CBD vs. Melatonin – Which Is Better for Sleep?

Many people around the world occasionally have trouble falling or staying asleep. For others, getting sufficient sleep can feel like a constant struggle. Insufficient sleep can be problematic for our physical and mental health, so it is no surprise that effective sleep aids are such sought-after products.

Two of the most popular supplements to promote sleep health are CBD oil and melatonin. With plenty of both types of products on the market, you might want to know which substance will be more effective at helping you get the seven to nine hours of nightly slumber you need. We will compare them head-to-head to see whether CBD or melatonin is best for you.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. While CBD is found in marijuana, many products contain CBD derived from the hemp plant because hemp is legal at the federal level. CBD’s popularity is due to its many physical and psychological benefits, including:

• Relieving pain
• Reducing inflammation
• Alleviating anxiety
• Protecting brain cells
• Enhancing mood
• Decreasing nausea 

Another reason CBD’s use has been on the rise in recent years is that, unlike THC, it does not cause you to feel a cerebral high. While CBD functions via interactions with your body’s endocannabinoid system, it does not bind directly to the system’s receptors. Instead, research suggests that CBD works by keeping the body’s natural cannabinoids in circulation for longer than they otherwise would stay within the system.

CBD also reduces the body’s vulnerability to pain by desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Furthermore, CBD affects the body’s transmission of serotonin. This neurotransmitter relates to:

• Mood
• Sleep
• Digestive function
• Libido

Finally, CBD may also reduce the levels of cortisol in the brain. When you have a high amount of cortisol in your system, you may be prone to waking up more frequently during the night. When you reduce your cortisol levels with CBD, you can increase your chances of an uninterrupted night of sleep.

Benefits and Drawbacks of CBD

CBD’s positive effects on many of the body’s functions have made it an essential aspect of many people’s lives. Because anxiety, stress, pain, and inflammation can create difficulties for your sleep patterns, CBD can offer an effective and natural means of overcoming these challenges when it is time to get some shut-eye. 

Yet, although most people can tolerate CBD safely, you may want to consult with a medical professional before starting a CBD regimen. CBD may slow down the liver’s capacity to metabolize some drugs, so check with a doctor before using it to help you sleep.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone found naturally within the body. Produced by the pineal gland, melatonin helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle by responding to the levels of blue light in the environment. A melatonin supplement can help you re-balance this cycle in certain circumstances. 

For example, if you are jet-lagged, your melatonin cycle may not correspond to the change in time zone. Taking a melatonin supplement shortly before the time you would like to go to sleep may help you readjust to the rhythm of your new location.

Some people also take melatonin for sleep disorders, such as:

• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• REM sleep behavior disorder

Benefits and Drawbacks of Melatonin

Research indicates that melatonin can be useful for:

• Reducing the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep
• Increasing the amount of time you remain asleep
• Improving your sleep quality

Yet, as with CBD and any other supplement, you should speak with a medical professional before adding Melatonin to your routine. Melatonin may interact with drugs for:

• Birth control
• Blood clots
• Diabetes

Furthermore, some people who take melatonin can experience dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Finally, the effectiveness of melatonin may decrease if you use it for an extended period of time, so everyday use might not be a sustainable option.

CBD and Melatonin – How Do They Compare?

While studies indicate that both CBD and melatonin can be useful sleep aids, the differences between these two substances are significant. 

• Source – CBD comes directly from the cannabis plant, while melatonin requires synthesis.
• Symptoms treated – Melatonin is most effective for jet lag, as well as primary sleep disorders. CBD is more helpful for people whose sleep suffers due to anxiety, stress, and physical pain or inflammation.
• Physiological pathways – Melatonin works by affecting the body’s hormones, while CBD primarily targets neurotransmitters.

The Verdict

In general, more people will probably find CBD useful for their nightly sleep troubles. CBD supplements offer a natural means of reducing symptoms that cause sleeplessness and it is more effective for regular or nightly use. Furthermore, CBD oil has benefits that can extend into your daily life as well. 

Effective Ways to Take CBD

If you are interested in taking CBD to help promote healthier sleep, you have several options when it comes to consumption. These include:

• Tinctures
• Capsules
• Topicals
• Oral sprays
• Edibles

Each of these CBD delivery systems has its benefits, but sublingual oils or edibles may be more effective than topical options because oral consumption will lead to full-body effects. Yet, the cannabinoid industry remains largely unregulated across the United States, so finding the right product can be challenging.

One way of ensuring the quality of ingredients and potency of your CBD sleep aids is to make them at home. With a countertop infusion machine, such as the LĒVO II, LĒVO Lux, or LĒVO C, you can have an effective and simple way of controlling these elements, as well as the flavor of your sleep aid. LĒVO’s line of gummy mixes and accessories can help equip you with a streamlined way of making customized CBD edibles that suit your needs. When you have control over what is going into your edibles, you know you’re getting exactly what you want, exactly how you want it. 

Speak to a member of the Cannabutter Digest team to learn more about how you can use LĒVO products to make delicious and effective edibles to help you sleep.

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