This guide does not constitute medical advice. Talk to a medical professional before starting any new health protocols such as utilizing CBD or Melatonin.
If you are having trouble sleeping, you have probably tried many things to fix that problem. 1/3rd of adults report not getting enough sleep. It is best for us to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. However, everyone is different. Some do great with less than 7 hours, and some need more.
Poor sleep has been found to correlate with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and mental illness. Lack of sleep also makes our bodies produce too much Ghrelin, which is the hormone that promotes hunger and can lead to weight gain. While we are asleep, our immune system does its job of keeping pathogens at bay, produces hormones, and repairs muscle. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you are more vulnerable to catching a cold, and your muscles are not repairing as well as they could. This is a big problem for anyone who is physically active. You are more likely to be sore and sick after a poor night's sleep.
We all need to get good sleep, but many sleep aids make you groggy the next day, and can make it impossible to sleep without them over time. Others only work for a short while before your body gets used to them, and they are no longer effective. After learning about the negative effects of OTC and prescription sleep aids, people are looking for safe and natural remedies.
How Does Melatonin Work?
Melatonin is an endogenous hormone released in our bodies at bedtime to prompt us to go to sleep. There is very little Melatonin in our bodies during the day. Instead, we have cortisol, which promotes wakefulness, but too much cortisol can cause anxiety. When the sun goes down, our melatonin levels increase with our natural circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels continue to rise into the middle of our sleep, then they decrease as we get closer to morning.
Our bodies produce less melatonin as we age. People over 60 have greatly reduced amounts of melatonin, and taking a supplement at night attaches to the melatonin receptors in their brain when it is time to sleep. In addition to aging, artificial light disrupts this natural rhythm, and keeps our bodies from releasing Melatonin. The artificial light coming from screens in the modern world has increased the need to supplement. That is where supplementing Melatonin comes in. Taking it and avoiding artificial light at the same time every night resets our circadian rhythm, and lets us get back on a normal sleep schedule. Supplementing Melatonin helps to reset the circadian rhythm, and is effective for those who have abnormal sleep cycles because of blindness, insomnia, jet lag, and any other disrupted sleep pattern.
How Does CBD Help You Sleep?
CBD works in the same way as the endocannabinoids that our bodies produce naturally. Its therapeutic effects come from when it attaches to cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies. Once it attaches to the receptors, it decreases cortisol levels, which is why it works for managing anxiety, and promotes restful sleep. Cortisol should decrease later in the day, but when we are too stressed, cortisol stays with us into the night. It keeps us anxious, deprives us from getting an optimal amount of sleep. Cortisol isn’t all bad, it gives us energy and makes us productive each day. It is only when we are producing too much that it becomes a problem, and when that happens, we can use CBD to help manage it.
Can I Mix CBD With Melatonin?
Since CBD decreases the enemy of melatonin, cortisol, and melatonin is the cue that tells our brains and bodies that it's time to sleep, they create a powerful entourage effect that promotes restful sleep without feeling groggy the next day. The synergistic effect of these two compounds works very well for helping even the most stressed person get a full night’s rest. CBD reduces the cortisol to keep the stress at manageable levels, and Melatonin signals your body that it is time for bed. This 1-2 punch is very effective. In addition, CBD eases discomfort, tension, and inflammation. If stress or physical discomfort are keeping you from sleeping well, combining CBD and Melatonin can be a safe and effective way to help you sleep. Since Melatonin helps you reset your circadian rhythm, do not forget to avoid artificial light, and take CBD and Melatonin for sleep at the same time every night. This is crucial for keeping your circadian rhythm regulated.
What are the effects of CBD and Melatonin on Exercise and Sleep?
We all know that our bodies are made to move, and exercise usually helps us get better sleep. However, if you are exercising in the evening, your increased body temperature, adrenaline and endorphins have the opposite effect. Even professional athletes have problems sleeping. If you are getting regular workouts in, but still not sleeping well, this means that your muscles are not getting enough time to recover while you are asleep, and your exercise isn’t as effective on your body and health as it could be. We offer recovery drops to help reduce soreness so you can get back in the gym sooner. In addition, our CBD and Melatonin Gummies will help minimize your recovery time by maximizing your body’s ability to repair muscle tissue while you are sleeping soundly.
How Much CBD and Melatonin Can You Take Together?
CBD and Melatonin are recognized as safe, but can you take CBD and Melatonin together? The answer is yes, but you should consult your physician before using CBD or Melatonin. In addition, you have to be very considerate of dosage. Melatonin comes in 1mg, 3mg, and 5mg doses over the counter. If you have not taken it before, start with 0.5mg to judge how it is going to affect you. After the first night you can adjust your dosage as you see fit to get the correct amount for you.
If you normally take CBD to help you sleep, but you want to try adding Melatonin for a better effect, we recommend taking half of your normal dose of CBD to account for the entourage effect. Taking the two together is greater than the sum of their parts. Once you are familiar with the effects of taking CBD and Melatonin together you can adjust the dosage as necessary.
If you are new to taking CBD oil, but have been taking Melatonin regularly, start small and move slow with CBD. You can use our comprehensive dosage guide to help you find the right dose to start with, take it with half of your normal amount of Melatonin, and note the effects. Take notes on your quality of sleep the next morning, and adjust your dosage as necessary. Just like in our dosage guide, we recommend keeping a journal of the effects each morning for a month so you can find the perfect dose of both CBD and Melatonin for perfect sleep.