CBD for Sleep vs. Melatonin

Having a good sleep has become a challenge in the current busy digitalized world. Some people even suffer from serious sleep disorders. Such a disruption causes negative effects on one’s health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) gave a clear statement that adults should sleep 7 or more hours per night regularly to promote optimal well-being. This explains the growing interest of the public in trying to get a good night's sleep.

Two trending big names to improve sleep quality are CBD (cannabidiol) and melatonin supplements. What are these components and how do they work? Are they really effective? Which one might be better for you? This article will answer all these questions for you with a thorough CBD and melatonin comparison. It will help you observe which option suits you best regarding getting better sleep. 

What are CBD and Melatonin?

Both elements are naturally occurring in the human body: melatonin and CBD.  

CBD

If you thought you only got CBD from supplements, think again. CBD is actually one of the two main endocannabinoids found in your body, the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The body produces these organically. In contrast, exogenous cannabinoids are those that are extracted from the cannabis/ hemp plant.

CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis and hemp plants. It means it doesn’t produce a ‘high’ like THC. This element helps sleep improvement indirectly by removing the sleep disruptors. These may include anxiety, stress, or physical discomfort. A 2020 study proves the efficacy of CBD in improving mood and sleep-wake cycle regulation. 

Melatonin

The pineal gland in your brain produces the hormone called melatonin. But it’s also found in other tissues, such as your bone marrow, gut, and eyes. The transition of night and day affects normal melatonin production. Light suppresses melatonin levels in your body, but melatonin production is always high at night. 

A study states that the peak time exists at about 2 a.m. for most people. The daily melatonin secretion helps organize circadian rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle and temperature regulation. Using melatonin supplements can help signal to the body that it’s time to sleep, especially when the natural rhythm is disrupted. Examples include jet lag or overtime work. 

Mechanisms of Action

CBD and melatonin supplements are both effective in overall sleep improvement, but they approach it differently.

CBD

CBD adopts an indirect path to improving sleep. It offers multiple benefits:

1.   Reduces Anxiety And Stress

CBD can improve the ability to fall asleep by reducing anxiety or stress. Research found that CBD reduced anxiety symptoms in all male participants suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

2.   Calms the Nervous System

It produces a calming effect on people suffering from mental conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, and schizophrenia, according to a big case series. This, in turn, improves sleep scores.  

3.   Reduces Discomfort And Pain

CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation in certain health conditions, according to a scientific study reported by Harvard Health Publishing. This indirectly improves the sleeping routine.

Melatonin

Melatonin is very efficient in signalling night-time to the brain. This helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Some main functions of melatonin are stated below:

1.   Sleep Onset Latency

Melatonin supplements help induce sleepiness in people in and out of hospital environments. They also help reduce the sleep onset latency period (the time it takes to fall asleep).

2.   Realigns Circadian Rhythms

It helps people with sleep issues, such as jet lag, shift work, and circadian rhythm disorders, by improving their sleep. 

3.   Aids Improve Sleep In Ailing Children

Melatonin has been scientifically found to benefit children with neurological disorders and delayed sleep phase syndrome by improving sleep quality.

Combining CBD and Melatonin

A unique thought is to use CBD and melatonin in combination. There have been no clear side effects observed from such usage in scientific studies to this date. Melatonin can help initiate sleep, while CBD may help maintain deeper, more continuous sleep by reducing anxiety and stress levels. However, one must exercise caution to a combined usage as it can cause too much drowsiness. 

Hence, the need to work with a reliable health provider who can guide their patient well as to the most suitable dose of combined CBD and melatonin usage. Such a medical practitioner can keep the past and present history of a patient’s health conditions and other drug usage in mind while prescribing such a combo for sleep improvement.  

How To Safely Use CBD/ Melatonin For Sleep Improvement?

Keep the following tips in mind before using either of these supplements:

• Start with the smallest dose to check its effects on you. With time, you may increase the dose with proper medical guidance.

• Avoid using melatonin and CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, to be cautious against any adverse effects.

• Opt for premium quality supplements of CBD and melatonin. It’s because sometimes over-the-counter supplements are inaccurately labeled as to their constituent ingredients.

• Check for a certificate of analysis from an independent lab when buying CBD supplements. Such products may contain elements of not just CBD, but THC and other contaminants.

• Both melatonin and CBD can interact with several different medications that you might already be using. So, check with your healthcare provider before using either one to ensure it's safe.

CBD vs. Melatonin: Which Is Better For Sleep?

The debate of CBD vs. melatonin for sleep is highly interesting and thought-provoking. Melatonin is mostly preferable for sleep improvement due to its extensive scientific support and lack of known side effects. It is a natural sleep aid. However, the great positive potential of CBD can’t be ignored as well. 

If a person suffers from chronic health conditions, CBD can help improve their sleep by removing the disruptors of anxiety, stress, etc. There is a great need for more detailed and precise research to support better usage of this element in overall improving sleep quality.  

The thing to remember is that melatonin and CBD are Over-The-Counter (OTC) supplements, if used artificially. You can overuse or misuse such components without proper guidance. Thus, always consult a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement to enhance your sleep quality.