Health & Wellness

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

Delta 8 And Melatonin – What You Need To Know

Studies show that 30% of adults in the United States get less sleep than the seven to nine hours of night sleep recommended by medical experts.

Generally, not being able to sleep well can affect your well-being and make you less productive. It is, therefore, not surprising that many people are drawn to anything that promises to offer restful sleep.

For those that choose to use natural remedies as sleep aids, melatonin and cannabis products are two of the most popular choices.

Both melatonin and cannabis help promote sleep quality, but each of these remedies has different advantages and disadvantages, making some people consider combining the two for better sleep.

Is combining melatonin with cannabis products like delta 8 safe? Can these two work together to provide a better night's sleep?

This article aims to answer these and any other questions you might have regarding delta 8 and melatonin.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It is released by the pineal gland in humans and animals, and it can also be found in plants.

Melatonin helps to regulate your body temperature, blood pressure, and levels of certain hormones.

Melatonin is also available as supplements, these are made in the lab as a sleep aid.

How Does Melatonin Work?

Melatonin is associated with the control of your body’s circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24- hour cycle.

These natural processes respond to light and darkness, for instance, the sleep-wake cycle.

Your brain responds to darkness by releasing melatonin.

This then binds with certain neuroreceptors to help you relax, reduce nerve activity, and maintain healthy sleep cycles. 

Who Can Benefit From Melatonin?

Melatonin supplements are useful to people who have certain sleep problems like insomnia:

• Melatonin is prescribed for people who get jet lag and can’t fall asleep when they travel across different time zones.
• People with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder have trouble sleeping at the usual hours. They may not be able to fall asleep before 2 am, and using melatonin can help them sleep early.
• People who work the night shift and have difficulty sleeping during the day use melatonin to fall asleep deeply during the day.

Side Effects Of Melatonin

Generally, melatonin supplements are considered safe and non-addictive with minor side effects. Some of the common ones are:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Taking higher doses of melatonin to fall asleep may cause you to feel these negative side effects and sleepiness during the day.

What Is Delta 8?

Unlike melatonin, delta 8 is found only in cannabis and hemp plants.

It is an analog of delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a high.

Delta 8 is a mildly psychoactive compound with many therapeutic benefits. It is widely used for stress relief and chronic pain reduction.

Some people also use delta 8 to improve general well-being. 

How Does Delta 8 Work?

Delta 8 has a unique chemical structure that enables the compound to bind with both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system to create body-balancing, calming, and relaxing effects.

Delta 8 doesn’t cause a strong head high like marijuana use, its effects are mild, smooth, and mellow.

How Delta 8 Improves Your Sleep

Users report that delta 8 helps them achieve a good night's sleep.

This is because taking delta 8 products like delta 8 edibles can positively impact the factors that affect sleep quality.

• Delta 8 may help you sleep better.
• Delta 8 may work with minor pain reduction. The absence or reduction of your pain will result in better and longer hours of sleep.
• Delta 8 may enhance the effects of serotonin, the calming hormone, to keep you relaxed and calm.

Generally, delta 8 may provide the body with support for restful sleep.

Is It Safe To Mix Delta 8 And Melatonin?

Is it safe to mix delta 8 and melatonin? Yes - you can mix these two safely if you are aware of how they will each affect your body.

Melatonin may help to increase your REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep time. This is the stage in sleep where your brain produces vivid dreams.

How To Safely Mix Delta 8 And Melatonin

While combining melatonin and delta 8 might be safe, you still need to take precautions when doing so in order to help with maintaining healthy sleep cycles.

• Take a lower amount of melatonin since delta 8 will help your brain to naturally produce additional melatonin.
• Start with a smaller dose of delta 8 if you don’t know your limit to avoid negative side effects like paranoia.

It is advisable to be cautious when mixing drugs or substances, especially if it's your first time, start with smaller doses of each and do so in an environment you feel safe in especially when looking for restful sleep.

If you are on a quest for a better night's sleep, we recommend our delta 8 gummies.

Read more in our consumers report on being able to sleep better after taking our gummies.

Disclaimer: When looking at delta 8 and melatonin please consult with a doctor before taking delta 8 THC with any medical conditions such as anxiety, prescription medication, or as a natural alternative to your current regime. 

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.