How CBD and Melatonin Work Together to Promote Sleep

Given the prevalence of sleep disorders across the United States there is a strong push for natural remedies. This article will review the efficacy and mechanisms of action behind CBD and melatonin as popular supplements for sleep.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are incredibly common across the United States, and people who struggle with sleep disorders have very few options that don’t involve high risks of negative side effects. Many prescription sleeping medications do not necessarily provide high-quality sleep. Instead, they might make it easier to fall asleep quickly and to get a superficial level of sleep without reaching deep sleep. But this comes with other risks and side effects.
For that reason, many people search for natural remedies. Today, CBD with melatonin is a popular supplement for promoting sleep.

• 1/3 of adults report insomnia symptoms
• 50% of individuals with insomnia also struggle with other mental health disorders
• Up to 38% of the general population struggles with sleep apnea
• The amount of sleep needed changes with age
• Most adults report that they do not get adequate sleep at night
• Women are more likely than men to have shorter sleep cycles

Why sleep is important

• Not getting enough sleep has been linked to several chronic conditions like:
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart disease

Not getting enough sleep also increases mistakes at work, rates of motor vehicle crashes, and injuries. It is for this reason that people are looking to CBD for its proven effectiveness as a sleep aid, but also why people ask “Can you take CBD and melatonin together?”

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in your brain. your brain produces this hormone in response to darkness. It helps to signal the brain to prepare for sleep and serves an important role in regulating your sleep-wake cycles also known as your circadian rhythm. 

Your circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock and when you expose yourself to too much light at night especially from devices or too many lights in your house, it can inhibit melatonin production which makes it more difficult to relax and fall asleep. 

Individuals who struggle with sleep problems might consider taking melatonin supplements. In fact, melatonin supplements are often suggested for:

• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders in children
• Jet lag
• Other sleeping disorders

Melatonin is particularly useful for people who struggle with insomnia. Research shows that when used in conjunction with other treatments, melatonin can help with insomnia. It can also help shift workers who work at night and have difficulty falling asleep when it’s bright and daylight outside. 

Benefits of melatonin for sleep

Melatonin offers several benefits for sleep, particularly when it comes to adjusting the body’s internal clock and combating insomnia.

• Melatonin doesn’t leave you feeling foggy when you wake up, unlike other sleep supplements/pills
• It does not come with a risk of dependency or addiction
• These supplements have been evaluated as safe for several years
• You can take them to fall asleep, stay asleep, or go back to sleep when you wake up unexpectedly

For example:

If you are traveling, then moving through different time zones can disrupt your regular sleep/wake (circadian rhythm) cycle. This makes it difficult to sleep when you should or stay awake when you should. But melatonin supplements can adjust that rhythm and keep you sleeping at the right times. 

Melatonin can help people adjust sleep schedules that are off by even a few hours and has been particularly effective at treating insomnia. 

People who work night shifts or split shifts and struggle to sleep during the day can also use melatonin as an effective way to control their circadian rhythm.

Combining CBD with melatonin is becoming incredibly popular because of how they complement each other. 

• One study confirmed a significant improvement in the sleep quality of those who used melatonin, particularly in those who struggle with sleep disorders, mental health disorders, metabolic disorders, and others.
• Research has confirmed that CBD with melatonin successfully regulates circadian rhythm in those with insomnia. 
• A double-blinded randomized controlled trial confirmed that CBD formalations, including those with melatonin, were safe to use for sleep improvement, with most participants experiencing significant improvement in sleep quality. 
• Another double-blinded study evaluated CBD with melatonin and found that even small capsules with 5 mg melatonin and 15 mg CBD experienced statistically significant sleep quality. This study also found that low doses of CBD and CBN encourage this outcome even more. 

Research indicates there are potential synergistic effects which means CBD and Melatonin work together to promote a more restful sleep.

The Entourage Effect refers to a combination of CBD and other natural ingredients or endocannabinoids, which, when combined, all work more effectively. CBD with melatonin can provide a natural alternative to other sleep supplements that encourage better sleep by utilizing this effect. 

For example:

GABA is a naturally occurring amino acid that the body produces to encourage calmness, and when combined with melatonin, your sleep-wake cycle is better regulated, and you feel calmer before you go to bed. CBD and CBN work together to reduce inflammation and encourage a calm demeanor before sleep while also amplifying sleep-promoting effects.

On its own melatonin supplements are safe for short-term use especially when you stick with provided guidelines based on things like your age and weight.

Different forms of CBD and Melatonin Supplements

There are several different forms of CBD and melatonin supplements available:

Liquid shots 

Liquid shots are exactly what the name suggests, they are concentrated formulas of CBD isolate with other bioavailable supplements like melatonin. you remove the cap, shake it well, and drink it.

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated extracts from the hemp plant, usually with other herbal extracts contained in them. These often have a primary solvent that means you can apply them to your skin, put them in food, or consume in other ways. 

Oils

Oils are infusions that have extracts of CBD and other cannabinoids. These are often consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue. 

Gummies

Gummies are chewable, and a favorite among sleep aid CBD products. These are flavorful gummies that you eat right before bed. 

No matter which form you take, It’s always important that you:

1. First, identify how long it takes before it kicks in, sometimes referred to as the onset, and how long it lasts. If, for example, it takes 15 minutes for the onset, you’ll want to take the product 15 minutes before you go to bed, knowing that the duration is around 6 to 8 hours.
2. Second, you’ll want to make sure you have the right dosage. things like gummies will tell you how much melatonin and CBD is contained in the entire package versus one gummy. you’ll want to determine the amount of CBD based on factors like your weight, metabolism, sleep condition, and tolerance.

There are several great CBD with Melatonin products from GreenRevolution. 

• Doozies – Raspberry “Sleep”

Doozies – Raspberry “Sleep” are gummies designed to promote sleep containing:

• CBD
• CBN
• GABA
• Melatonin

It kicks in within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts between 6 and 8 hours during which time you’ll enjoy a deep and restful sleep waking up feeling rejuvenated. Nanotechnology ensures that each gummy provides a rapid onset of effects so you know that once you take the gummy you can quickly fall asleep.

The harmonious blend of CBN and melatonin work together with the CBD to encourage you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.

• Raspberry Sleep Dream Shot

Raspberry Sleep Dream Shot contains:

• 50 mg CBD
• 5 mg CBN
• 5 mg Melatonin 
• 145 mg Gaba

This is an all-natural liquid shot that uses nanotechnology for maximum bioavailability and faster onset. The shot is designed to give you a restful night of sleep with deep relaxation. It contains terpenes that are also useful in supporting relaxation and rest, including the following:

• Myrcene
• Linalool
• Beta-Caryophyllene

The proprietary blend of cannabinoids, melatonin, and Gaba makes use of natural ingredients to promote better sleep. You can also get the certificate of analysis by scanning the QR code on your package. This helps you review things like the potency, pesticides, and particle size analysis from a third party test.

Can you take CBD and melatonin safely? Under normal circumstances, yes, but there are some warnings to be aware of:

• It’s important to understand that some people might have an allergic reaction to melatonin supplements. Similarly, you might have an allergy to CBD products if you have an allergy to the hemp plant. If you are taking melatonin and CBD supplements, it’s important that you monitor small doses over the span of several days for any allergic reactions. If you experience them, you should talk to your doctor.
• There is some safety concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when it comes to CBD and melatonin for sleep, as the use of both doesn’t have enough evidence to confirm its safety.
• CBD with melatonin is not recommended for individuals who have dementia. 
• As is the case with all medicine, if you are considering CBD and melatonin, you should also consult with a healthcare provider if you are on any other medications like blood thinners or epilepsy medication. 

Safety Factors

Can you take CBD and melatonin without any risk? It’s important to note that some melatonin products might contain levels of melatonin different from what is listed on the label. Because melatonin products are considered dietary supplements, they are not as strictly regulated as medication. 

So, if you are considering CBD and melatonin together, it’s imperative that you work with reputable companies that have third-party testing and other clear regulations in place to ensure good quality.

There are potential side effects of combining CBD and melatonin. If you take CBD with melatonin, you have to be very careful about how much you take so that you do not take too much and end up much sleepier than you intended.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says that individuals with dementia should avoid any melatonin products. Similarly, older individuals who take CBD and melatonin together might notice that the melatonin stays active in their systems longer than younger individuals, which can result in daytime sleepiness.

Are there any precautions to take when using CBD and Melatonin for sleep? 

Melatonin products come with only mild side effects at best and usually involve:

• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache

Remember that melatonin is something naturally produced in the body and it is a hormone so another side effect to be aware of is that melatonin supplements could impact hormonal development or menstrual cycles especially if taken regularly.

Some people who use CBD and melatonin products experience very vivid dreams once they are asleep.

There are several benefits of taking CBD and melatonin together, especially if you are struggling with sleep problems. It can also be a useful treatment for anxiety disorders. CBD and melatonin for sleep can promote better sleep with fewer side effects than prescription medications. However, it’s important that you consult with a healthcare professional to tailor a sleep aid regimen that fits your needs. 

Remember that the FDA regulates dietary supplements like melatonin differently than it does prescriptions. Similarly, there are fewer restrictions on CBD products, and there are prescriptions. Working with a healthcare professional can ensure that you are aware of any potential contraindications with other medications and any risks, given your situation. Working with a reputable company that provides high-quality products and third-party testing can ensure the quality of your CBD with melatonin.