How to Sleep Better: We Compare CBD, Valerian, and Melatonin
Insomnia is a fairly common sleep disorder that affects almost a third of the population, although we believe almost all of us have suffered from sleep problems at some point in our lives.
As a result of not getting a good night’s sleep, we can wake up irritable, moody, and tired. If insomnia is frequent, the problem is greatly aggravated, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, being without sleep decreases our ability to concentrate and focus, oxidize our cells, it increases hunger throughout the day, and harms our metabolism, all of which can lead to anxiety and even depression.
Many reasons can lead us to suffer from insomnia, from impending problems to solve, a stressful routine, changes in work schedules, a sedentary lifestyle, and body aches (which can be treated with topical CBD for pain), among many others.
The problem of poor quality or lack of sleep can lead some people to resort to external help, be it natural or drug options. In this post, we’ll talk about three very fashionable alternatives that may help you sleep better.
Melatonin
Melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone, is produced in our brains by the pineal gland. Melatonin is synthesized from an amino acid known as tryptophan, which is involved in the natural sleep cycle. Some research suggests that melatonin supplements may be helpful for short-term use.
Its main advantage is that it can help fight insomnia effectively and you can obtain it naturally by consuming foods rich in melatonin such as cocoa, lean meats, bananas, tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, and others.
As a disadvantage, we should consider that it’s a hormone that is only activated at night, so it isn’t recommended to consume it during the day. Also, some people have reported side effects such as:
- Sleepiness during the day
- Headaches
- Nausea or dizziness
- Mild tremors
- Mild anxiety
Other relevant knowledge is that it isn’t recommended to consume melatonin if you’re being treated with some medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, anticonvulsants, contraceptives, immunosuppressants, and others.
Valerian
Valerian is a plant that has different medicinal properties and is usually easily found on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies, generally in the form of infusions or capsules.
The results of several studies indicate that valerian can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep and can also improve the quality of sleep, in addition to not being addictive.
In any case, caution is recommended when consuming it, since it’s contraindicated for people who take medications that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives, benzodiazepines, or antiepileptics.
In addition, those people who are more sensitive may have adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
CBD
As we’ve seen before, CBD, as well as the other cannabinoids present in the Cannabis plant, acts on the receptors present in our endocannabinoid system. In this way, it helps regulate our body and all the tasks that it performs to maintain its general functioning.
As a result of this interaction, CBD is generally known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Another characteristic is that CBD favors the proper functioning of the central nervous system and lowers cortisol levels in our body, thus reducing the effects of anxiety and brain overstimulation, which helps create an ideal state for a good night’s sleep.
In addition to these relaxing properties and not being addictive or psychotropic, studies associate CBD with an improvement in the quality of the REM phase, the most restorative phase of sleep, as well as helping to improve the sleep of patients suffering from PTSD.
Another factor that further enhances the relaxing effects of CBD is its potential as an analgesic, since many patients who suffer from discomfort that causes tension or pain have their sleep routines completely negatively affected.
What Are the Best CBD-Based Products to Help You Sleep Better?
CBD Oils
Due to the higher concentration of cannabinoids present in CBD oils, it’s possibly the most recommended product for those who are looking for potential effects, especially for those who suffer from chronic insomnia or excessive physical pain.
CBD Topical
If you’ve got back pain or any other physical pain that deprives you of sleep, a topical CBD for pain can help you sleep well. Choose a CBD topical cream or balm from Down to Earth to try it.
At Down to Earth, we’ve got a wide variety of CBD topicals including CBD topical creams and CBD topical oils.
Final Thoughts
All the earlier options can help you sleep well, but CBD could be considered the best of them.
Of course, before taking any sleep supplements including CBD products, it’s advised to consult your doctor.
At Down to Earth, we don’t sell any CBD with melatonin products. Yet, all our products are tested by third-party labs to ensure their quality and purity. Many of our customers use our products to help them relax and fall asleep. Check the lab reports on our website.
We’re here for you if you have any questions: just contact us!
Sleep well!