Is Melatonin or CBD More Effective For Sleep?

This article discusses CBD in general and how it affects sleep. It also talks about what melatonin is and the types of people who should use the melatonin supplement. Keep on reading to find out more.

Some people experience sleep disorders such as insomnia. You know the feeling of waking up exhausted the next day if you are one of them. Sleep deprivation can make a person lose their appetite and concentration leading to poor memory and fatigue. It also affects a person's productivity. Sleep disorders can also cause accidents and injuries since some people find it hard to concentrate when performing certain activities like driving. Fortunately, if you want a natural sleeping aid alternative, you can try using CBD or melatonin. However, most people are confused about which type of melatonin to treat their sleeping disorders.

CBD

CBD, also known as cannabinoid, is one of the multiple cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. According to Kerna et al.(2022), THC is responsible for psychoactive and cannabidiol (CBN), which contains soothing effects. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot give its users high effects. Baswan et al.(2020) noted that CBD products are gaining popularity in the cannabis market because of one of the health benefits that CBD provides, such as alleviating anxiety, pain relief, and treating skin conditions such as dry skin.

Various forms of CBD

CBD can be available in the following forms:

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are delicious since most of them are flavored. CBD edibles include gummies and cookies.

CBD Capsules

Most people love CBD capsules ice they are easy to dose.

CBD Tinctures

The effects of CBD tinctures are felt quicker than CBD edibles since they are ingested sublingually.

CBD Topicals

A person can not be left behind by skin and beauty lovers. CBD topicals have been introduced into the market. CBD topical is used topically, and they are used to treat the discomfort that you get to experience on your skin.

CBD for Sleep

CBD has become a popular alternative that helps [s one fall asleep. According to Babson et al. (2017), CBD helps in relaxation, providing one with a good night's sleep. Abrams & Guzman (2015) reported that patients who struggled with sleep conditions greatly improved once they consumed CBD.

Every form of CBD has different effects on the body in terms of the amount of time the body starts feeling the effects. CBD oil and smoking CBD is the fastest ways in which the effects of CBD kick in. It takes five to fifteen minutes for the user to feel its effects.

Does CBD Help With Sleep?

The following is evidence of how CBD can help with sleep.

Insomnia and CBD

Insomnia is finding it difficult to stay asleep most the nights. According to Shannon & Opila-Lehman (2016), CBD helps in treating the causes of insomnia, such as anxiety and pain.

CBD and Anxiety

The cortisol levels increase when a person is stressed or anxious. It affects melatonin levels, interfering with the sleep and wake cycle when elevated cortisol levels. CBD has been proven to ease the nervous system. Skelley et al. (2020) revealed that patients who have taken CBD had reduced their anxiety levels. When you are less anxious, you tend to sleep better.

Insomnia affects productivity during the day and can cause anxiety at night. Anxiety can affect a person's sleep cycle. Yung CBD can help alleviate anxiety which in turn helps a person sleep better.

Physical Discomfort and CBD

CBD can decrease physical discomfort since it helps release the neurotransmitters present in the nerve endings. CBD also helps in lessening neural inflammation. Some people find it difficult to sleep because of physical discomfort. CBD has proven to reduce physical discomfort, which helps in supporting sleep.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a type of hormone produced by a gland in the brain. This gland is known as the pineal gland. Melatonin is produced, and it passes through the bloodstream. Melatonin quantities increase at night and decrease during the day. According to Tordjman et al. (2017), melatonin leads to the control of the sleep and wake cycle, which is also known as circadian rhythm.

Who Melatonin Is For

A person should consider using melatonin if they experience the following sleep disorders:

Jet lag

Jet lag interferes with the sleep and wake cycles since you cross different time zones. Jet lag may increase when traveling to the east.

Shift Work Disorder

Wright et al. (2013) stated that some people who work shifts have inconsistent schedules. Most of them get about four hours of sleep. It leads to disruption in melatonin production.

Advanced Sleep Phase Disorders

Sack et al. (2007) stated that these people are early birds. Most of them sleep early and wake up early too.

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

This type of disorder is common for people referred to as night owls. These people sleep late and find it difficult to wake up in the morning.

Irregular Sleep-Wake Disorder

It is common in people whose sleep patterns are disrupted since they tend to take many naps.

Melatonin For sleep

Melatonin for sleep causes sleep disorders when there is an imbalance in melatonin production. A person should consider trying melatonin supplements if they find sleeping in a dark room difficult. Most insomnia patients have been given melatonin to help them sleep. Melatonin supplements have become popular since they do not possess any side effects. The melatonin supplement helps the hormones to function well hence causing healthy sleep. Melatonin supplements work quickly, and a person must take the required dose at the right time. Melatonin can cause drowsiness the following morning if taken incorrectly.

Conclusion

Some people find it difficult to sleep during the night because of their busy lives. However, if you are one of them and are confused about whether you should use melatonin or CBD to help you sleep, you can try using them independently first. It will help you know which supplement is better for you.

Getting enough rest is important for the body and mental health. Therefore a person should not be ashamed about taking supplements to help achieve a good sleep. Consult with your doctor before using any sleep supplement. Your doctor will help people choose the best sleep supplement their body requires. Consider being careful about where you purchase your sleep supplement since there are many brands out there that are selling low sleep supplements. That is why purchasing from a transparent and reliable brand is important.

References

Abrams, D. I., & Guzman, M. (2015). Cannabis In Cancer Care. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 97(6), 575-586.

Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, And Sleep: A Review Of The Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 1-12.

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927.

Kerna, N. A., Flores, J. V., Chawla, S., Brown, S. M., & Anderson, I. I. (2022). J, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Roberson R, Nwokorie U, Pruitt KD. "A Desktop Primer And Practical Review Of Cannabis-Containing Compounds And Their Entourage Effects". EC Neurology, 14, 49-57.

Sack, R. L., Auckley, D., Auger, R. R., Carskadon, M. A., Wright Jr, K. P., Vitiello, M. V., & Zhdanova, I. V. (2007). Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders: Part II, Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder, Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, Free-Running Disorder, And Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm. Sleep, 30(11), 1484-1501

Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use Of Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Anxiety-Related Disorders. Journal Of The American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.

Shannon, S., & Opila-Lehman, J. (2016). Effectiveness Of Cannabidiol Oil For Pediatric Anxiety And Insomnia As Part Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal, 20(4).

Tordjman, S., Chokron, S., Delorme, R., Charrier, A., Bellissant, E., Jaafari, N., & Fougerou, C. (2017). Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions, And Therapeutic Benefits. Current Neuropharmacology, 15(3), 434-443.

Wright Jr, K. P., Bogan, R. K., & Wyatt, J. K. (2013). Shift Work And The Assessment And Management Of Shift Work Disorder (SWD). Sleep Medicine Reviews, 17(1), 41-54.