CBD vs Melatonin: The Relaxer vs The Clock
Melatonin is a hormone. It tells your body "It is dark outside."
CBD is an anxiolytic. It tells your body "It is okay to relax."
They solve two different insomnia types. Melatonin fixes timing. CBD fixes stress.
| Feature | CBD | Melatonin |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cannabinoid Extract | Hormone |
| Best For | Racing Thoughts / Pain | Jet Lag / Shift Work |
| Grogginess | Low | High (if dose is too high) |
| Daily Use? | Yes (Generally Safe) | Debatable (Hormone) |
Mechanisms: Signaling vs Soothing
Melatonin: The Signal
Melatonin does not "knock you out" like a sleeping pill. It simply signals to the brain that the sun has gone down. It shifts your Circadian Rhythm.
What it means
It works best if your internal clock is broken (e.g., you flew to London, or you stayed up playing games until 4 AM).
CBD: The Soother
CBD reduces cortisol and physical tension. It removes the barriers to sleep (pain, anxiety, restlessness).
What it means
It works best if your clock is fine, but your brain won't shut up.
Which One Matches Your Goal?
For Jet Lag
Winner: Melatonin.
This is the only scientifically validated use case where Melatonin is undisputedly king. It resets the clock.
For Insomnia (Stress)
Winner: CBD.
If you are tired but can't sleep because you are worried about money, Melatonin won't help. CBD will dampening that anxiety so you can drift off.
The Verdict
Choose Melatonin if: You are traveling across time zones or need to fix a broken sleep schedule.
Choose CBD if: You have physical pain or racing thoughts that prevent you from falling asleep.