There are few things worse than tossing and turning in bed all night, growing more frustrated with each passing moment you’re still awake. Unfortunately, sleepless nights are the norm for so many of us – and it can really take a toll on you the next day.

The good news is there are plenty of ways you can improve your sleep quality and quantity, waking up each day refreshed and eager for whatever comes your way. Two of the most common we see compared are CBD vs melatonin for sleep.

You’re probably well aware of the role melatonin supplements can play in supporting a better night’s rest. This is a hormone your body already produces on its own, and taking more melatonin right before bed can help regulate your circadian rhythm.

On the other hand, CBD eases lingering stress or anxiety you may be holding onto from the day that’s keeping you from shutting your mind off and falling asleep. It supports a sense of balance by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS).

So is CBD better than melatonin for sleep, or is it the other way around? Is it safe to take CBD WITH melatonin for sleep to enjoy the best of both worlds? Learn more in our comparison of melatonin vs CBD for sleep below!

The Link Between CBD and Sleep

CBD has long been known as the “healing” cannabinoid. It stands for cannabidiol, and it’s the compound in marijuana and hemp that DOESN’T get you high. Rather, it interacts indirectly with the body’s ECS to regulate mood, stress response, inflammation, and sleep-wake cycles.

Be clear, CBD does not directly cause sedation. Instead, its calming influence on the nervous system can support the conditions necessary for more restful sleep. Think of it as a way to set the stage for a good night’s sleep rather than knocking you out cold.

Much of this effect comes down to how CBD eases stress and anxiety, two of the most common barriers to falling asleep at night. It’s so hard to turn your mind off at night, especially when you’re thinking about what went wrong that day, or what you have on your plate tomorrow.

CBD can also support a better inflammatory response, so it may help if you feel restless or uncomfortable at night and find that it gets in the way of falling asleep.

Studies have shown that CBD may improve sleep quality in people struggling with insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. It doesn’t interfere with REM sleep, and unlike sedatives or hormonal aids, it doesn’t alter your natural sleep architecture.

That means you wake up feeling more refreshed rather than groggy or disoriented, though – so it’s a good thing. It’s also non-habit forming, and there’s no rebound effect if you stop using it.

However, effects can vary based on dosage, formulation, and individual body chemistry. While some people feel relaxed with 10-20mg, others may need more to notice a difference. There may be some trial and error involved with using CBD for sleep support.

How Does Melatonin Support Sleep?

Your body actually produces its own melatonin on its own, but many people choose to supplement it as well. This is a vital hormone for regulating your circadian rhythm, AKA your internal clock.

Your pineal gland increases melatonin production when light fades in the evening, signaling that it’s time to wind down. Supplementing with melatonin mimics this natural process, making it easier to fall asleep, especially when you’re dealing with jet lag, shift work, or any other type of disrupted sleep schedule.

Melatonin supplements have long been known as the go-to sleep support because they work fast, often kicking in within 30 to 60 minutes. They’re a great short-term tool for getting yourself back on track with your sleep schedule when you fall out of sync.

That’s how travelers, teenagers going through sleep phase changes, or anyone who needs a temporary reset can benefit from melatonin. But should you get in the habit of relying on melatonin every night? Definitely not.

Taking too much melatonin or using it too often can prevent your body from regulating its own production over the course of time, leaving you dependent on supplements to fall asleep. Melatonin won’t keep you asleep, either. Its effects tend to fade after just a few hours.

More importantly, though, you’re just masking a symptom – sleeplessness. You’re not addressing the root cause of what’s keeping you up at night, be it stress, anxiety, or pain.

Some people say melatonin helps them fall asleep, but they don’t necessarily wake up feeling refreshed. Common side effects include next-day grogginess, vivid dreams, or hormone-related side effects.

Melatonin can be helpful in the right context, but it falls short as a long-term solution. So, is CBD better than melatonin for sleep? Let’s take a closer look at CBD vs melatonin for sleep below.

CBD vs Melatonin for Sleep: Is CBD Better Than Melatonin for Sleep?

Choosing between CBD vs melatonin for sleep ultimately comes down to your specific situation. Are you having trouble falling asleep in general, because of stress, anxiety, or restlessness? OR, are you trying to recover from a sleep schedule interruption from a trip or shift change?

This is the easiest way to figure outw hether melatonin vs CBD for sleep makes the most sense for you. Let’s take a closer look at the two options side by side below to help you narrow it down.

Mechanism of Action

CBD and melatonin both support sleep – albeit in very different ways. One acts more as a trigger, while the other is a moderator that shapes the conditions necessary for sleep to happen naturally.

Melatonin actually tells your body when it’s time to sleep. That’s its primary function. It’s part of your natural circadian rhythm, and supplemental melatonin is most helpful when your internal clock is out of sync, like during jet lag or after a late-night screen session.

On the other hand, CBD takes a more indirect path to setting the foundation for a good night’s rest. It works through your body’s ECS to influence stress levels, inflammation, and mood regulation.

It’s not telling your brain to sleep. Rather, it’s reducing the physical and mental tension that gets in the way of you falling asleep (and staying asleep, for that matter). This is why it’s so powerful when you’re struggling with anxiety, overstimulation, or chronic discomfort.

Which One Lasts Longer and Works Better for Quality Sleep?

You’ll see a dramatic difference between CBD vs melatonin for sleep in terms of which works faster (and longer). Melatonin works best to initiate sleep, as its effects kick in as soon as 30 minutes after taking the supplement.

Many people find that’s where the benefits start and end, though. Melatonin doesn’t necessarily keep you asleep once the initial wave passes. It doesn’t address the reasons you might wake up in the middle of the night, either.

In contrast, CBD is a slower, steadier, more sustained approach to supporting sleep. It may take a little longer to kick, especially when taken through edibles. However, it can work its magic for anywhere between 4-8 hours – that’s a full night’s rest!

So, it’s the smarter option for people who have trouble staying asleep or who wake feeling unrested. It won’t disrupt REM sleep the way some sedatives or supplements can. The sleep you’re getting is actually restorative, so you wake up invigorated.

Just be aware, results can vary based on formulation, dose, and your personal sleep patterns – that goes for both sides of our comparison of CBD vs melatonin for sleep. Product quality matters!

Which Has Fewer Side Effects or Risks?

Both options are generally deemed “safe.” However, one comes with more side effects and long-term considerations than the other: that’s melatonin.

Daily use over extended periods can raise concerns, as it might interfere with natural melatonin production, especially in teens and younger adults. Some people also find the vivid dreams, headaches, next-day drowsiness, or hormonal side effects aren’t worth it.

Meanwhile, CBD is non-hormonal and not habit-forming. It has a strong safety profile and is well tolerated even in higher doses. Most side effects, if any, are mild – just the rare case of dry mouth or digestive upset. These are more common with THC, though.

CBD doesn’t carry the same dependency risks and doesn’t cause a “rebound effect” if you stop using it. That makes it a more sustainable option for long-term sleep support – especially if you don’t want to deal with any hormonal disruption or daytime grogginess.

Is it Safe to Take CBD WITH Melatonin for Sleep?

So is CBD better than melatonin for sleep? We think so, at least, for a sustainable long-term solution without any risks of dependency or side effects that leave you worse off the next day.

But what if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds? Is it safe to take CBD with melatonin for sleep? It can be in the right context. How often you use them together (and how much) matters.

CBD is often the better option for long-term sleep support because it works with your body’s natural systems instead of overriding them. It helps quiet the mind, relax the body, and reduce the tension or restlessness that keep you from falling/staying asleep – all without being habit-forming or hormone-altering.

Melatonin is best used occasionally rather than as a daily crutch, as you don’t want to interfere with your body’s own melatonin production. So, you can rely on CBD as your daily driver and melatonin as your “break glass in case of emergency” option.

You don’t need much melatonin. Even 0.5-1 mg can be effective when paired with calming cannabinoids like CBD and CBN. Too much melatonin is more likely to cause grogginess, headaches, or vivid dreams.

Try to only use melatonin when it makes sense – like getting back on your sleep schedule after a chaotic weekend, a long trip in a different timezone, or when you’ve laid there for hours unable to fall asleep.

But if you’re ready to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis for sleep, look no further than Flowerz.

See For Yourself How Much Better You Could Be Sleeping With Flowerz

Flowerz is your trusted choice for legal cannabis products online, all compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill. We have everything from pre-rolls to gummies, and we’re excited to introduce you to the sleep support formulation we’ve come up with that’s helping people overcome insomnia.

Our THC gummies for sleep are your one-way ticket to a good night’s rest. They deliver a whopping 30mg of CBD, 10mg of delta 9 THC, and 10mg of CBN for a trifecta of cannabinoid synergy. These work together to ease your body and mind into the perfect state for sleep.

Like all our CBD and THC edibles, these gummies are sourced from 100% organic, US-grown hemp. They’re lab tested for potency and purity, so you can place your order with peace of mind knowing you’re getting the safe, effective sleep solution you so desperately need to get back on track.

That goes for ALL our products here at Flowerz, including our indica THCa flower and indica pre-rolls – two other great choices for helping you unwind at night. We also carry CBD gummies for stress and so many other Delta 8 alternatives worth exploring.

So, shop today and put restless nights of tossing and turning in the past for good. Upgrade your nightime ritual at Flowerz!

Bringing Our Comparison of Melatonin vs CBD for Sleep to a Close

So, is CBD better than melatonin for sleep? In closing, each side of our comparison between CBD vs melatonin for sleep has its place – they support sleep in different ways.

Melatonin can help reset your internal clock, while CBD offers broader, long-term support for the stress and discomfort that often keep you up. Many people end up choosing CBD for long-term sleep support because they get better sleep without grogginess or hormonal disruption.

Our blog has additional resources on topics like how many grams in a preroll are right for you or the difference between an infused vs non-infused pre-roll. At this point, though, the only thing left to do is invest in a better night’s rest at Flowerz.

Try our THC + CBD + CBN sleep gummies for a natural, full-spectrum bedtime routine that works well without any compromise. A better night’s rest is just a few clicks away!