CBD and melatonin are both known to help with sleep issues. However, many people wonder if they can be used in conjunction with one another.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps maintain your circadian rhythms (knowing when to sleep and wake up). Darkness causes your body to produce more melatonin, while light decreases melatonin production. Some people take melatonin supplements to help them sleep. The supplements can come in the form of pills, liquids, and chewables, and they can be found in natural or synthetic forms.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the most abundant compound in hemp plants, and is found primarily in the flower and leaves of the plant. It’s one of more than 100 cannabinoids which can be extracted from the plant, and is used to make a wide variety of products, such as CBD oil, lotions and creams, edibles, and capsules.

CBD has grown in popularity as people are discovering its therapeutic benefits, especially as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Can CBD be mixed with melatonin?

Yes. Research has shown it is safe to take CBD and melatonin together. Because CBD and melatonin complement each other, their combined use is believed to be more effective on sleep. However, as with any supplements, you should consult your physician if you have any concerns.

How to take CBD for improved sleep: sublingual and oral applications

There are a couple ways to take CBD oil to improve sleep quality. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each application method, especially regarding CBD bioavailability — the rate at which CBD enters your bloodstream.

1) Sublingual Application. This involves using a dropper to place the oil under your tongue. Sublingual administration works by exposing the sublingual gland, a vein found under the tongue, to the CBD. Leave the CBD oil under your tongue for 60-90 seconds until it’s absorbed. This allows CBD to enter the bloodstream more directly than if it were swallowed and subjected to the digestive system.

CBD edibles, like caramels, chocolates, or other candies, also work by way of sublingual application. When the candy is sucked on or allowed to melt in your mouth, CBD makes its way into the bloodstream through the sublingual gland.

2) Oral Application: CBD can be taken orally by way of CBD capsules, much like your standard medication. CBD capsules are a convenient way to monitor dosage and avoid the taste and texture of CBD oils, which some people find unfavorable.

However, like all substances ingested orally, CBD capsules will not take effect immediately, because they have to travel through our digestive systems before entering our blood circulation.

In addition, because capsules are subject to our metabolisms and digestive systems, they will be broken down in a way that lowers their bioavailability.

Research into the bioavailability of CBD suggests that products taken orally are associated with a bioavailability of less than 20%. What this means is, in order to attain the same level of relief, the concentration or dose of CBD products taken orally needs to be higher than what would be required if you took your CBD sublingually.

Our top full spectrum CBD products

We carry a range of full spectrum CBD products including:

For relief from sleeplessness in particular, we recommend our Extra Strength CBD Extract.

We are committed to education and strive to provide you with the most reliable research and information about CBD’s benefits. We recommend that you read our 5 Key Considerations When Buying CBD Oil article before purchasing CBD, and please contact us with any questions.