CBD and melatonin are both commonly found in nighttime wellness products, but they work differently in the body. Melatonin is a hormone that helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle, while CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp.
So, can you take CBD and melatonin together? Yes, CBD and melatonin are often combined in nighttime products. However, research on the benefits of using CBD and melatonin for sleep is still developing.
Here's what you should know about how these two ingredients differ, why they're used together, and what to consider before trying them.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring, plant-based cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Most CBD wellness products are made using CBD extracted from hemp.
Unlike THC, CBD oil doesn't typically produce an intoxicating "high." It interacts with several systems in the body, including the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Researchers continue to study CBD for a wide range of potential uses, including its relationship with sleep. However, research specifically supporting CBD as a sleep aid is still limited, and individual experiences can vary.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain. Its main job is to help regulate your body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.
Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening as it gets dark, signaling to your body that it's time to prepare for sleep. Levels then fall as morning approaches.
Melatonin is also available as a dietary supplement and is commonly added to nighttime products. How someone responds to supplemental melatonin can depend on the amount, timing, age, and other individual factors.
CBD vs. Melatonin: What's the Difference?
Although CBD and melatonin are often included in the same nighttime products, they're not the same thing.
| CBD | Melatonin | |
|---|---|---|
| What Is It? | A cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. | A hormone naturally produced by the body. |
| Main Role | Interacts with several systems in the body. | Helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. |
| Made by the Body? | No | Yes |
| Intoxicating? | No | No |
| Common Forms | Oils, gummies, capsules, and softgels. | Gummies, tablets, capsules, and softgels. |
| Sleep Research | Research is still developing. | More established research related to the sleep-wake cycle. |
The biggest difference between CBD vs. melatonin is how they work. Melatonin has a direct role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle, while researchers are still learning how CBD may relate to sleep.
Can You Take CBD and Melatonin Together?
CBD with melatonin is already available in many nighttime supplements, including gummies, capsules, and softgels. Combining the two offers a convenient option for people who want both ingredients in their nighttime routine.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean CBD and melatonin work better together. Research directly studying the combination is limited, and more research is needed to understand whether taking them together offers benefits beyond using either ingredient on its own.
Both ingredients may also cause drowsiness. CBD can interact with certain medications, so talk with your healthcare provider before taking CBD and melatonin together if you use medications or have questions about whether they're right for you.
Potential Benefits of CBD and Melatonin
Why are CBD and Melatonin so commonly paired? Most of the advantages come from combining two different ingredients in one convenient nighttime product.
- Supports a Nighttime Routine: Melatonin is tied to the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and can easily fit into a consistent nighttime routine.
- Combines Two Ingredients: CBD and melatonin work differently in the body, allowing you to get both ingredients in one convenient product.
- Easy to Use: CBD melatonin products come in convenient forms like gummies, capsules, and softgels.
- Results Can Vary: Everyone may respond differently. CBD and melatonin products aren't guaranteed to help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, or improve sleep quality.
What Does Research Say About CBD and Melatonin for Sleep?
Research into CBD and Melatonin represents a potential sleep enhancement, but there are still unanswered questions.
Melatonin has been studied extensively because of its naturally occurring role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Research into CBD and sleep is newer, and studies have produced mixed results.
Research looking specifically at CBD and melatonin together is even more limited. At this point, there isn't enough evidence to say that combining the two provides better results than using either ingredient by itself.
As more studies are completed, researchers may develop a clearer understanding of how CBD relates to sleep and whether combining it with melatonin provides additional benefits.
What to Look for in a CBD and Melatonin Product
Not every CBD melatonin product is made the same way. Before choosing one, consider:
- CBD per serving: Check how many milligrams of CBD you're getting.
- Melatonin per serving: Look at the actual amount instead of assuming more is better.
- Type of CBD: Products may contain full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate.
- Third-party testing: Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies cannabinoid content and testing.
- Other ingredients: Check for added flavors, sweeteners, allergens, or other active ingredients.
- Product directions: Follow the recommended serving size and directions for your specific product.
If you're new to either ingredient, speak with your healthcare provider if you're unsure where to start.
CBD and Melatonin FAQs
Does CBD Have Melatonin in It?
No. CBD doesn't naturally contain melatonin. Some nighttime CBD products add melatonin as a separate ingredient.
Is CBD or Melatonin Better for Sleep?
CBD and melatonin work differently and shouldn't be considered interchangeable. Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, while research into CBD specifically for sleep is still developing.
When Should You Take CBD and Melatonin?
Timing depends on the specific product and formulation. Follow the directions provided with your CBD and melatonin product rather than assuming every product should be taken at the same time.
Can CBD and Melatonin Make You Tired?
Both CBD and melatonin may cause drowsiness in some people. Avoid driving or operating machinery if a product makes you feel sleepy.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Melatonin
CBD and melatonin are two different ingredients that are commonly paired in nighttime wellness products. Melatonin plays a known role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle, while researchers continue to study CBD and its possible relationship with sleep.
If you're interested in trying CBD with melatonin, pay attention to the amount of each ingredient, choose a third-party-tested product, and follow the directions on the label.
Zatural CBD Softgels with Melatonin combine CBD and melatonin in one convenient softgel, making them an easy addition to your nighttime routine.
Zatural CBD for Sleep Products
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*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.