Sleep is one of those things that everyone needs, but it seems like no one ever really gets enough of it. There are plenty of prescription meds and over-the-counter pills that address the needs of those living with sleepytime woes, but unfortunately a lot of these pills come with harmful side effects that can be detrimental to your health. Luckily, CBD for sleep has captured a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. Specialty CBD formulas are taking over medicine cabinets across the country, replacing harmful sleeping pills with natural blends of sleep aids proven to deliver deep and restful sleep safely and naturally.
Although mixing and matching is something that’s generally frowned upon in the pharmaceutical industry, natural alternatives like drinking chamomile tea and taking valerian root capsules before bed are done without second thought. But, did you know that there are other natural substances out there, that when combined together actually make for a very powerful sleep aid?
How Does Melatonin Work?
The health benefits of melatonin have been known for several years now, and it’s been the focus of countless sleep studies. This special little hormone is produced and secreted by our pineal gland, and it regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, otherwise known as our natural sleep-wake cycle.
In other words, it makes us feel sleepy after the lights go out. When the sun sets, the body releases melatonin, and it gently levels off after sunrise. Or at least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.
Unfortunately, we live in a very bright 24/7 “light-time” environment. We’re quite literally “lit up” from the inside out, in the sense that we’re never very far away from an artificial light source. Not only are we surrounded by street lights and bright indoor LED lights, the blue lights from our smartphones, TV’s, and computer screens all tell our body one thing – it’s not dark outside.
Even if your whole house is pitch black, something as tiny as and unobtrusive as the night light in the bathroom can throw off melatonin production, or put a halt to it altogether. That’s why melatonin supplementation has become an integral part of people’s everyday lives. It helps with insomnia!
How Does CBD Help You Sleep?
CBD has recently become the new darling in the health and wellness industry, especially since it’s been praised for its ability to heal so many things at once. It’s known for helping to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, seizures, depression, auto-immune disorders, and even cancer. But for those who just want to get a good night’s rest, CBD is perfect for getting folks into the “chill out and relax” zone.
Unlike melatonin, CBD isn’t a hormone. It is, however, a natural plant chemical that’s found in the hemp plant. CBD works on the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is a sort of homeostasis system for our body. It basically keeps everything balanced and in check! The ECS regulates processes that include our digestive system, nervous system, and also our sleep-wake cycle.
When CBD’s are consumed, they attach to receptors in the ECS, which fine-tunes and regulates other systems in our body. Studies have shown that in addition to having anti-inflammatory affects, which help with chronic pain, CBD can also relax the nervous system and put it at ease. This is one of the reasons why it makes a very gentle and natural sleep aid.
CBD + Melatonin As A Sleep Aid
CBD and melatonin are both natural substances, but what sets them apart from traditional sleep aids is the fact that the body already has receptors specifically made to receive each. Since melatonin is naturally produced by the brain, and the endocannabinoid system recognizes CBD as though it were produced internally, this powerful duo is the perfect fit to regulate physiological functions naturally. Think of it like taking a bio-identical hormone, except without the risks of synthetic substances.
When we’re sleep-deprived, the zzz’s don’t come as easily or quickly as we want them to. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you take the power of two very well known insomnia aids and combine them together, you’re in for one very soothing night of blissful sleep.
The world of CBD is catching on, and some companies are now putting melatonin into their formulas. Some companies are even going the extra mile, including other natural sleep aids in their proprietary blends.
Bliss Herbal’s “Sleep Formula” Capsules are among our favorite CBD for sleep products of 2019, mainly thanks to the addition of both chamomile and valerian root in their CBD + melatonin blend. With 20mg of CBD per capsule, each dose is specifically formulated to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, without the use of synthetic hormones or additives.
For a natural solution to insomnia, look no further than CBD for sleep. Not only will you fall asleep with ease, but you will also reap the myriad of health benefits CBD has to offer.
