Everyone knows that a good night's sleep is a pillar of health. However, it’s an unfortunate reality that many individuals struggle to get good sleep, often tossing and turning each night.
Sleep struggles have become a common issue, and there are a number of reasons behind this. Our modern lifestyles often involve long hours in front of screens, high levels of daily stress, irregular work schedules, and environmental disturbances.
These factors can take a toll on our body's natural sleep rhythms, making the search for effective sleep aids more crucial than ever. In this search, Melatonin and CBD have emerged as two popular choices in this quest. But the question is, which one is the right fit for you? In this post, we'll dive deep into the details of both and help you make an informed choice.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. But unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn't get you "high." Instead, it interacts with the body's natural endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in many bodily functions, including sleep.
With the changing legal landscape, many hemp-based CBD products, containing 0.3% THC or less, are now legally available across the U.S. However, it is important to note that some brands have been warned by the FDA for including more than 0.3% THC in their CBD products and mislabeling them. Thus, it’s important to research brands and ingredients to ensure you’re purchasing quality products.
What is Melatonin?
Ever wondered how our bodies know when it's time to sleep? The answer is Melatonin. This naturally-occurring hormone is produced in the pineal gland in our brain. As the sun sets and darkness falls, melatonin levels in the body rise, signaling to our brain that it's time to wind down. When the sun comes up, melatonin levels drop, telling our body it's time to wake up.
If you're struggling with sleep, there are Melatonin supplements available in various forms like tablets, liquid drops, and gummies that can help give your natural Melatonin production a boost so getting to sleep and staying asleep is easier.
How does CBD help sleep?
Sometimes, the reason behind a restless night isn't a diagnosed sleep disorder but other factors like stress, minor pain, , or even working late-night shifts. In these cases, Melatonin might not always be the best solution.
CBD, on the other hand, can potentially help support sleep.In fact, a study from 2019 found that CBD might help by minimizing sleep interruptions and reducing the time needed to fall asleep.
This study highlighted that CBD could reduce the interruptions during sleep.
The Pros of CBD
CBD offers several benefits for those seeking a restful night's sleep. It has been recognized for its potential to support sound sleep.
In addition, CBD is generally considered safe for most individuals, presenting only minimal side effects. Furthermore, its properties can be especially beneficial for individuals who are dealing with mental health challenges such as stress.
The Cons of CBD
While CBD has garnered significant attention for its potential benefits, it's crucial to understand that research on its effects is still in the early stages. This means that while we have some insights into its advantages, comprehensive knowledge about its long-term effects is yet to be determined.
Additionally, despite its growing popularity, there are legal restrictions in place in various regions, which can make CBD products inaccessible for many individuals. This patchwork of regulations, combined with the industry's newness, means that there is a lack of consistent standardization across products.
As a result, the quality of CBD products can vary widely from one manufacturer to another, posing challenges for consumers in finding reliable and effective products, as we mentioned earlier in the article.
Furthermore, as with any substance, excessive consumption or use of CBD can lead to health complications. It's essential for users to be aware of these potential risks and ensure they're using CBD products responsibly and in appropriate doses.
How does Melatonin impact sleep?
Earlier in this article, we explained how Melatonin works within the human body as a natural indicator of when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. However, some still struggle with being able to fall asleep or stay asleep and may turn to Melatonin supplements to assist with this challenge.
Melatonin supplements can act as a sleep booster, helping individuals drift into slumber faster and enjoy a deeper sleep. Research even suggests that children might benefit from Melatonin supplementation.
The Pros of Melatonin
Melatonin has long been recognized as a trusted aid for sleep, helping people fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper slumber. This reputation is not unfounded; extensive scientific research supports its efficacy as a sleep aid.
Moreover, for most people, melatonin is typically free from significant side effects. One of its major advantages is its accessibility; it's readily available over-the-counter, eliminating the need for a prescription.
The Cons of Melatonin
While Melatonin is beneficial for many, it might not be the solution for everyone. Especially for those whose sleep disturbances are caused by reasons other than a deficiency in Melatonin. Additionally, it's worth noting that like any supplement, overconsumption of melatonin might lead to certain health issues.
Does Melatonin work better with CBD?
Could combining CBD and Melatonin help some people sleep better? Recent studies appear to say yes! One such study in 2022 showed just that.
In the study, researchers gave some participants only Melatonin, while others received a mix of CBD and Melatonin, and then watched to see how they slept. The results were very encouraging. 71% of participants who took either just melatonin or the mix of both said they slept better.
Which is better for you: CBD or Melatonin?
Opt for CBD if stress or unconventional work hours plague your sleep. It's an especially good option for those working night shifts as daytime melatonin might lead to drowsiness.
On the other hand, if your sleep issues arise from a Melatonin deficit, then Melatonin supplements are the way to go. However, if you suspect a chronic Melatonin shortage, it's wise to consult a healthcare expert.
CBD and Melatonin together might also be a promising combination for sleep because each one offers unique benefits that can complement the other. This may be particularly true for those who might struggle with sleep due to both stress and an off-balance internal sleep clock.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Aid Sleep
It’s important to remember that health supplements should go hand-in-hand with the appropriate lifestyle changes in order to provide the maximum impact for your well-being. If you’re struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep at night, consider these lifestyle changes to help you get back on track:
- Savor your dinner early, giving at least a 2-hour gap before hitting the sack.
- Power down screens, be it phones, tablets, or TVs, an hour prior to bedtime.
- Cultivate a calming pre-sleep ritual, whether it's a warm bath, reading, or some gentle stretching.
- Curb afternoon and evening caffeine and nicotine intake.
- Try to avoid late-day napping, but if you must, keep it under 20 minutes and before 2 p.m.
- Make your sleeping space cozy and sleep-friendly by dimming the lights and ensuring comfort.
Conclusion
CBD and Melatonin both have their unique merits when it comes to sleep enhancement. The right choice boils down to individual needs. Some even find that a blend of the two offers the best of both worlds.
Always be sure to consult with your physician before starting a CBD or Melatonin regimen. If you’ve decided that trying a CBD and Melatonin combination is right for you, we invite you to check out our sleep products.
NextEvo is committed to providing quality ingredients and superior absorption technology, checked four times from lab to bottle to ensure you are getting exactly what the bottle states.
Sleep tight and choose wisely!
References
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- Kuhathasan N, Dufort A, MacKillop J, Gottschalk R, Minuzzi L, Frey BN. The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2019 Aug;27(4):383-401. doi: 10.1037/pha0000285. Epub 2019 May 23. PMID: 31120284.
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- Costello RB, Lentino CV, Boyd CC, O'Connell ML, Crawford CC, Sprengel ML, Deuster PA. The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Nutr J. 2014 Nov 7;13:106. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-106. PMID: 25380732; PMCID: PMC4273450.
- Radicle Science. Radicle™ Sleep: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled, Direct-to-Consumer Study Assessing the Impact of Plant Derived Cannabinoids on Sleep and Overall Health Outcomes. 2022 Aug 26. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05552898
