You can learn more about the diverse effects and current scientific findings regarding this hormone in our article on the effects of melatonin.
Melatonin as a Sleep Aid: Your Natural Sleep Inducer
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Time to read 7 min
When our eyes get heavy and our body slowly settles down, one hormone, in particular, is in full swing - melatonin. Restful sleep is essential for our health.
However, sleep disorders are an everyday burden for many people. According to a new study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults regularly gets too little sleep.¹
Sleeping aids, especially those with the active ingredient melatonin, can help here.
Table of Contents
What is Melatonin? Melatonin - Effect of the Sleep Hormone Overview of Melatonin's Effects What can influence melatonin production? Melatonin production is influenced by age Shift work and jet lag inhibit the production of the sleep hormone Medications lower melatonin levels Digital devices influence melatonin formation Chronic stress disrupts hormone balance Melatonin deficiency as a result of serotonin deficiency Menopause can cause melatonin deficiency in women Lack of light in autumn and winter leads to increased melatonin production Possible reasons for altered melatonin levels at a glance Melatonin with CBD Conclusion
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is an endogenous hormone, primarily formed in the pineal gland. This happens through the conversion of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This neurotransmitter is largely responsible for our internal clock and regulates when we get tired and wake up.
Melatonin is therefore largely responsible for maintaining our biorhythm, i.e., our internal clock, as the melatonin concentration in the blood transmits the message to our body when it is day and when it is night.
Since melatonin is directly related to sun exposure, melatonin levels tend to be higher in winter due to shorter days. This often results in increased drowsiness, also known as "winter depression."
Infants produce very little melatonin, while children between three and four years old have the highest melatonin concentration. From adolescence onwards, melatonin production continuously decreases until, in old age, there is practically no detectable difference in concentration between day and night in the blood. This has a significant impact on insomnia in older people.
In addition, melatonin is also a so-called antioxidant, meaning it is a free radical scavenger. Therefore, the hormone is said to have life-extending, skin-rejuvenating, and cell-protective effects. It is also believed to prevent Alzheimer's and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. However, this has not been definitively confirmed.
CBD and Melatonin - User experiences with our hanfgeflüster Sleep Oil
The hanfgeflüster sleep oil "Deep Sleep" with CBD and melatonin is available in different concentrations. Read here what experiences our customers have shared:
"To all who haven't ordered from Hanfgeflüster yet... Do it! Just try it. The products are great. The sleep oil with chamomile and melatonin works wonders (for me). I can finally fall asleep faster again."
"CBD Sleep Oil 10%. With these drops, I fall asleep much faster and feel more rested in the morning. Definitely recommended!"
"The drops with melatonin actually work, I can fall asleep much better."
"Good effect! I use the CBD oil with melatonin almost every evening, and it works quickly and doesn't taste as bad as other melatonin products (drops) from other companies."
hanfgeflüster Sleep Oil with CBD and Melatonin
Melatonin - Effect of the Sleep Hormone
The small pineal gland begins in the evening to filter the serotonin formed during the day from the blood. Through chemical processes, it changes the molecules of the hormone and forms melatonin from them, which is then released into our blood. Darkness promotes the synthesis and release of the sleep hormone, while light restricts it.² ³
Therefore, how much melatonin is produced largely depends on the eye. When sunlight hits the retina, melatonin production is suppressed. In the dark, however, the release of the hormone is stimulated. In this way, the body recognizes that it is time to rest.
The pineal gland produces 12 times more melatonin in the brain when it gets dark. This reduces our energy consumption, body temperature and blood pressure decrease, and we become drowsy.
In addition, the increased melatonin concentration supports our immune system and releases sex hormones. Melatonin is especially supposed to trigger the deep sleep phase.⁴ The highest concentration of the hormone can be detected in the blood around 3 am.
The stress hormone cortisol is the natural antagonist of the sleep hormone melatonin. In the early morning, cortisol begins its work, activates bodily functions, wakes up our organism, and ideally, we start the day fresh and productive.
If the three hormones serotonin, melatonin, and cortisol work together healthily, the cortisol level in the body drops again in the evening, the melatonin level rises, and we relax and unwind.
Melatonin is also considered a type of anti-aging agent, regardless of its effects described so far. Since its antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage cells and cause faster cell aging, the hormone is credited with a skin-rejuvenating effect.
Overview of Melatonin's Effects
- Shortens the sleep onset phase
- Regulates the sleep-wake rhythm
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces energy consumption
- Lowers blood pressure
- Influences metabolic processes
- Stimulates the immune system
- Stimulates the production of growth hormones and thus cell regeneration
- Promotes the production of sex hormones
- Suppresses appetite
What can influence melatonin production?
The human hormonal balance can quickly become disturbed. There are a variety of factors that can lead to a deficiency or excess of melatonin in the body.
Melatonin production is influenced by age
Age is a significant cause of melatonin deficiency. Infants can fall asleep and stay asleep better at night due to higher melatonin production. Since the pineal gland produces less and less melatonin throughout life, older people often suffer from sleep problems. Of course, a general statement cannot be made here, but it should definitely be considered as a cause.
Shift work and jet lag inhibit the production of the sleep hormone
For people who work in shifts, the day-wake rhythm often gets out of balance, which has a strong influence on melatonin production. The same happens temporarily when we travel through different time zones, as the time difference disrupts our internal clock. The result is the well-known jet lag.
Medications lower melatonin levels
As a side effect or primary effect, some medications influence melatonin production. Certain antidepressants and antibiotics, as well as methylphenidate, beta-blockers, and oral contraceptives, for example, can therefore impair nighttime rest.
Digital devices influence melatonin production
If we use our smartphone before going to bed, we often struggle to sleep afterward. This is due to artificial light and its blue light component. Electromagnetic radiation in general also has negative effects on melatonin secretion and reduces sleep quality. For this reason, it is advisable to completely avoid digital devices such as smartphones, televisions, and PCs in the bedroom.
Chronic stress disrupts the hormonal balance
In the previous text, we explained that cortisol is the natural antagonist of melatonin. The hormone cortisol is stimulated by chronic stress, causing cortisol levels to remain elevated. As a direct consequence, melatonin cannot be released in the necessary amounts, and we cannot relax in the evening.
Melatonin deficiency as a result of serotonin deficiency
During the day, we produce serotonin, which is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland in the evening. If we have too little serotonin in our body, consequently, not enough melatonin can be produced.
Menopause can cause melatonin deficiency in women
During menopause, women undergo significant hormonal changes. In addition to hormones like estrogen, melatonin concentration in the blood also changes. Reduced production contributes to sleep disturbances during menopause.
Lack of light in autumn and winter leads to increased melatonin production
You have probably experienced it yourself: during the winter months, you are often tired and lethargic. This is due to the short days and the associated lack of light. Due to increased darkness, more melatonin is produced during the day, and our biological clock gets out of sync, making us tired even during the day.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to make the most of the few hours of daylight in autumn and winter. Through fresh air and walks, we can boost our serotonin production in winter and bring our hormonal balance back into equilibrium.
Possible reasons for altered melatonin levels at a glance
- Varying amounts of light reach our eyes depending on the season
- Decrease in melatonin production with increasing age
- Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
- Certain medications (antidepressants, antibiotics, beta-blockers)
- Electrical radiation and artificial light
- Shift work and jet lag
- Chronic stress = excess cortisol
- Low serotonin production
- Pregnancy and menopause in women
CBD Sleep Oils from hanfgeflüster with Melatonin
Melatonin with CBD
CBD can be part of your evening routine. Since melatonin and CBD can be combined, the body can relax even better during your evening ritual and find peace. The result of this combination is restful sleep and more inner calm.
There are now several products that combine both ingredients, giving you easy access to all their benefits. The best way to use CBD and melatonin is orally with an oil or spray.
For sleep problems, we recommend the Hanfgeflüster 10% CBD Sleep Oil with melatonin and chamomile. The drops are a natural full-spectrum oil with a THC content of <0.2%.
The dosage of CBD-melatonin products depends on various factors, such as weight, gender, and metabolism, which is why a general dosage recommendation is not possible. Since human biology varies from person to person, there can be different reactions and tolerances when taking them. It is best to take a small number of drops orally, about 30 minutes before going to bed. Keep the product under your tongue for about 2-3 minutes so that it can be optimally absorbed by the mucous membranes before swallowing. You can then increase the dosage until you feel the desired effect.
Conclusion
Melatonin is essential for healthy sleep. If we have too much or too little melatonin in our blood, our internal clock can quickly get out of balance, which can lead to sleep problems. Studies show that CBD and melatonin can be used together and have the potential to contribute to healthy sleep. Melatonin can promote restful sleep and regulate the sleep-wake rhythm.
