CBD and melatonin: can they be taken together?

In the lives of all of us, sleep is a priority. Without it, we feel lethargic and tired. For most adults, getting proper sleep can be a challenge. An average adult needs about 7-8 hours of uninterrupted rest each night for optimal health.

How can this be achieved? In recent years, some research studies have proved that there are different types of natural remedies that can help us sleep better.

CBD (cannabidiol) and melatonin are two such options. It has therefore been claimed that these compounds play a key role in regulating our circadian rhythms, which is our inner clock that helps us maintain a correct sleep-wake cycle.

In this article, we will tell you more about sleep disorders and how CBD and melatonin can help you solve them and get better rest.

Sleep disorders can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Stress and anxiety
• Irregular living habits
• Sleep apnoea
• Chronic pain
• Respiratory diseases
• Use of stimulants
• Depression
• Circadian rhythm disorders
• Primary insomnia

Recognising the root cause of sleep problems is crucial in order to be able to create an optimal bedtime routine and reduce or eliminate factors that disturb sleep.

However, there are natural remedies that can help restore regular and healthy sleep, such as the well-known melatonin.

What is melatonin?

One of the most classic remedies for better sleep is melatonin. It is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland in animals and the retina in plants. It is also found in high concentrations in older animals and is associated with sleep, circadian rhythms and the ageing process.  

As a sleep aid, it is particularly interesting to note that the body naturally produces melatonin during the night, as the dark environment stimulates the brain to release a greater amount of this hormone. In particular, the brain’s pineal gland is more active when it is dark outside. This means that melatonin has a built-in mechanism that helps regulate our internal circadian rhythms based on the natural cycle of light and dark.

The benefits of melatonin

Melatonin offers different benefits, especially for those struggling with maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle, such as:

• Improved sleep quality and duration
• Reduced time needed to fall asleep
• Effective treatment for insomnia and jet lag
• Regulation of the sleep-wake cycle in people with night shifts or circadian rhythm disorders
• Potential antioxidant properties that help protect the cells from free radical damage
• Supporting the immune system

Thanks to these benefits, melatonin is a valuable natural option for improving sleep and promoting general well-being, especially for those suffering from sleep disorders or have to adapt to changes in daily rhythms.

A scientific research, entitled A review of sleep disorders and melatonin, states that melatonin has been approved to alleviate sleep-related problems in adults over the age of 55.

Therefore, this hormone helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, both in adults and children. Recommended doses range from 0,5 mg and 5 mg, to be consumed right before bedtime. Beyond this threshold, there seems to be no further benefits. But after consuming it, how long does it take for melatonin to take effect? On average, it takes about half an hour to exert its effect and promote sleep.

What is CBD and how does it act?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in hemp. This plant is native to Asia and has been grown and used for many purposes since ancient times.

In recent years, more and more people have become aware of the numerous health benefits of CBD and hemp oil. For instance, this compound has shown positive results for a wide range of pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer, anxiety, chronic pain and insomnia. 

It has also been proved that CBD can be useful in reducing the REM behaviour disorder (RBD). This disorder presents itself through muscle stiffness and continuous nightmares.

Another potential benefit relates to insomnia: many people struggle with falling asleep at night, and several studies have shown that CBD can help solve this problem. This is due to the fact that those suffering from insomnia often have an overactive brain, and CBD can help calm this excessive activity level.

How many drops of CBD to fall asleep?

There is no real set dosage for CBD, as different people may respond variably to different dosages. The main factor to decide on is the CBD concentration in the product used. 

In general, the recommended dosage for adults is 15-30 mg per day. Like with any other supplement, it is preferable to start with a low dosage and then gradually increase.

A particularly good oil if you have trouble falling asleep is Maria CBD Oil’s Sleep Oil, an innovative natural solution that promotes regular sleep, helping you wake up refreshed and rested, full of energy to face the day.

Can CBD and melatonin be taken together?

The answer is yes!

CBD and melatonin can be taken together and are often combined to enhance the benefits of both compounds on sleep.

Several studies suggest that both substances promote trouble-free sleep, and such a mix can be useful for those who have particular problems sleeping without interruption. 

CBD acts on neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system, contributing to the feeling of calm, while melatonin can help restore a correct wake-sleep cycle. The synergy between cannabidiol and melatonin is therefore a winning one, guaranteeing enriched and superior sleep. 

No side effects of the combined intake of CBD and melatonin have been noted. However, melatonin may cause mild nausea, dizziness and headache. CBD, according to a 2019 study, may lower blood pressure, an effect to consider for those suffering from low blood pressure.

How to take CBD and melatonin together

There are different options if you want to combine CBD and melatonin. You can buy the two products separately and take them together, but this may be less convenient and make dosing more complex. 

A more convenient alternative is products already infused with both compounds, which allow access to their benefits in a single formula. 

CBD and melatonin drops, in particular, offer an ideal solution for improving sleep. Thanks to the synergy between melatonin and CBD, it is possible to achieve more restful nights and a better quality of rest, often already from the first intake.

CBD and melatonin: an Italian study

Numerous studies on the subject of sleep have produced encouraging results, suggesting that the combination of CBD and melatonin could represent an alternative to traditional drugs, with minimal side effects. 

An important Italian study, Research in the treatment of insomnia: a new formulation based on melatonin and cannabinol (CBD), led by Professor Beniamino Palmieri of the University of Modena and Reggio, analysed the efficacy of a melatonin and CBD formulation in the treatment of insomnia. 

The results showed a significant improvement in sleep quality and general health, with a reduction in anxiety, panic and chronic pain. 

As a conclusion, the researchers found that the combination of CBD and melatonin could be an effective alternative to hypnotic-sedative drugs. Melatonin, due to its antioxidant properties, supports brain functioning and helps regulate the biological clock, while CBD relieves chronic pain, promotes muscle relaxation and reduces anxiety, helping to restore a more natural and restful sleep.

Try CBD products to treat insomnia

If you suffer from insomnia, trying CBD products might be the natural solution that you’ve been looking for and you can find them all in our Maria CBD Oil CBD shop.

CBD Sleep Oil is specifically formulated to enhance relaxation and improve sleep quality by combining CBD with other natural ingredients, such as chamomile, to promote deep sleep. 

We also offer a range of CBD oils with concentrations ranging from 5% to 30%, available in both Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum versions.

The difference between the two formulations is that Broad Spectrum contains all the all the compounds of the cannabis plant except THC, while Full Spectrum also includes traces of THC, offering a more complete entourage effect.

The lower concentrations, such as 5% and 10%, are recommended for beginners or those with light sleep disorders.

The higher concentrations, such as 20% or 30% are ideal for those suffering from chronic insomnia or need a more powerful effect to improve sleep.

For those who want a middle ground between the two, there is also the 15% formulation.

But oils, although the most popular option, are not the only CBD products that can help you sleep. Visit our Maria CBD Oil store to discover the range of CBD products that may be right for you!