If you have sleeping problems or struggle with insomnia, taking CBD oil and melatonin together can significantly improve your sleep. Many people lack quality sleep, leading to sluggishness, health problems, and overall lower quality of life. Both CBD and melatonin supplementation are natural sleep aids with minimal side effects. They complement each other well, so why not take them together?
Table of Contents
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a neurotransmitter our body naturally produces to regulate our sleep wake cycle. It is found in high levels in the pineal gland of the brain during the evenings and extremely low levels during the day.
When our brains do not produce enough melatonin, it can lead to delayed sleep phase syndrome. Some factors that can affect melatonin production are age, exposure to light, natural sleep wake cycle, diet, and weight.
Taking melatonin supplements is a popular way to boost the body’s levels and improve sleep. Many prefer taking these supplements over sleeping pills or prescription medications because they avoid side effects like nausea or feelings of intoxication.
Using melatonin supplements to help insomnia is also called melatonin replacement therapy. In addition to treating sleeplessness, melatonin may provide the following benefits:
- Reduces anxiety or stress
- Helps fight jet lag
- Increases growth hormones in men
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a liquid cannabidiol solution you can add to food or drinks, take under your tongue, or apply to your skin. It’s made by infusing a carrier oil with CBD extract.
The cannabidiol in the oil interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many of the body’s functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, and more.
CBD oil is quickly becoming popular because it provides many soothing benefits without the euphoric and “high” feelings brought on by THC. It’s also very versatile and carries few side effects.
Research has shown that CBD oil can play a huge part in promoting better sleep. As we mentioned, CBD induces relaxing effects that can help the body reach homeostasis. Reaching this internal balance may help you sleep better and maintain a more consistent sleep patterns.
Why Would You Mix CBD Oil with Melatonin?
Melatonin is a great supplement that prompts the body to fall asleep faster, while CBD products can help improve sleep quality. Good sleep is critical for our overall health because without it, we are at risk of developing many health conditions.
Since melatonin and CBD both have soothing qualities that can help you wind down, using them together can produce even more relaxing effects. Many people are turning to natural sleep remedies because the side effects of medications can be unpredictable. In some cases, these prescriptions can make sleep issues worse.
The recommended amount of sleep for most adults is around 7-8 hours per night. However, because of work and busy schedules, many people do not get the necessary amount of sleep. Without sufficient rest, we put ourselves at risk of:
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immune system
- Irritability or mood swings
- Headaches/migraines
- Trouble focusing
- Impaired memory
Studies from the CDC estimate that 1 in 3 American adults suffer from a sleep-related issue. Sleep experts recommend that people keep a consistent sleep schedule to get the most rest possible.
Additionally, avoiding blue light from televisions or phones for two to three hours before bed can help you fall asleep more easily. It’s not always easy to unglue ourselves from electronics, but occasionally opting for a book instead of scrolling through our phones may be better for your sleep and health.
However, with our busy and hectic lifestyles, it is not always possible to maintain that consistency. As a result, many people have turned to sleep aids to improve their sleep quality. CBD oil and melatonin are two of these sleep aids that have become very popular options for regulating sleep.
Can You Mix CBD Oil And Melatonin?
Now that we know that both melatonin and CBD oil can help support our sleep functions, are they safe to use together? Studies have shown that they work very well when taken together.
Because melatonin and cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in your body, they have a synergy that complements each other well. CBD works by activating the cannabinoid receptors CB-1 and CB-2, which may influence sleep. Melatonin helps you sleep by activating the MT-1 and MT-2 receptors in the brain.
These four receptors (CB-1, CB-2, MT-1, and MT-2) all fall under the same protein group called G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Receptors in this group have similar structures and initiate similar functions.
CBD and melatonin work well on their own to promote better sleep, but the combination of the two are a literal dream team! Many prefer to use either CBD oil or melatonin supplements to sleep but taking both together may create a next-level sleep experience. Using these natural supplements also eliminates the risk of addiction, feelings of intoxication, and hangovers.
How To Mix Them Properly
Finding the right dosage for yourself is important with anything you put into your body. Even though CBD oil and melatonin are both healthy sleep medications, taking too much can still cause unwanted side effects.
Always read the label or consult a doctor if you are unsure of the dose. If you take other medications, you should check with your physician to ensure melatonin and CBD don’t interact. Taking these precautions can help you stay happy, healthy, and alert!
Melatonin Dosage
The standard dose of melatonin supplements typically comes in 1 mg tablets. However, 0.3 and 0.5 mg doses can still be very effective. You can split your tablet into halves or thirds to test at first and gradually increase the dosage until you find the amount that works for you.
Everyone reacts differently to melatonin. Some people may need doses as high as 5 mg. Anything above 5 mg may cause some mild side effects including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and vivid dreams.
One important note about melatonin receptors is that your body can build up a natural tolerance to the supplement. Its effectiveness may decrease over time taken continuously. The recommendation is only to take it when necessary to help reset the body’s sleep system.
CBD Dosage
Like melatonin production, the CBD oil dosage can be different for everyone. We generally recommend 0.25 mg (average dose) to 0.5 mg (strong dose) of CBD oil per pound of body weight. It is always good to start with a lower dosage and gradually work your way up. For example, an average dose for someone that weighs 200 pounds would be about 50 mg (200 lbs x 0.25 mg/lb = 50 mg).
If you are looking for a more potent dosage, use 0.5 mg for every pound of weight. So, for the same person that weighs 200 pounds, a stronger dose would be 100 mg (200 lbs x 0.5 mg/lb = 100 mg).
Unlike melatonin, the effectiveness of CBD will not decrease over time. CBD promotes homeostasis in the body and is excellent for sustained use. Consult your doctor or health professional to determine what’s right for you and how to take CBD oil effectively.
Final Thoughts – Can I Take CBD Oil With Melatonin?
Melatonin and CBD oil are entirely safe to take together! They can help enhance sleep and help get your schedule back on track on circadian rhythm. However, these two compounds cannot replace sleep altogether, so be sure to maintain a good sleeping schedule to stay as healthy as you can!
