With the number of Americans affected by sleep disorders at an all-time high, there has been a growing interest in the potential benefits of CBD for sleep.
Could this cannabis-derived compound actually help people sleep better? Learn more in our in-depth guide.
Is it difficult for you to fall asleep, stay asleep… or both? If so, you definitely are not alone. The National Sleep Foundation says that as many as 70 million people in this country are either dealing with chronic sleep problems or occasional sleep problems.
Whether it’s not falling asleep fast enough or not sleeping well through the night, the ramifications can be serious. Not only are you zombified and not functioning at your best, but some studies also suggest a lack of sleep can mean everything from risks of depression and anxiety to a doubled risk of heart failure.
Sleep deprivation and disorders are considered an unmet issue with public health. People will go to great lengths to get better sleep, right down to trying questionable over-the-counter sleep aids that can have scary side effects. However, many people are turning to a different potential remedy: CBD oil for sleep.
So, does CBD make you sleepy? Can a cannabinoid really help you sleep better? Here’s a breakdown of what you’re sleepy self may want to know.
What We Know About CBD for Sleep, Thanks to Science
The human body is home to what is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of receptors that are responsive to certain cannabinoids, including CBD. There’s a lot that remains to be researched about these receptors and how they function. However, what we do know is these receptors could play a role in things like relaxation, inflammation, and sleep.
A few good studies have been conducted on CBD and its efficacy for better sleep. One of the latest studies was done in 2019 and looked at 72 adult participants with anxiety or poor sleep. Forty-eight of the study participants reported better sleep within the first 30 days of the study.
While not a formal study but a survey, Project CBD took a sample from a large pool of 1,521 CBD users to get a look at their perceived experiences. Some reported they fell asleep faster and woke up fewer times through the night.
A Note About CBD for Falling Asleep vs. Staying Asleep
While some people have issues falling asleep, it seems that many people are having problems with staying asleep through the night. There is a possibility that CBD may help some people stay asleep once they are there. In 2012, researchers performed a study that compared a well-known sleep aid nitrazepam and CBD in prolonging how long subjects stayed asleep. The 15 study participants notated that they experienced longer sleep.
Will CBD Make You Tired?
When you learn that CBD could be something to help you sleep, it may seem counterintuitive to try the cannabinoid for any other reason. However, CBD doesn’t seem to make everyone sleepy. In fact, it may help with not feeling groggy.
In 2014, a review published by Current Neuropharmacology examined the possible efficacy of CBD to help people with insomnia be more wakeful. The research indicated that CBD may actually promote alertness during awake times even though the mechanisms for why were not clear. Of course, more formal research needs to be conducted.
When to Take CBD Oil for Sleep
It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor about taking CBD oil for sleep, especially if you are already taking anything to help you sleep already. In general, everyone has their own unique experience with CBD when taken for sleep. Not one dosage, dosage time, or potency will affect everyone the same. CBD is not usually something that will cause an immediate difference; it can take some time to notice a difference. It is best to start out low and slow, monitor the outcome, and adjust as needed. If you are taking a combination like CBD and melatonin, it can be best to take the supplement a few hours before you go to bed.
Mixing CBD and Melatonin: Is This the Stuff Dreams Are Made Of?
A big trend in CBD-based products is to blend the cannabinoid with other elements to sort of compound the proposed effects. One good example is CBD being combined with something like melatonin. Melatonin is a supplement, which can be either natural or synthetic, and helps encourage sleep. Your body naturally releases the hormone in response to certain things, such as darkness.
Both CBD and melatonin are what are referred to as “endogenous,” which is just a fancy way of saying they are naturally already present in the human body. Both CBD and melatonin are also known for their low incidence of side effects because of their endogenous designation.
CBD and melatonin may complement each other when it comes to helping you sleep better, and there are currently no documented negative interactions between the two.
Final Thoughts: Could You Sleep Easy with CBD?
Ah—to sleep! We all need it, we all deserve it, but some of us just aren’t getting enough of it. You may have tried counting sheep, sound machines, and kicking caffeine, but maybe your endocannabinoid system could use a little help. CBD oil for sleep is clearly something a lot of tired people are giving a shot, and it may be worth it for you to do the same.
If you’re looking for a great way to incorporate CBD and melatonin into your sleep routine, check out our CBD + Melatonin Soft Gels.
Packed with 25mg of broad spectrum CBD and 1mg of melatonin in each capsule (750mg CBD total per bottle), our Melatonin and CBD Soft Gels are specially formulated to help aid sleep and improve restfulness.
Thanks for joining us today! We hope that our article helped to provide you with valuable information about CBD for sleep. If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to explore the rest of our online store for other premium CBD products including CBD gummies, CBD oil tinctures, CBD muscle cream, and more.
The information contained in this article is not intended to serve as a substitute for advice or guidance from a certified doctor or lawyer. Before trying Cannabidiol (CBD) or purchasing any CBD product, you should always conduct your own research and consult with your doctor. While CBD was classified as “generally well tolerated with a good safely profile” by the World Health Organization (WHO), further research is needed in order to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CBD on a generalized basis.
Nirvana CBD products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
