CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in plants of the cannabis family. Many people use CBD to help them calm their minds and fall asleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body during the hours of darkness.
CBD Basics
CBD plugs into cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Your cannabinoid receptors are also the place where THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, binds to the nervous system. While THC creates euphoria and disconnection, THC is generally used to limit the transmission of discomfort and anxious thoughts.
Melatonin Basics
As noted above, melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that ramps up when the sun goes down. In our world of electric lights, many find that melatonin supplements can help them sleep more deeply. Using it in combination with diligent sleep hygiene is critical for best results.
CBD Spectrum
CBD comes in many formats and can be either
- isolate, or CBD alone
- broad-spectrum, including other cannabinoids but no THC
- full spectrum, including other cannabinoids but trace amounts of THC
In the beginning, it is wisest to start with isolation. First of all, research on CBD is in its infancy, and if you are going to experiment on yourself, you want the purest product possible.
Additionally, trace amounts of THC could show up on a drug test as the product ages. Finally, isolate dosage is easy to control as it is usually a powder.
Quality Control Test
Only buy organic CBD products from a supplier that offers third-party testing. This third-party testing confirms that the product in the bottle matches the label. If you cannot find these certifications, buy from another supplier.
Melatonin supplements also need to be purchased from a reputable supplier. One of the challenges with supplements is that they are unregulated. As possible, buy from a well-known supplier with a strong reputation for the safest results.
Method of Intake
For better sleep, CBD can be taken:
- from a dropper under the tongue
- as a gummy or as CBD pills
- as an isolate mixed into a cool evening beverage
CBD under the tongue is quickest to enter the bloodstream. If you ingest CBD, the digestive process will slow the impact. Melatonin is generally taken in pill form.
If sleep is a problem, avoid alcohol before bed. Sluggish does not mean sleepy, and alcohol can actually reduce your ability to drop into the deepest, most cleansing sleep.
Can I combine CBD and Melatonin as a sleep aid?
It is possible to pair melatonin and CBD to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. One of the best things about CBD as a sleeping aid is that you cannot develop a tolerance. Once you have your best dosage and method determined, stick with it.
If sleep is a problem, avoid alcohol before bed. Most Americans suffer from sleep disorders and probable cause is alcoholism. Sluggish does not mean sleepy, and alcohol can actually reduce your ability to drop into the deepest, most cleansing sleep.
Consider taking your melatonin supplement with your CBD dropper. Drowsiness can come pretty quickly, so you may be better off getting ready for bed before you do. Over time, the timing of this combination will become evident.
