin and CBD together can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and improve sleep quality more effectively than taking either supplement alone. Optimal results come from using sublingual CBD/melatonin products with the right ratios of each compound formulated specifically for sleep.
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How Melatonin and CBD Work
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its levels naturally increase in the evening to signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Melatonin supplements can mimic this effect.
CBD is one of over 100 active compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD has been shown to interact with serotonin and GABA receptors in the brain which are involved in regulating sleep.
Taking melatonin tells your brain it’s time for bed while CBD helps recruit neurotransmitters to keep you in deep, restorative sleep. The two compounds work synergistically to improve sleep quality.
Evidence For Using CBD and Melatonin
Studies suggest CBD can increase total sleep time. One study on rats found small doses of CBD increased total sleep time during light and dark periods. The ideal dose and timing varies between individuals.
Research also shows melatonin is relatively safe for short-term use. It produces few side effects compared to prescription sleep aids and doesn’t lead to addiction or tolerance.
While more research is still needed, current evidence supports using CBD and melatonin together for sleep troubles like insomnia, jet lag, and delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Why Melatonin Is So Important
According to the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, “Melatonin is a hormone responsible for controlling your natural sleep-wake cycle.” Melatonin levels in the bloodstream are at their highest at night, largely because darkness stimulates the production of melatonin — hence why we naturally feel sleepy at night. Proper melatonin production is partly responsible for your body getting a good night’s sleep.
Melatonin can affect sleep-promotion and the sleep/wake cycle actions via a precise regulation of both the melatonin 1a and melatonin 1b receptors. These receptors are the main melatonin receptors in humans, and mammals in general.
This is also why researchers believe that melatonin supplements, which artificially increase melatonin levels, can provide some relief against insomnia, jet lag, and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS).
Unlike other prescription medications, melatonin supplements produce little to no side effects such as addiction or diminished response after continuous use. However, experts note that melatonin is generally safer for short-term use.
Effective Ways to Take CBD and Melatonin
Sublingual administration like CBD oil drops or gummies is the most effective method. This allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the digestive system. Gummies with CBD in them for sleep provide precise melatonin and CBD dosing.
Vaping CBD is another option, but comes with health risks. Topical CBD application likely doesn’t provide enough absorption to impact sleep. Taking CBD capsules or edibles alone limits absorption.
For best results, use products specially formulated with the ideal ratios of melatonin and CBD for sleep based on the latest research.
Choosing High Quality CBD and Melatonin Products
The CBD industry lacks regulation. Some products contain little to no actual CBD. Only purchase from reputable brands, like New Phase Blends, that provide third-party lab test results. This verifies the label claims.
Avoid hemp seed oil products, which contain no CBD. Also beware of products making unfounded medical claims, which is prohibited by the FDA. Doing your due diligence helps avoid wasting money on ineffective or potentially unsafe CBD.
A Note on Product Quality
If you’re familiar with the CBD market, you probably already know that it’s still largely unregulated by the FDA. This means that it cannot be referred to as a dietary supplement. Hemp was legalized in 2018, but that doesn’t mean that the FDA now allows the sale of CBD supplements.
For instance, did you know that hemp seed oil has no CBD? The “green rush” that came with the legalization of marijuana has given rise to many brands bottling up hemp seed oil, adorning the product with marijuana leaves, and selling it at a premium with none of the benefits of real CBD.
I’m not trying to scare you into buying New Phase Blends products. I simply want you to know the truth.
Do your research about who you’re purchasing CBD items from before adding anything to your cart.
The United States FDA even conducted their own study on CBD labels in regards to the amount of CBD in each product. The results were astonishing. Roughly 21% of the products had less than, or no, CBD when compared to their labels supplement panel.
Common Questions About Melatonin and CBD
Here are some common questions about melatonin and CBD combination products you may have, or run into.
Can You Take CBD and Melatonin, Together?
Absolutely. Our patent-pending CBD for sleep product revolves around this mixture. The great part about taking this product is you can get away with taking less of each substance, than when taken alone. For example, the sleep tincture mixes 66mg of CBD with only 3mg of melatonin, and it works phenomenal.
Many people take in excess of 10mg, or even more, of melatonin to get sub par sleep. We only needed to add 3 mg to induce a great night’s sleep.
Do CBD and Melatonin Have Side Effects?
The only side effects reported by mixing CBD with melatonin are lethargy, drowsiness, and potentially vivid dreaming. While most people report feeling just fine the next morning, you may experience these side effects when using melatonin with CBD.
Can I Take CBD Oil and Sleeping Pills Together?
Which is Better for Sleep - CBD or Melatonin?
Summary
Evidence supports using melatonin and CBD together as a safe, non-addictive way to get better sleep. Look for specially formulated sublingual products from trustworthy brands. CBD and melatonin may provide relief for those struggling with disrupted sleep.
Consult a doctor before using to avoid negative drug interactions. With quality products, you’re likely to enjoy deep, restful sleep.
Make sure you buy from the creators of the popular sleep products, not knock off’s.
