The number of Americans using melatonin supplements is going through the roof. Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that melatonin use went up from 0.4 percent to 2.1 percent of the population between 1999 – 2018. During the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, even more people turned to melatonin to help them fall asleep.
During this same time, CBD oil supplements have been on the rise. While many people use CBD for daytime stress or aches & pains, it’s also common to see hemp extracts for sleep-related issues. Indeed, many people with insomnia use CBD to help them feel at ease before bed.
Since CBD and melatonin have become so popular in the supplement market, it’s no surprise manufacturers have begun putting these two compounds together. Customers could easily find dozens of CBD sleep supplements that contain high doses of melatonin. But does that mean these CBD capsules are safe? What do we know about melatonin’s interaction with CBD?
How Does Melatonin Work With CBD?
Unlike CBD, melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone in the body. So, even if you don’t take a melatonin supplement, your body will produce this compound every night. As the sun sets, our brain’s pineal gland sends out more melatonin, which helps us know it’s time to wind down.
By contrast, CBD is a “phytocannabinoid” that’s only found in the hemp plant. Although CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), it’s not a naturally-occurring chemical. Instead, CBD seems to increase the production of natural compounds like anandamide and serotonin.
So, when you take a CBD supplement that has melatonin, both of these chemicals operate on different bodily systems. This dual effect may explain why many customers feel sleepy with CBD-enriched melatonin products.
Many placebo-controlled studies suggest CBD has anti-anxiety properties, especially for PTSD and social anxiety disorder. However, there’s still debate over whether CBD on its own has sleep-promoting effects. CBD appears to make most customers drowsy at higher doses, which may be related to its anti-stress properties.
However, when you combine CBD with melatonin, it should enhance CBD’s sedative potential even at low doses. Customers may experience the stress relief of CBD alongside melatonin’s sleep-promoting effects.
Is Melatonin Safe To Take With CBD Oil?
Just because melatonin is a “natural hormone” doesn’t mean it’s without risks. Indeed, many doctors are concerned that the overreliance on melatonin supplements could decrease the body’s ability to make melatonin. Anyone new to taking melatonin must speak with their healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for their needs.
Organizations like the Sleep Foundation recommend taking no more than 5 mg of melatonin at a time. Beginners may want to start with a dose as low as 0.5 mg of melatonin to see how it affects them.
As for mixing melatonin with CBD, no evidence suggests these two compounds have harmful interactions. In fact, most anecdotal reports suggest these chemicals are complimentary. If you’re using a lab-tested CBD sleep extract, it’s generally considered safe for healthy adults.
Remember to keep your dose of CBD and melatonin as low as possible for your first trial. Please also avoid taking CBD and melatonin if you’re already on prescription medications. These supplements can alter the absorption of other chemicals, so please speak with your doctor if you want to try a CBD sleep supplement.
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