The Effect of CBD in Combination with Melatonin

Reviewed by qualified , Moyra Cosgrove, Nutrition Manager at Naturecan, SENR Registered Nutritionist and LJMU DProf Candidate.

Summary:

• Studies have shown that CBD and melatonin can promote healthy sleep.
• Research shows that CBD oil and melatonin can be taken together.
• Taking melatonin in combination with CBD oil can support sleep, as CBD combines its sedative effects with melatonin's ability to regulate circadian rhythms.

Good health depends on good sleep. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep damages mental and physical well-being and contributes to major health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Although quality sleep is critical, it is not always easy to get the rest you need. Experts recommend at least 7 hours of sleep every night, but many people struggle to get enough rest and experience negative effects the next day or in the long term. In fact, about 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep.

The need for sleep is so basic that people turn to sedatives to get the rest they need, but these drugs can have health consequences.

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives for those who have difficulty getting quality sleep, including CBD and melatonin. Let's take a closer look at these supplements and see if they are a solution to your sleep problems.

Causes and effects of sleep disorders

While you're asleep, you're not conscious, but your brain and body are carrying out critical processes to keep you healthy. So if your rest is disrupted or you don't get enough quality sleep, not only will you feel tired and unable to function normally, but it will also affect your physical and mental wellbeing.

Occasional sleep problems are an expected part of life, especially if you often switch time zones or work irregular hours. However, if you regularly have problems falling asleep or staying asleep, you may suffer from a sleep disorder.

There are different causes of sleep disorders. For example, genetics and medications, as well as mental health conditions, can play a role. Sometimes the cause is unknown. In addition, caffeinated beverages and alcohol, shift work and the natural effects of ageing can also contribute to sleep problems.

Sleep disorders can take different forms. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, meaning that you cannot fall asleep and stay asleep. Others include:

• Sleep apnoea: Breathing may stop for several seconds during sleep.
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS): you have a strong urge to move your legs and they may feel hot, numb or tingly.
• Hypersomnia: Unable to stay awake during the day and feeling extremely sleepy. Narcolepsy is a form of hypersomnia.
• Circadian rhythm disorders: unable to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and unable to sleep and wake at the right time.
• Parasomnia: You behave strangely during sleep, such as walking, talking or eating.

Sleep deprivation can also contribute to nightmares, which in turn affect sleep and create a stressful cycle. Likewise, a cycle can develop between depression, a potentially serious mental health condition and insomnia, with one leading to the other.

Although you may be all too aware of your sleep problems, you may not know how to overcome the problem and restore healthy sleep habits. Perhaps sleep aids like melatonin and CBD can help balance your natural rhythms. 

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates our biological clock, allowing us to fall asleep at night and stay awake during the day. Melatonin is essential to your health, as maintaining a regular sleep schedule is critical to your overall physical and mental well-being.

The natural production of melatonin corresponds to the time. As night falls, changes in light levels trigger the pineal gland to secrete melatonin. As melatonin levels rise, we begin to feel sleepy and the idea of a comfortable bed becomes more appealing.

Conversely, as the sun rises and light levels increase, melatonin levels decrease and your body responds to brain signals that promote wakefulness. For this reason, artificial light from computer, TV and mobile phone screens disrupts regular sleep.

Sleep can be particularly challenging for those who do not produce enough melatonin or are actively working against the natural circadian rhythm. If you work shift work, for example, your body is constantly fighting the effects of melatonin.

For decades, people have recognised melatonin solely for its natural ability to promote healthy sleep. But recent research has also shown that melatonin also acts as a powerful antioxidant.

What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants, such as melatonin and vitamins A, C and E, are artificial or natural substances that reduce free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage healthy cells and can contribute to health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

The body naturally creates free radicals when it breaks down food and other substances. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as an unbalanced diet, smoking or physical inactivity, increase their levels. In addition, environmental toxins, such as UV radiation from the sun and pollution, can also contribute to excessive levels of harmful free radicals.

Because antioxidants neutralise free radicals in the body, they help prevent cell damage. Therefore, in addition to its critical role in the sleep-wake cycle, melatonin can also support cellular health.

Where can I buy melatonin supplements?

Melatonin supplements are popular worldwide. In the United States, for example, it is estimated that more than 3 million people used melatonin in 2012. However, some countries consider melatonin as a dietary supplement, while others classify it as a prescription medicine.

In the United States, people can buy melatonin without a prescription. In contrast, in the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union, Japan, Australia and Canada, melatonin is available only on prescription.

How do melatonin supplements work?

Melatonin supplements increase melatonin levels and can help balance the sleep-wake cycle if you are overcoming jet lag, adjusting to shift work or have occasional sleep problems. In addition, older adults may need to support melatonin levels as they decline with age.

A 2013 study of 1,683 participants found that melatonin reduced the time it took to fall asleep and increased the duration of sleep compared to placebo.

In addition, it is good to know that melatonin is safe and effective if taken at the right time.

What is the best way to take melatonin?

Melatonin is available as a spray, drop, capsule or tablet. The optimal dosage depends on your individual needs.

For example, if you need something to help you fall asleep quickly at bedtime, sprays and drops deliver a dose of melatonin directly through the mucous membranes and bypass the digestive tract, allowing for rapid absorption and action.

However, if your sleep disturbance involves waking up several times during the night or staying awake for long periods, melatonin capsules or tablets may be better. These options gradually release melatonin into your body throughout the night, giving you a long-lasting effect.

What is CBD?

CBD is a natural compound produced by a species of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. In Germany, EU law requires hemp to contain less than 0.2% THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the intoxicating ingredient in cannabis and causes brain "stupor".

In contrast, CBD or cannabidiol does not cause an intoxicating effect, despite being closely related to THC.

The effects of CBD oil are very diverse. It is one of more than 500 compounds in hemp, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and nutrients. When these compounds combine, they produce optimal benefits, what we call the entourage effect.

CBD oil has gained recognition for its potential to promote mental and physical well-being. One of the appealing properties of this hemp compound is its ability to promote relaxation and calmness, promoting restful nights.

How does CBD work in the body?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system or ECS. Experts believe that this system of endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes is found in all mammals and is unrelated to cannabis use.

ECS is key to maintaining vital bodily processes such as sleep, pain and appetite. It also plays a critical role in healthy immune function and homeostasis, the maintenance of equilibrium.

Experts believe that CBD acts on the cannabinoid (CB) receptors of the ECS, supporting its natural function and contributing to well-being.

The effects of CBD in combination with melatonin

CBD and melatonin offer additional wellness benefits. CBD provides a sense of well-being and improved mood, leading to relaxation, and melatonin promotes the natural sleep-wake cycle. As the two compounds are complementary, they can be used together to maximise relaxation.

A 2019 study looked at the ability of CBD to promote healthy sleep. Seventy-two participants with sleep problems were given 25 mg of CBD per day, and 66.7% reported improved sleep within a month.

Like CBD, melatonin has no intoxicating effect. Instead, it signals brain receptors and reminds them that it's time to sleep.

These compounds can be synergistic, meaning that melatonin and CBD used together can improve sleep and promote a healthy night's rest.

Can CBD oil and melatonin be taken together?

Yes, you can take CBD oil and melatonin together. Studies have shown that both substances are associated with uninterrupted, restful sleep.

You can also try the compounds individually before taking them in combination to make sure you get the benefit of each. For example, CBD can help you feel calm, while melatonin can help you fall asleep faster and easier.

When melatonin and CBD work together, the body is able to relax more and daily stress is released. The result is richer sleep when you need it most.

Are there side effects of taking CBD and melatonin together?

One of the reasons why so many people prefer CBD and melatonin supplements is the low incidence of side effects, with few side effects reported. However, the introduction of any new substance into the body can have undesirable results.

Some side effects of melatonin may include mild nausea, dizziness and occasional headaches.

Similarly, side effects of CBD oil can also be observed. Some studies have noted that CBD relaxes blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. While not necessarily harmful and potentially beneficial for people with high blood pressure, it is worth considering the effect if you already have low blood pressure.

There have also been occasional reports of people experiencing dry mouth, nausea and diarrhoea.

You should also be aware that CBD and melatonin may interfere with some prescription medicines. So if you are on a regular treatment, talk to your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine.

How should CBD and melatonin be taken together?

There are several options available if you are considering taking CBD and melatonin together.

First, you can buy separate CBD and melatonin products and take them together. While this is a viable option, it may not be cost-effective and dosing can be challenging.

However, there are now products infused with both CBD and melatonin that allow you to have direct access to their benefits.

CBD melatonin oil can be ideal. Because melatonin and CBD work together to boost wellbeing, you'll experience more restful nights and better quality sleep from the first dose.

CBD dosage

The dosage of CBD oil depends on several factors. The most important is the CBD concentration, the amount of CBD in the product.

In addition, the weight and metabolism of the individual, the dosage method and the quality of the product play a significant role.

Use our CBD oil calculator to find the right dose for you. Simply answer the questions and you'll have an accurate idea of the right dose for your needs.

Experts recommend starting small and working your way up to find the perfect dose for you. So, if you're new to CBD or melatonin, start with the lowest recommendation and slowly increase it until you find the right point of benefit.

If you're taking CBD to help you sleep, you'll probably get the best results if you take it 15-30 minutes before bedtime.

If you have any questions about the CBD oil production process or need more information, please contact us using one of the contact details on the "Contact Us" page or visit the CBD Oil Knowledge Base where there is plenty more useful and exciting reading to be found.

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Sources

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