Sleep and Cannabidiol: How Does It Affect Melatonin?
16 January 2025Cannabidiol may contribute to a good night’s sleep, but how does this natural remedy influence melatonin? Sleep problems are common, affecting around 30% of the population, who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. In this blog, we explore the benefits of CBD and melatonin for sleep and how these substances interact with each other.
What Is Melatonin?
When we talk about sleep, we also talk about melatonin. This is a hormone produced in the pineal gland in the brain, playing a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This biological process follows the Earth’s natural day and night rhythm, a 24-hour cycle.
Melatonin levels fluctuate depending on light exposure. As light diminishes, melatonin levels rise, making you feel sleepy. When morning arrives and light increases, melatonin levels drop, helping you wake up. Typically, melatonin levels peak around 2 AM. Research shows that melatonin also influences other bodily processes, such as body temperature, hormone production, and immune function.
Melatonin is essential for a good night’s sleep. It helps you feel sleepy at the right time. Many people with sleep problems take melatonin supplements, which may help them fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and improve sleep quality. Similarly, cannabidiol in CBD tablets may also help with sleep issues, just like melatonin.
Cannabidiol for Better Sleep
Cannabidiol in CBD tablets can be beneficial for people struggling with sleep problems, often caused by stress and anxiety. Constant stress and anxiety can lead to excessive worrying and physical tension, making it difficult to relax at bedtime.
The human body is designed to handle life-threatening situations. When experiencing stress, the body releases more adrenaline and cortisol, increasing heart rate and blood flow, preparing the body for action. However, this response is meant for short-term dangers, not for chronic stress.
When stress persists and the body remains in a heightened state for long periods, it negatively affects health. Poor sleep is one of its consequences. CBD supplements may help break the cycle of stress and poor sleep.
CBD has calming properties that help relax both the body and mind. It effectively reduces stress, anxiety, restlessness, and tension. Taking CBD before bedtime may help you unwind, stop overthinking, and reduce tossing and turning, allowing you to fall asleep faster. Additionally, it can improve sleep quality and duration. But does cannabidiol also affect melatonin production?
Cannabidiol and Melatonin: A Good Combination?
Both cannabidiol and melatonin contribute to a healthy sleep cycle. Melatonin is naturally produced by the body, while CBD is a plant-derived cannabinoid that the body recognizes as similar to its own compounds. But what happens when you take them together?
Cannabidiol and melatonin can both promote sleep, but they work in different ways. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, signaling to the body in the evening that it is time to sleep. CBD, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and helps reduce anxiety and stress, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep.
It seems logical that combining cannabidiol and melatonin would be beneficial for sleep problems. However, some studies suggest that cannabinoids like CBD might inhibit the enzyme AANAT, which plays a crucial role in melatonin synthesis. This could mean that CBD potentially reduces melatonin production. However, these studies were conducted on animals and at the intracellular level, meaning that the effects on humans are still unclear. More research is needed.
Despite this, many people report that the combination of CBD and melatonin is effective. When taken in the evening, they both promote sleepiness and relaxation. Users report better and deeper sleep, waking up feeling refreshed without experiencing grogginess.
Are CBD and Melatonin Safe?
Both CBD and melatonin are considered natural and safe to use. However, it is essential to take them at the right time. If using them together, they should be taken in the evening, as they can cause drowsiness. CBD alone does not typically cause drowsiness, making it safe to take during the day without melatonin.
Some people experience mild side effects when taking both supplements together, such as headaches, stomach discomfort, or nausea. However, side effects are generally mild and infrequent. A 2023 study found that only 12% of participants experienced mild side effects from combining CBD and melatonin. Notably, those who took both together reported feeling less groggy in the morning compared to those who took melatonin alone. When taken alone, CBD has a low risk of side effects.
If you’re considering using cannabidiol for sleep problems, choose a high-quality, reliable supplement such as CBD tablets or CBD oil. Visit our shop to find the supplement that best suits your needs.
