CBD FOR SLEEP: WHY, WHAT, AND HOW?

CBD FOR SLEEP: WHY, WHAT, AND HOW?

CBD has been used for a long period for its medical benefits. CBD is known for improving sleep and treating anxiety-related disorders, which may also lead to insomnia. It is safe for use as it does not contain psychoactive properties.

Some people find it difficult to fall asleep or remain asleep. Others wake up feeling tired rather than relaxed. This condition can be caused by various reasons, which include stress and anxiety. It can be a complex condition to handle. People who have insomnia may go to the extent of buying over-the-counter pills for sleep. Many medical supplements may help in treating insomnia. Unfortunately, these medical pills and supplements may have long-term effects, including dependence. Luckily, research has proved that CBD is a natural cure for insomnia. This article will help you understand how CBD can help treat this condition. 

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD may not be new to you. Its products are all over the local and online market. It is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant. It is the second most abundant chemical in the plant. The most abundant chemical is THC which is famous for its psychoactive effects on marijuana users. CBD is extracted in the form of oil from cannabis leaves and flowers. CBD oil is different from hemp oil. Some people tend to think that these oils are similar. Hemp oil is derived from the hemp seed and does not contain cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. CBD oil is considered free from THC. However, it might have not more than 0.3% of THC. This amount is too low to cause a high feeling. There are three types of CBD; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum is a collection of all cannabinoids such as THC, CBG, and CBN. It also contains terpenes and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, only that it does not contain THC. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD that does not have other compounds in it.

CBD FOR SLEEP

According to Kuhathasan et al. (2019), CBD can improve sleep. It improves insomnia symptoms, including difficulties in falling asleep or remaining asleep. According to Shannon et al. (2019), CBD decreases anxiety and stress, leading to lack of sleep. CBD can also be good in treating chronic and minor pains that may make it difficult to fall asleep. However, not everyone may experience improvement in sleep after taking CBD. Different reasons can cause lack of sleep, some of which CBD may not solve. As you use CBD to enhance sleep, do not forget that the FDA does not approve CBD for sleep. The only CBD product approved by FDA so far is the Epidiolex.

WHAT CAUSES INSOMNIA?

Many factors may interrupt a healthy sleep cycle. These factors are mostly environmental and psychological. Environment factors may include noise, too much light, smelly or cold sleeping room. CBD can not help solve such problems. You only need to adjust them for better sleep.

Psychological problems such as pain, anxiety, and stress can also lead to lack of better sleep. According to Moltke & Hindocha (2021), CBD can help alleviate pain and reduce anxiety and stress.

Overeating food may also make you uncomfortable. This may lead to a lack of quality sleep. It may also cause indigestion and heartburn. Moreover, taking some beverages such as coffee may make you alert and awake. Avoid taking them before bedtime.

WHY ARE PEOPLE USING CBD FOR SLEEP?

There are many supplements on the market claiming to treat insomnia. However, these products may not be as effective as CBD. Today, people face many challenges, such as economic issues and sickness. Such problems may lead to anxiety. Taking CBD will help treat anxiety and pain and improve sleep. Most of the supplements taken to enhance sleep may cause undesirable effects. However, CBD is well tolerated by the body, and there are only a few side effects, including dizziness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.  

WHAT FORM AND HOW TO TAKE CBD FOR SLEEP?

CBD for sleep can be taken in different forms, such as:

TINCTURES

These are a few drops of oil placed under the tongue. You should allow it to stay under the tongue for about 60-120 minutes. CBD taken in this form is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. If you choose this form to treat insomnia, take it in the evening before bedtime.

EDIBLES

This is any food infused with CBD. CBD can be infused in any food or beverage. The most common edibles are gummies, cookies, and cakes. If you want to avoid the bitter grassy taste of CBD, CBD gummies are the best choice. Edibles are easy to dose since they usually come in a list where the concentration of CBD is indicated. Since CBD goes through the digestive system, the effects may take longer to show. To enhance the absorption of CBD, take edibles along with healthy fats. Taking it on a full stomach may also delay the effects.

VAPES

CBD can also be inhaled in the form of vape pens.

CAPSULES

CBD capsules are a common way of taking CBD. They come in soft gels that are swallowed and open later in the stomach. The effects of capsules may take longer to show but they last longer. Unlike CBD oil, they are messy-free. You can pack them in your traveling bag and comfortably take them in public.

HOW MUCH CBD TO TAKE FOR SLEEP

FDA does not approve the use of CBD for sleep. Therefore, there is no universal dosage for CBD for sleep. However, start with a lower dosage and increase with time. Taking too much CBD may be dangerous as it might lead to liver damage, as explained by BLAIR (2016). To be more effective for this purpose, take CBD before going to sleep. CBD tinctures may give you the intended effects faster than edibles and capsules.

CONCLUSION

CBD is effective in enhancing better sleep. It helps in alleviating pain which may make it difficult to fall asleep. CBD also helps manage anxiety and reduce stress, hence calming the mind to sleep. CBD can be taken in the form of vapes, oil tinctures, capsules, pills, or edibles. CBD tinctures are more effective as they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. CBD going through the digestive system may take longer to kick up.

REFERENCES

BLAIR, D. P. (2016). Hormones and CBD.

Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383.

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 1-12.

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.

Elena Ognivtseva
Latest posts by Elena Ognivtseva (see all)

Nutritionist, Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.

Latest from CBD