Since the legalization of CBD in the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products whose THC concentrations are less than 0.3% have become more popular. Different states in the USA have different CBD laws, with most states partially or wholly making CBD oil legal. People claim that CBD helps manage various conditions, including sleep. Generally, there is no evidence to claim and quantify that CBD oil can help people sleep better. However, initial research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD oil may improve REM disorder (a sleep disorder), anxiety, pain, and inflammation effects, ultimately boosting one’s sleep quality. More evidence is necessary to ascertain these claims, and since the FDA has not approved CBD oil for sleep, consult a doctor beforehand. Here is all you need to know about CBD oil and better sleep.
Understanding CBD Oil
CBD is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant claimed to have many benefits. This cannabinoid has been widely popularized since it does not have the ‘high’ effect linked to the psychoactive THC. There are three types of CBD oil;
- Full-spectrum- has multiple cannabinoids, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids and is linked to the high effect.
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil- more like full-spectrum CBD oil but does not have THC
- Isolate-based- have only CBD and no other compounds
CBD oil can be extracted from hemp or marijuana plants, but most brands source their CBD oil from hemp to comply with the Farm Bill law that legalized CBD oil with not more than 0.3% THC concentration.
Can CBD Oil Help You Sleep Better?
CBD oil has grown in popularity, and the compound is claimed to help with different conditions. Some people use this product to help them sleep better, and you may wonder whether CBD oil can help boost your sleep quality. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to claim that CBD oil may help one sleep better. Besides, the FDA has not approved CBD oil for sleep issues.
Why CBD Oil May Help with Sleep- the Endocannabinoid System
The human body has a network of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes all over the body, forming the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has receptors in the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems, and other critical organs in the body.According to Di Marzo, V. (2006), phytocannabinoids like THC or CBD interact with the ECS influencing many vital processes and functions, including sleep, anxiety, inflammation, memory, perception, pain, mood, and stress. CBD oil is believed to interact with receptors all over the body to improve sleep. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to show that CBD oil may better one’s sleep, and consumers should consult their doctor beforehand.
CBD Oil and Anxiety
Manufactures who recommend CBD oil for sleep claim that cannabidiol may help one sleep better by easing anxiety. Although this has not been backed by enough scientific evidence, some studies support the claim. For instance, a study by Shannon et al. (2019) involving 72 subjects with poor sleep and anxiety reported that after 1 month of consuming 25 mg capsules, more than 70% of the participants reported reduced anxiety, and another 66% reported sleep improvements. Although these findings are promising, the study only worked with 72 subjects, a small sample size to make assumptions in scientific studies.
CBD Oil and Pain- Can it Boost Sleep Quality?
When people suffer some chronic pains, they are likely to struggle with sleep. Besides, when one is in pain, they experience inflammation, which exacerbates the pain. This makes it hard for a person to sleep. Some studies claim that CBD oil may relieve pain, helping one sleep better. For instance, a research by Vučković, et al. (2018). established that CBD oil could soothe chronic pain and inflammation. However, further research is necessary to back these claims, especially because the FDA has not approved CBD oil for pain.
CBD Oil and REM Sleep Disorder
People with rapid eye movement (REM) disorder have difficulty sleeping. A study by Chagas, et al. (2014) claims that taking CBD oil could help users transition from REM sleep to non-REM sleep, helping them boost their sleep quality.
Should You Take CBD Oil?
Some studies claim people can use CBD oil for improved sleep quality. However, there is much to be understood about CBD oil and how it works in the body. Since the FDA has not approved CBD oil sleep, there is a possibility of misinformation on the CBD oil labels, especially on the potency and accuracy data. In addition, there is no recommended CBD oil dosage, so you should consult your doctor before using the cannabinoid for sleep.
Conclusion
Some manufacturers market CBD oil for better sleep, and many people are using the product for this purpose. Although initial research claims that CBD oil may help with anxiety, pain & inflammation, and REM sleep disorder to boost sleep, there is a need for enough scientific evidence to back these claims. Therefore, consult your doctor before using CBD oil.
References
Chagas, M. H., Eckeli, A. L., Zuardi, A. W., Pena‐Pereira, M. A., Sobreira‐Neto, M. A., Sobreira, E. T., … & Crippa, J. A. S. (2014). Cannabidiol Can Improve Complex Sleep‐Related Behaviours Associated With Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder In Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Case Series. Journal Of Clinical Pharmacy And Therapeutics, 39(5), 564-566.
Shannon, S., Lewis, N.,
Lee, H.,
& Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente
Journal, 23.
Vučković, S., Srebro, D., Vujović, K. S., Vučetić, Č., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids And Pain: Newinsights From Old Molecules. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 1259. Di Marzo, V. (2006). A Brief History Of Cannabinoid And Endocannabinoid Pharmacology As Inspired By The Work Of British Scientists. Trends In Pharmacological Sciences, 27(3), 134-140.
