Cannabidiol (CBD) derived from the hemp plant is consumed by people for various purposes. For example, it is popular for anxiolytic, stress-reducing, and sleep-inducing effects because of its positive effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Also, scientific studies have shown it to be effective for treating sleep disorders like insomnia, and its effect is enhanced when combined with synthetic melatonin. The purpose of this article is to give you a better understanding of how CBD and melatonin work together; read on to know more about this.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that has a significant impact on the sleep-wake cycle, and it is produced by the pineal gland. Its level is high in the body during nighttime, and its secretion depends on the amount of light falling on your eyes. Issues with this cause sleeping disorders like insomnia, and people suffering from this condition take synthetic melatonin. This dietary supplement activates MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain and thereby aids in sleep. Also, synthetic melatonin is a better option than sleeping pills because it does not have side effects. Listed below are the major uses of synthetic melatonin.
- Insomnia treatment
- Overcoming jet lag
- Helps to fall asleep faster
- Improving the quality of nighttime sleep
- Maintaining the sleep-wake cycle
How Does Cannabidiol (CBD) Promote Sleep?
CBD produces its sleep-inducing effect due to its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). You must know that ECS regulates homeostatic functions like body temperature, sleep-wake cycle, mood, appetite, memory, etc. Any issues with this system influence melatonin levels in the body as it affects the secretion of this hormone by the pineal gland that is part of the endocrine system.
Consuming cannabidiol products like CBD oil, pills or capsules induces sleep as it restores issues with the ECS. Besides, CBD benefits like cannabidiol’s anxiolytic and stress-reducing effects also help with promoting good night’s sleep. This is because anxiety and stress are the two major reasons behind many sleep disorders. Due to these combined effects, CBD increases the quality and duration of REM sleep which is the critical phase of nighttime sleep.
What Is Common Between CBD And Melatonin?
CBD produces its effects mainly by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS, while synthetic melatonin influences MT1 and MT2 receptors to promote sleep. Both the CBD and melatonin receptors belong to the group of G coupled protein receptors called GPCR. Apart from this, CBD also increases serotonin levels in the brain that plays an important role in homeostasis. Hence, combining CBD and synthetic melatonin results in a synergistic effect of producing an enhanced sleep-inducing effect that is useful for treating a variety of sleep disorders.
These are the major ways CBD and melatonin work together to produce better sleep-inducing effects.
