Getting a good night's sleep is an ever-elusive dream in today's society. Unfortunately, many people have trouble sleeping, making them tired, cranky, and unable to concentrate during the day. Many people use natural sleep aids like our CBD Sleep Drops or melatonin supplements to help with this, as sleep is essential to our physical and mental health.
CBD and Melatonin are the most popular natural sleep aids on the market today. Both have been shown to have positive effects on sleep quality, but they work in different ways. Knowing more about these two and their differences can help determine which is best for you.
In this piece we’ll discuss:
- What CBD is
- What Melatonin is
- Which one to take
What Is CBD?
Cannabis, or cannabidiol, contains a compound known as CBD. It is non-psychoactive (meaning it won't get you high) and has been used to treat various medical conditions, including anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
In the body, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates multiple bodily functions, including sleep; as with Melatonin, CBD generation is sensitive to fluctuations in light. As a result, another name for these substances is phytocannabinoids.
How Does It Work?
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which maintains homeostasis in the body. The endocannabinoid system comprises receptors throughout the body that interact with cannabinoids like CBD. When CBD connects to these receptors, it can help regulate the body's functions, including sleep, pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
In recent years, CBD has gained popularity as more research has been done on its potential health benefits. CBD is available in various forms, including topical creams, edibles, capsules, and drops, including our FOCL Sleep Drops. It is important to note that CBD's effects can differ from person to person. Depending on your weight and the amount of CBD present in each tablet, capsule, drop, or gummy. Plus, your body's chemistry and what you are taking CBD for.
Benefits Of CBD For Sleep
CBD has been gaining popularity in recent years as a potential sleep aid. Studies have shown that CBD can also interact with many bodily receptors, including serotonin and GABA receptors. These receptors are related to regulating stress, anxiety, and other emotions and when CBD binds to them.
Thus, CBD can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, thus allowing better sleep and even reducing the number of nighttime disturbances, which can help to improve sleep.
CBD may also help with other sleep disorders, such as REM sleep disorder (a disorder that causes people to act out in their dreams), sleep apnea, and jet lag, reducing symptom severity and improving sleep quality.
Downsides Of Using CBD As A Sleep Aid
As with anything when it comes to using CBD as a sleep aid, there can be downsides. CBD can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and blood thinners. So it's important to speak with your doctor before taking any CBD if you're taking any of these medications. CBD can also cause dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, tiredness, and lethargy, even though it is frequently well tolerated.
Another downside is the FDA does not regulate CBD products, bringing up concerns about CBD's purity. More than a quarter of the CBD products tested in a recent study of 84 online-purchased products contained less than claimed.1 THC was also discovered in 18 different goods. That is why it is crucial to investigate and research before you buy.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the human body naturally. Its mission is to regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. It is primarily produced in the pineal gland, located in the brain. Melatonin supplements are often used as a natural sleep aid to help the body remember when it is time to sleep.
How Does It Work?
Because it can facilitate sleep, it's frequently referred to as the "sleep hormone." Melatonin itself won't make you go to sleep, though. It simply signals to your body that night has fallen so you may unwind and get better sleep. When nighttime approaches, our brain makes melatonin as it responds to the darkness, alerting our body that it's time to go to bed. Then, they start to decline when it is light outside, encouraging wakefulness.
Our bodies have an internal clock, and melatonin helps to keep our internal clock rhythm (24-hour internal clock) in check. Melatonin also has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping regulate blood glucose, body temperature, blood pressure, body weight, and some leveling out hormones.
People who don't produce enough melatonin during the night may have problems falling asleep because Melatonin aids the body's sleep preparation. Various reasons, including alcohol usage, smoking, caffeine use, shift work, aging, particular drugs, and exposure to excessive nighttime light, including blue light, can bring on low melatonin levels at night.
With more of us glued to our phones and TV binging, exposure to blue light at night can block our melatonin production.
Benefits Of Using Melatonin For Sleep
Unlike other sleep aid medications, melatonin supplements are not habit-forming and have few side effects. Research suggests that supplementing with melatonin can improve sleep quality and duration.
It can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase total sleep time. Melatonin has also been demonstrated to lessen feelings of jet lag and anxiety before surgery, help with certain children's sleep disorders, and improve sleep in people with delayed sleep phase disorder.2
Overall, melatonin's benefits include speeding up the process of falling asleep and improving sleep quality; a large body of research supports it; it is available over the counter.
If you're considering using melatonin as a sleep aid, starting with a low-dose (0.5 to 1 mg) supplement is advised. Do not exceed 5 mg, as it is unlikely to hasten your ability to fall asleep. The objective is to determine the lowest dose that promotes sleep.
Downsides Of Using Melatonin As a Sleep Aid
While it is generally considered safe to use melatonin as a sleep aid, there are some potential downsides to consider.
Before using melatonin, persons who are taking medication should speak with their doctors. Melatonin may interact with a number of drugs, reducing their effectiveness or raising the possibility of adverse side effects. Melatonin may interact with the following medications:
- Sedatives or sleep aids
- Blood pressure drugs
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Blood thinners
- Oral contraceptives
- Medicines for diabetes
- Immunosuppressants
Children have occasionally experienced moderate negative effects from melatonin supplements, too, including:
- Drowsiness
- Increased nighttime urine or bedwetting (for children)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Agitation
It's best to see your doctor before using melatonin if you have any medical problems or are currently on any of the aforementioned medications. Alcohol and melatonin may also interact negatively, though there is conflicting evidence that implies moderate to heavy alcohol use lowers melatonin levels and interferes with sleep quality.
Further, melatonin may not be helpful unless you have a sleep disorder that interferes with your body's normal production of Melatonin.
Melatonin is an OTC and not FDA-watched, so products out there may only sometimes contain what is written on the label. Melatonin can also be habit-forming. Taking it regularly, your body may become dependent on it, and you may need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect.
CBD vs. Melatonin: Which One Is Better For Sleep?
CBD and melatonin; which one is better? Well, both are effective in treating insomnia and other sleep-related issues. It all depends, though, on one individual's needs. CBD may be more suitable for those who suffer from anxiety or stress-related insomnia, while Melatonin may be better for those who suffer from circadian rhythm-related sleep issues.
Additionally, CBD may be a better choice for those who want to avoid potential side effects associated with melatonin, such as headaches, morning grogginess, and dizziness.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the best for you is to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help you decide which option best suits your individual needs and provide guidance on proper dosage and usage instructions.
Can CBD And Melatonin Be Taken Together?
The answer is yes. In fact, CBD and melatonin work in tandem. First off, both have a significant good effect on your sleep-wake cycle, particularly aiding in insomnia. The G-protein coupled receptors include the MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors as well as the CB-1 and CB-2 CBD receptors that affect sleep.
This indicates that they regulate the sleep-wake cycle in a manner that is comparable in structure, process, and mechanism. So, yeah! Taking CBD and a melatonin supplement together may work well for some people with more severe sleep problems. Such as those who have trouble falling asleep due to a hyperactive mind or discomfort, such as inflammation that interferes with sleep.
Again, it's crucial to make clear that combining melatonin and CBD oil can cause interactions with other medications you might be taking. Therefore, if you are taking any prescription, we advise you to seek your doctor's approval.
Start with taking half of a 1-mg melatonin tablet. Add 10 milligrams of CBD oil, or as a general rule, take 0.25 to 0.50 mg of CBD to every pound of body weight.
It's also important to remember that combining these two sleeping air substances might intensify the effects of each one, so it's essential to be aware of the potential risks before taking them together.
Choosing The Best Sleeping Aid For You
Choosing the best sleeping aid for you can be a difficult decision. When choosing the best sleeping aid for you, weighing the pros and cons of each can be beneficial. Overall, it depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Will it be CBD? The compound found in the cannabis plant works with your body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating many physiological processes, including sleep. CBD has calming effects and can help reduce anxiety and stress. Not known to be habit-forming and has few side effects.
Or will it be melatonin supplements? Melatonin may be better if you need a more immediate effect. Melatonin works with your body to help regulate its own sleep-wake cycle. It is safe overall but can cause side effects such as grogginess when you wake up, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
If undecided, consulting with your doctor or pharmacist can be an effective way to help you choose the right sleep aid.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, CBD and melatonin are both effective sleep aids. Figuring out your sleep issue and your preference are your best tools to decide which is right for you. If you are considering taking either CBD or Melatonin, do your research.
If you are interested in CBD and don't like drops, give our FOCL CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies a try. They are THC-free and aim to promote a night of restorative sleep.
FAQs
What CBD Products Can I Take For Sleep?
CBD products that may help with sleep include tinctures, capsules, and edibles. CBD oils, balms, and lotions provide a sense of relaxation and calm the mind before bed.
Can I Take CBD Daily For Sleep?
Yes, you can take CBD daily for sleep. CBD helps improve sleep quality and help to regulate circadian rhythms. Be sure to speak with a physician before beginning any new supplement or medication to ensure it is safe.
Does CBD Kick In Immediately?
No, CBD does not kick in immediately. It typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for the effects of CBD to begin to be felt. Our Drops are a great option if you’re looking for something fast acting.
Sources
- Brent A. Bauer, M. D. (2022, December 6). CBD: Safe and effective? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700#:~:text=Though%20it%27s%20often%20well%2Dtolerated,dosage%20of%20CBD%20in%20products.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Melatonin: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know
