Good sleep is an important requirement for sound health and well-being. Millions find it difficult to fall asleep, while some stay awake all night. Hence, natural sleep aids are quickly becoming a medically acceptable alternative. From this bunch of natural sleep aids, CBD (cannabidiol) and Melatonin are widely used drugs. Though they are equally popular as sleep enhancers, they are miles apart in action. So, weighing their benefits, comparison between CBD vs Melatonin mode of action, and side effects helps you to decide what suits you most.
CBD and Melatonin
CBD, a non-psychoactive plant compound derived from cannabis, does not cause a ‘high.’ Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, influencing various body functions such as mood elevation, stress relief, pain management, and sleep regulation. Widely used for anxiety relief, inflammation reduction, and promoting better sleep, CBD supports overall well-being naturally.
Melatonin is a hormone secreted naturally by the pineal gland in the brain; it controls sleep by instructing the body when to sleep or wake up. Melatonin is only produced at night to induce sleep. Upon awakening in the morning, it is down-regulated. Melatonin, in supplement form, can be beneficial for those whose sleep is disrupted during the night by jet lag, shift work, or other interruptions.
How CBD and Melatonin Work to Enhance Sleep
Both CBD and melatonin can improve sleep but in different manners.
How CBD Functions
CBD functions mainly on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has a vital function of ensuring homeostasis, such as governing sleep patterns. Through action upon receptors within the ECS, CBD reduces anxiety, stress, and pain—the usual causes of inadequate sleep. Unlike most sleeping medicines, which operate as sedatives, CBD will not knock anyone out, yet it aids sleep and promotes a sense of restfulness.
How Melatonin Works
Melatonin has a direct influence on the body’s internal clock. Unlike over-the-counter sleeping medications, which function more towards inducing drowsiness, melatonin preserves a person’s circadian rhythm.
Regular nighttime melatonin supplementation is effective for those who have problems getting to sleep at night, such as travelers suffering from jet lag or individuals with shift work sleep disorder. Melatonin can reset the biological clock, the circadian rhythm so that a person can go to sleep or wake up at a particular time.
Comparing Effectiveness
The reason for your sleep disturbances determines the effectiveness of CBD and melatonin. If stress, anxiety, or ongoing pain is troubling you, then CBD might suit you better. Its relaxing qualities allow you to wind down and sleep more organically. However, if the problem lies with your irregular routine, then melatonin will help your body regulate itself back on track and advance the onset of sleep.
Some people discover that a combination of CBD and melatonin works best for them, as it regulates sleep timing and induces relaxation and stress reduction.
Safety and Possible Side Effects
Both CBD and melatonin are safe for most individuals, but they can have side effects in some instances.
Side Effects of CBD
CBD can cause mild side effects, which vary from person to person. Drowsiness is a common side effect since it may create a relaxed state in the user or cause drowsiness, especially in larger doses. Dry mouth is another common complaint that can lead to excessive thirst and irritation. Loss of appetite in some persons can also affect their eating habits as they develop over the years.
Other side effects may include one or more of the following: an upset stomach or anesthesia in the digestive system, particularly when consuming CBD through edibles or oil. CBD can also interact with other drugs, especially those that alter liver enzymes.
It would be ideal to check with a doctor first prior to initiating CBD with another medication to learn whether it’s safe and suitable for one’s specific medical condition.
Side Effects of Melatonin
Side effect complaints of melatonin would also vary from one person to another, although some of them would be headaches, which could be mild discomfort or even more severe pain in others. Among others is dizziness, which can interfere with one’s concentration and stability. Some may experience nausea that will lead to problems such as indigestion or discomfort after taking melatonin. Daytime sleepiness, in most cases, arises because melatonin may sometimes linger in the system, making it hard to stay awake during the day. Further long-term use of melatonin has hormone effects that hinge between either the enhancement or disruption of the normal hormone production and balancing functions.
Choosing the Right Option Between CBD vs Melatonin for You
The choice between CBD and melatonin depends on your personal sleep problems and general health requirements. Consider the following factors:
- If your insomnia is primarily due to stress, anxiety, or chronic pain, you’re better off choosing CBD as an option to tackle this sleep disorder.
- If irregular sleep cycles or sleeping times are causing your sleep problems, melatonin could be more helpful.
- If one has slight sleep disturbances and prefers natural solutions, experts suggest a combination of both CBD and melatonin.
- One should start off with a low dose at first, then go up based on tolerance.
Conclusion
CBD and melatonin serve practically identical purposes for someone looking for a sleep remedy, but they approach solutions to sleep issues differently. CBD will suit someone who has stress, anxiety, or chronic pain; melatonin will best help in establishing a regular sleep schedule. Ultimately, the choice depends on the needs and preferences of the individual.
Whatever supplementation route you go for, enabling proper sleep, including establishing a consistent sleep-waking cycle, eliminating screen time in the bedroom in the nighttime, and performing relaxing activities prior to sleep, make your results more prominent. In case you don’t know which one is right for you, ask your healthcare provider for personal advice.