So, you’re laying in bed having trouble sleeping, again. I’ve been there. I understand the frustration of feeling tired and having your mind work against you when it is time to fall asleep. There is, however, some good news – and it revolves around mixing CBD and melatonin. The results are nothing short of astounding when mixing CBD with melatonin in an attempt to get better sleep. See why people who have more serious sleep issues will be better suited to try a product like this, over almost any other over-the-counter item you can find.
TL;DR – CBD products containing melatonin work great to maintain healthy sleep cycles, but to be effective it needs to incorporate melatonin, CBD, and other cannabinoids in an exact ratio. People who suffer from more severe sleep troubles should consider taking CBD with melatonin in combination form, over a traditional hemp-derived product.
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What is CBD and Will It Help Me Sleep?
While melatonin plays a vital role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, it does not put you to sleep effectively. Rather, the hormone alerts the brain of the need for sleep. Sometimes (rarely – actually), this is enough to help people suffering from very minor sleep problems get some sleep again.
So, melatonin on it’s own might be what some people need, but a vast majority of people who suffer from sleep disorders need something that is significantly stronger. Let’s take some time to go over exactly what CBD is, and why it works best as a sleep aid when used alongside melatonin, and not by itself.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a cannabinoid (fancy word for ‘plant chemical’) that is found within the cannabis plant. CBD is just short for cannabidiol.
It boomed in popularity shortly after the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 decriminalized hemp products and hemp-based products.
The catch is, the hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC. There are plenty of other cannabinoids within cannabis, over 124 to be exact.
Most people are familiar with the cannabinoid known as THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the psychoactive in cannabis that makes people feel high. Hemp-based products cannot get you high, not even a little bit.
Don’t confuse THC with CBD, because while they both come from cannabis, they couldn’t be more different. Many people assume they are the same, and they simply aren’t.
Being able to take CBD products means that people can now reap all of the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant with no intoxicating effects.
Related: Is CBD Bad For You?
We still have a lot to learn about CBD, and the other cannabinoids within the cannabis plant. A few of the things we have learned so far from studies point to the fact that CBD may be able to address the following symptoms, effectively:
- Aches and pains
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Immune system reinforcement
Cannabidiol really does seem to be the next big therapeutic supplement, and the more studies that are completed, the more confident I am that it will continue to rise in popularity.
Studies on CBD and Sleep Patterns
Let’s discuss the use of CBD (by itself) as a way to get better sleep.
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, small doses of CBD increased the total sleeping time in rats, even during light periods of the day. The study also found the relationship between sleep and CBD is affected by when you take it, and at what dose.
In the experiment, researchers administered injections containing 2.5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg of CBD in adult male Wistar rats. The researchers then observed the sleep recordings during the light and dark periods for four days.
Scientists discovered that sleep increased in groups treated with 10mg/kg and 40mg/kg of CBD. This is compared to subjects that received a placebo. The findings of the study point to the ability of CBD to interact with serotonin and GABA receptors in the brain.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often called the “happy chemical” for its ability to modulate the mood and cognition. GABA is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.
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.
Related: CBD for Insomnia
How does melatonin production work? Science incoming!
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.
Most melatonin supplements are commonly available in pill form and can be taken orally. Melatonin is effective when directly absorbed into the bloodstream, just like CBD.
Related: How Much CBD Oil Should I Take For Anxiety?
Typical doses of melatonin can range anywhere from 1mg to 20mg. This is a very wide range, and most people should consider starting off on the lower end. Melatonin can be extremely effective at it’s job, which is to help promote healthy sleep cycles.
In fact, melatonin is a controlled substance in some parts of the world. That’s just how effective it can be.
The results of taking melatonin can also vary from one person to another. If you’ve taken melatonin before bedtime, you may have felt a bit drowsy. However, it probably took too long to fall asleep – if you even fell asleep. Maybe you fell asleep, but woke up repeatedly. Getting quality sleep through only melatonin sleep aids could prove to be rather difficult.
This is where CBD, or cannabidiol, can help….
CBD and Melatonin Result A in Deep Sleep
The relationship between these two compounds seems to be very synergistic. However, different portions of the brain regulate melatonin and CBD.
Melatonin tells your body it’s time to fall asleep. CBD alerts your brain to recruit the right neurotransmitters to help you stay asleep. This is vital, because as some of you may know, just because you manage to go to sleep doesn’t mean you will stay asleep.
How many of you have managed to drift off only to ‘jolt’ awake? This is one of many examples that show just because you begin to sleep, doesn’t mean you can necessarily stay asleep.
In any case, both CBD-rich hemp extract and many melatonin supplements on the market are made from natural ingredients. Together, they can be a potent combination to aid in getting quality sleep.
Can I Mix CBD and Melatonin?
You could, technically, ingest CBD and follow it up with melatonin.
The effects will likely be minimal – at best, though. This results in only about 20% of the original formulation entering the bloodstream. More effective methods of taking CBD include:
- sublingual administration
- smoking and vaping
- topical administration
A popular product that most people have heard of is CBD drops, or CBD tinctures. These drops are so popular because they work extremely fast and extremely effectively. By placing the drops under your tongue, you allow the sublingual vein to absorb the CBD, which bypasses the digestive tract.
Related: How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take For Sleep?
Another fantastic form of cannabidiol is CBD gummies. Each gummy is packed with a certain amount of melatonin and CBD. All you have to do is eat the gummy, and wait for some of the deepest sleep you’ve had in quite some time. The takeaway here is, by using sublingual CBD you can get more CBD in to your bloodstream – quicker.
CBD With Added Melatonin: CBD Oil For Sleep
CBD for Sleep by New Phase Blends
Type: CBD Starter Kit Bundle
Includes: Tincture, Balm, and Gummies
Features: You create your own kit with your custom product choices
CBD: 45mg per gummy
Features: Patent-pending CBD and melatonin formula for sleep