Melatonin vs CBD – Which One Is Better for Your Sleep

Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of adequate sleep (about seven to nine hours for adults) to our health and well-being. Therefore, the search for chemicals that can aid in restful sleep is understandably widespread.

It is not unusual to find products that contain both CBD and melatonin for treating insomnia because of their claims of being powerful natural sleep aids.

But when put head-to-head, can cannabidiol (CBD) or melatonin provide greater sleep quality? What causes your sleep problems is the most important factor to consider when selecting a sleep aid. If you’re experiencing jet lag, you might find relief with melatonin. If you’re feeling worried, you could find that CBD helps.

Let’s compare and contrast Melatonin vs CBD to see which might work best for you.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the many chemicals in marijuana. It’s been used to treat everything from anxiety and pain to sleeplessness and has no psychotropic effects on the human body.

CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which controls various activities in the body, including sleep; like Melatonin, CBD production is light-dependent. Phytocannabinoids are an alternative term for these chemicals.

How Does It Work?

The endocannabinoid system maintains internal balance; CBD communicates with this system. Cannabinoids such as CBD communicate with the body via the endocannabinoid system. By binding to these receptors, CBD can influence processes as varied as sleep, pain, anxiety, and inflammation.

As more is learned about CBD and its possible health advantages, its popularity has risen recently. The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) may vary from person to person. Each tablet, capsule, drop, and gummy must have a specific amount of CBD. In addition, your body’s chemistry and your intended use of CBD.

CBD Sleep Benefits

In recent years, CBD has risen in favour as a possible help to sleep. CBD has been proven to interact with various receptors in the body, including serotonin and GABA receptors. CBD’s binding to these receptors is associated with a reduction in stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings. 

As a result, CBD can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, resulting in a more restful night’s sleep with fewer interruptions.  

In addition to helping with insomnia, CBD has been shown to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, jet lag, and REM sleep disorder (a condition in which people act out in their dreams).  

Melatonin: What Is It?

Before knowing Melatonin vs CBD – which one is better, know about Melatonin. The human body naturally produces the hormone melatonin. Its job is to keep the body on a regular schedule of sleep and wakefulness.

The pineal gland in the brain is the primary site of its production. As a natural sleep aid, melatonin supplements are frequently utilised to signal the body that it is time to rest.

How Does It Work?

Since it helps people fall asleep, it’s often called the “sleep hormone.” On the other hand, melatonin won’t put you to sleep by itself. It’s just your body’s way of telling you it’s nighttime, so you can wind down and get a better night’s sleep. In preparation for sleep, the brain produces the hormone melatonin in response to the onset of darkness. Then, they gradually fade away when dawn arrives, nudging you towards full consciousness.

Melatonin regulates the 24-hour rhythm of our body’s internal clocks. In addition to controlling blood glucose, body temperature, blood pressure, and body weight, melatonin has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.

Due to its role in helping the body wind down for sleep, melatonin deficiency might make it difficult to get to sleep at night. Several factors, including alcohol consumption, smoking, caffeine consumption, shift work, ageing, specific medicines, and exposure to excessive nighttime light, including blue light, can trigger low melatonin levels.

More and more of us spend our evenings in front of screens, exposing ourselves to blue light that can prevent our bodies from producing melatonin.

Benefits of Using Melatonin For Sleep 

Melatonin pills are safe and effective, unlike many other sleep aids. Melatonin supplements have been shown to enhance sleep quality and duration.

It can make it easier to get to sleep and keep you there. In addition to helping with delayed sleep phase disorder and jet lag, melatonin has been shown to alleviate surgery-related anxiety and benefit children with specific sleep disorders.

Overall, melatonin is helpful because it shortens the time it takes to fall asleep and improves sleep quality; it has widespread scientific support and can be purchased without a prescription.

A low dose (0.5 to 1 mg) of melatonin is recommended if you use it as a sleep aid. You will get to sleep much faster if you take less than 5 mg, so save your time. Finding the safest and most effective sleep aid dose is the goal here.

Melatonin vs CBD – Comparisons and Contrasts

Both CBD and melatonin contribute to restful slumber. There are, however, distinctions between these two materials. Melatonin pills are often synthesised, whereas CBD comes from the cannabis plant.

The types of sleep disorders that CBD and melatonin can help are also distinct. CBD tackles problems like stress, anxiety, and inflammation that can hamper proper sleeping, whereas melatonin is utilised to address basic sleep disorders frequently caused by disturbance of the circadian clock.

In the end, it’s the chemicals’ effects on the body that separate them. CBD acts on several neurotransmitters thought to be involved in both pain and mood, while melatonin predominantly functions through hormonal pathways.

Melatonin vs CBD – Which Is Best and How to Choose

If you’re having difficulties sleeping, determining the cause is the first step in choosing between a CBD and melatonin treatment.

Use of Melatonin When

Melatonin may be the best choice for people with major sleep disorders, including insomnia. If jet lag keeps you awake or your work schedule prevents you from getting a regular night’s rest, this popular supplement could be the answer.

Where and When to Use CBD

Alternately, let’s say that you have trouble sleeping because of worry, anxiety, inflammation, or pain. If that’s the case, you might find that CBD aids in creating an atmosphere of inner peace and tranquilly that makes for a restful night’s sleep.

Since melatonin and CBD may interfere with other prescriptions or sleep aids, discussing your options with a doctor before making any final decisions is best.

Conclusion

In sum, cannabidiol (CBD) and melatonin (melatonin) are efficient sleep aides. The easiest way to decide is to identify your sleep problem and personal preference. Read up on the benefits of Melatonin vs CBD before deciding which to try. 

FAQs

Q1: Does it matter if I take CBD or melatonin before bed or in the morning? 

Ans: Melatonin vs CBD – what is better for sleep? Melatonin is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, while CBD is more effective when taken orally rather than topically (under the tongue, CBD sprays are ineffective in either case). It’s worth noting that melatonin and CBD show little boosts or decreases in efficacy. The sleep aid you choose (or a combination of the two) can be taken with or without food. 

Q2: When using CBD or melatonin, may I have alcohol? 

Ans: To begin, it should be noted that alcohol is detrimental to healthy sleep; thus, drinking alcohol to fall asleep is not recommended. Moreover, because alcohol can change melatonin’s interaction with the body unfavourably, the two should be kept apart. 

Q3: Can I use CBD and melatonin sleep aids and still board a plane? 

Ans: When traveling within the United States, you can feel secure packing CBD oil and melatonin. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In some countries, getting CBD requires a prescription; in others, it’s completely illegal. More places are accepting melatonin, but it’s still smart to check the local rules before you go.