Sleep is one of the most important aspects of health and well-being. And yet, many people regularly struggle to get enough sleep. In fact, approximately 50 to 70 million Americans have chronic or ongoing sleep disorders.
Melatonin is sometimes used as an alternative to prescription sleep medications. In the body, melatonin regulates our sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm.
At the same time, CBD has gained widespread popularity in recent years for its potential effects on several symptoms, including sleep issues. In fact, helping with sleep is one of the most common reasons people report using CBD.
However, some may wonder if it's safe to use both CBD and melatonin together to help get a better night's rest.
Fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested with our comprehensive (and completely free) patient’s guide to medical cannabis for sleep troubles.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin, often referred to as the "sleep hormone," is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland within the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Specifically, melatonin production is how the body responds to darkness, helping people fall asleep at night. (This is why late-night doom-scrolling makes falling asleep so hard.)
Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening, signaling to the body that it's time to sleep. These levels gradually decrease as the sun rises, promoting wakefulness.
While the pineal gland produces melatonin, it can also be found in certain foods, such as tart cherries, walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and tomatoes. However, the melatonin content in these foods is relatively low compared to supplements you'd find at your local pharmacy. Even so, a 2017 study found that melatonin-containing foods could raise the melatonin concentration in humans.1
Remember, though, that melatonin is not a sedative (like many sleeping pills) but a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.2 Therefore, it is most effective for individuals who have disrupted melatonin production or need temporary assistance adjusting their sleep patterns.
And, as is the case with any supplement, melatonin is most effective when used responsibly and according to the recommended guidelines.
Combining CBD and Melatonin: What the Latest Research Says
There isn’t much clinical research exploring how CBD and melatonin interact, but a few studies offer early insights.
One lab study using rat pineal glands found that cannabinoids like CBD may reduce the activity of an enzyme (AANAT) involved in producing melatonin.3 This suggests that CBD could potentially interfere with the body’s natural melatonin production. However, this research was conducted on cells, not people, so its real-world relevance remains unclear.
Potential Effects Overlap
What we do know is that both melatonin and CBD may cause drowsiness. Taking them together might increase feelings of sleepiness or fatigue. However, beyond anecdotal reports, researchers have yet to confirm how the two compounds interact in the human body.
That said, a 2022 study on 20 people with sleep disorders and anxiety found promising results.4 Participants took a sublingual blend of CBD and melatonin nightly for three months. The researchers concluded that the combination may support relaxation and potentially influence pain perception and circadian rhythm. While the sample size was small, the findings suggest that CBD and melatonin might work together to support sleep, especially in people with anxiety-related sleep issues.
Still, more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these effects and determine who might benefit most.
Talk to Your Doctor If Considering Combining
As with any supplement combination, there are risks to consider. According to Harvard Medical School, CBD is generally well tolerated. Even still, side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, liver issues may occur. Taking CBD with other substances that also cause sedation, such as melatonin, may increase drowsiness or lead to other unwanted effects.5
Currently, there are no well-documented harmful interactions between CBD and melatonin. However, products that combine the two are not FDA-approved and should be used with caution.
Because everyone responds to supplements differently, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before combining CBD and melatonin, especially if you have liver issues or are taking other medications.
Are You Considering Using CBD and Melatonin?
Combining cannabis with any substance or medication carries its own risks. Cannabis research is still in its earliest stages, and there is a lot that researchers still don't know. That leaves the door open for unexpected interactions with other substances. If you are considering combining cannabis with any other substance or medication, speak to your doctor for proper medical guidance.
Likewise, stopping the use of a prescribed medication can lead to unintended consequences. Many medications take time to build up in the body. Stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant and potentially serious or even fatal side effects. If you'd like to stop using or replace a medication, you need to follow the guidance of your medical provider to make any approved adjustments safely.
Fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested with our comprehensive (and completely free) patient’s guide to medical cannabis for sleep troubles.
References
- Meng X, Li Y, Li S, et al. Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients. 2017;9(4):367. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9040367
↩︎ - Pagel JF, Parnes BL. Medications for the Treatment of Sleep Disorders: An Overview. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry. 2001;3(3):118-125. doi:https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v03n0303
↩︎ - Koch M, Dehghani F, Habazettl I, Schomerus C, Korf HW. Cannabinoids attenuate norepinephrine-induced melatonin biosynthesis in the rat pineal gland by reducing arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity without involvement of cannabinoid receptors. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2006;98(1):267-278. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03873.x
↩︎ - Palmieri G, Vadalà M, Corazzari V, Palmieri B. Insomnia treatment: a new multitasking natural compound based on melatonin and cannabis extracts. La Clinica Terapeutica. 2022;173(1):91-96. doi:https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2022.2399
↩︎ - Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
