If you’re like a lot of folks, you might struggle with falling asleep. Aside from sleeping pills, bedtime teas and other remedies, two of the most popular current sleep aids are melatonin and CBD. Here, we breakdown each, outlining the pros, cons, benefits and side effects, so that you can make a more informed sleep aid selection.
The Upside Of CBD
While CBD – the non-psychoactive cannabis compound found in vapes, gummies, oils and other forms – has been linked to improved sleep, there’s still a lot more research that needs to be done in order to figure out why that is. One theory is that CBD helps reduce inflammation in the body, which has been proven to help with sleep. Other research has concluded that CBD is effective in helping reduce anxiety, with anxiety being another factor that prevents people from achieving restful Zzz’s.
The Downside Of CBD
Reactions to CBD are more individualized than they are general. A good barometer of how to anticipate your reaction to CBD is by taking note of how your mind and body respond after consuming cannabis. For example, if when you smoke, you find yourself to be more alert, there’s a chance you’ll be more alert after consuming CBD. It’s best to discuss your sleeping ailments and goals with your budtenders, as they’ll be able to direct you to a specific sleep-assisting CBD, cannabis strains, or in an entirely different direction – such as making an appointment with a licensed physician.
The Upside Of Melatonin
Melatonin – on the other hand – is a naturally occurring hormone the brain produces to help regulate something called your “sleep-wake” cycle. Basically, melatonin acts as a catalyst to begin the process of sending someone off to dreamland, and it can be consumed in gummy or pill form. Research suggests melatonin can be a sleep remedy on a short term basis, but that users should be aware of the roughly 90 minute lead-in time it takes for the melatonin to hit your system.
The Downside Of Melatonin
Unlike CBD, the effects of melatonin take longer to process in the body. Melatonin also hasn’t been proven as a long term fix for those who suffer from insomnia, and like CBD, is not heavily regulated by the FDA, so there’s no guarantee you’re purchasing what’s being advertised.
So Which Is It?
Ultimately, talk with your doctor about your sleep woes before self medicating. While CBD or melatonin each might offer a short term, natural fix to your slumber issues, other alternatives – that are still natural – might be more helpful to you, especially since the underlying reasons for one’s inability to sleep differs from person to person.
