using cbd for better sleep

Does Using CBD Oil for Sleep Actually Work?

jen keehn

Written by Jen Keehn

 

Dr. Zora DeGrandpre

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zora DeGrandpre 

Have trouble falling asleep at night?

You’re not alonebetween 50 and 70 million US adults suffer from a sleep disorder or have trouble sleeping at night due to unmanageable pain.

A lack of sleep doesn’t just leave you feeling groggy and grumpy the next day.

Studies have shown that poor sleep quality can put you at risk for serious health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

If you’re dealing with a frustrating sleep disorder, CBD oil might be the solution that you’ve been searching for to get that restful night’s sleep you need so badly.

As a natural, plant-based, alternative to over-the-counter drugs, which can be dangerous and habit-forming, using CBD for better sleep has gained rapid popularity in recent years.

By the time you finish reading this, you’ll know what CBD oil is, the effects of CBD oils on the body, how much you should take to help you fall asleep, and where you can buy CBD oil made for sleep.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a type of cannabinoid, which is an active compound found in the cannabis plant. Remember, both the hemp plant and marijuana plant make up the cannabis plant family. Many people do not know this.

CBD Molecule

While CBD is derived from cannabis, it doesn’t have any of the psychoactive properties of marijuana.

The “high” associated with cannabis comes from a different cannabinoid known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC3.

CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and calming properties that may improve insomnia by reducing symptoms of pain and anxiety that make it difficult to sleep at night4.

Because it’s not psychoactive, you can legally buy CBD oil derived from hemp in all 50 states as long as the THC level is ≤0.3%. This content limit of THC was put into place by the Farm Bill of 2018.

Related: State by State CBD Laws Explained

 

However, if you buy CBD oil derived from marijuana, the higher THC content might make it illegal where you live. That’s why it’s always a good idea to do your research and check your state’s laws beforehand.

In addition to helping you stay asleep, studies have shown that effects from CBD oil may also include the potential to relieve symptoms associated with a wide range of other medical conditions including pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, depression, epilepsy, and arthritis.

How CBD Can Help You Sleep

In recent years, interest in CBD for sleep and in general has grown significantly. Along with this public interest is an increase in research and high-quality studies into the effectiveness of CBD for various treatments.

At this time, the FDA has not approved CBD specifically for use as a sleep aid or in the treatment of sleeping disorders. However, recent studies and research indicate that this may be a promising tool in assisting with sleep disorders.

How It Works

How, exactly, does CBD work to help with sleep? 

The exact function of CBD involves the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is an internal structure that the body uses to manage certain neurotransmitters.

cbd for sleep

These transmitters, created within the body, are known as endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids function very similarly to cannabinoids found in cannabis, including CBD and THC.

When these components are introduced into the body, they are able to coordinate with the endocannabinoid system and promote changes in the body’s hormone levels, physical state, and more. CBD in particular has been observed to reduce anxiety and stress.

CBD and THC are Different

An important distinction must be made between CBD and THC. Both THC and CBD are derived from plants in the cannabis family and are being investigated for their potential uses as herbal remedies.

thc and cbd molecules

THC, however, is commonly known for its psychoactivity. THC is the component of cannabis that produces a euphoric “high” sensation. Therefore, it has been suggested that THC may in fact impair the quality of sleep on a long-term scale.

CBD, on the other hand, is known for having a more calming effect on the body. Published research into the beneficial effects of CBD exclusively in the treatment of sleeping disorders is low but continues to grow.

That being said, CBD has more frequently been used to treat stress, PTSD, and epilepsy. In many of these studies, participants reported improved sleep.

Studies on Using CBD for Sleep

Although sleep is not always the primary outcome investigated in these studies, it is usually reported as a benefit associated with reduced stress, improved neurological functioning, or pain management.

One study focusing specifically on CBD for sleep was conducted recently involving 72 participants. In this study, all participants were provided with CBD as a treatment for anxiety and sleep disorders.

These participants ranged from 18-72 years of age and were mostly provided with CBD in capsule form at 25mg/d, with some provided with 50 or 75 mg/d. Dosages and continued use of CBD were closely monitored by doctors and adjusted as needed on a case-by-case basis.

holding CBD tincture

As a group, overall anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms diminished over time through the use of CBD. After one month, about 66% of participants reported improvement in sleep due to CBD. A few participants noticed side effects and discontinued the use of CBD oil for sleep. 

In another study, participant data was collected over a much larger sample size. In this study, intake methods of CBD were varied and included vaporizing, capsules, pipe, and more.

Insomnia symptoms were measured by user-reported data on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being little to no symptoms and 10 being the most severe intensity level. On average, users indicated a change of -4.5 on a scale of 1-10 (a 6/10 lowering to a 2.5/10, 9/10 lowering to a 4.5/10). While many noticed negative side effects while utilizing CBD and other cannabinoids, nearly all found some improvement as indicated by noting at least one positive side-effect.

This study, while sampling a larger group in a more natural environment, also allowed for a greater variation of the dosage, purity, and frequency of CBD usage, as well as the involvement of THC and other cannabinoids. 

All in all, studies have indicated that there may be a reason to believe that CBD can be helpful as an herbal remedy for sleep. Like any medication or other supplement, individual reactions can vary.

Personal preference, lifestyle, body chemistry, adherence to the regimen, and interactions with medications or other supplements can all impact the effectiveness and side effects of taking CBD for sleep.

Even treatments that have worked in the past may not continue to work as the body continues to grow and adapt to circumstances. However, further investigation must be done. In addition, as CBD products are not currently regulated by the FDA as medication, personal research into the quality and dosage is needed. cbd tincture for sleep
Try ‘sleep’ by New Phase Blends
Always research any new supplements for sleep or other conditions thoroughly before trying them. This article is not intended to serve as a medical guide. Talk to your physician before beginning any new natural sleep remedies or supplements for sleep. As with any supplement, side effects to CBD may be present. Some reported side effects include dose-related liver damage, overall sedation and lethargy, change in thoughts and behavior, and potentially more. As research continues to grow, we will better understand the potential adverse effects of CBD and the mechanism by which we can avoid these. If you notice a change in one of these areas or others, talk to your doctor about your CBD use. best cbd oils for sleep

Using CBD for Sleep Disorders

One of the most well-known CBD effects is its ability to help people sleep.

If you have trouble falling asleep or frequently wake up in the middle of the night and find that you can’t get back to sleep, the relaxing properties of CBD oil may help you get the good night’s rest you’ve been missing out on.

Conditions CBD Oil Use May Help

  • Insomnia
  • Daytime sleepiness/fatigue
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic pain (caused by migraines, arthritis, back pain, etc.)

Which Types of CBD Products Are Good For Sleep Disorders?

The best method of administration varies by the type of difficulty a patient is experiencing.  

For example, someone who has trouble staying asleep would benefit the most from using an edible form of CBD, such as a CBD chocolate or CBD gummies. While folks struggling to fall asleep or experience frequent awakenings through the course of the night benefit from using a CBD vape pen.

CBD School’s Most Trusted Brands

Selecting the appropriate method of administration boils down to how long it takes to take effect and how long the effect lasts.

How Does Using CBD Oil for Sleep Work?

The theory of CBD’s action involves our own endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors in the human body that has been part of our lives for many thousands of years and that helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite, the immune and hormonal systems and more5. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The receptors which are part of the endocannabinoid system are activated by the natural cannabinoids found in cannabis plants like hemp.

We have two types of these receptors. They are known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and different cannabinoids work differently depending on which receptors they target, and how strongly they bind to the receptor(s).

endocannabinoid system receptor locations

CBD oils are thought to relax the body and mind by helping to regulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for helping the body maintain homeostasis (the natural balance of bodily functions) and improving overall stability.

This is one of the reasons that using CBD oil for sleep seems to work so well (when compared to other natural sleep aids) in the fight against insomnia.

CBD Effects on Chronic Pain

If pain is preventing you from getting restful sleep at night, CBD oil might be able to help.   

CBD oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous system, and may act by effectively reducing pain by increasing the levels of the natural endocannabinoids and making it easier to sleep.

More specifically, CBD prevents the body from breaking down the compound anandamide, which is associated with pain regulation. A higher concentration of anandamide in the bloodstream has been linked to significant pain reduction.

Supplementing with CBD oils made from the hemp plant is a way that more and more people are finding useful to help combat nagging aches and pains. There is a reason why CBD is so popular, and quite frankly, we think it’s because it works.

What Are Some Good Products?

For our full reviews of these products and other CBD brands, please visit our article: CBD for Sleep Reviewed.

There are a ton of CBD brands out there – we get it. That’s why we really encourage people to go off of our reviews, and make the most informed decision they can from there. Plus, you’ll get some pretty nice discounts if you go through CBD School.

Benefits of Using CBD Over Other Sleeping Pills

If you walk into any drug store, you’ll find dozens of different products claiming to help you stay asleep and treat aches and pains.

Why should you pass those up and buy CBD to help get proper sleep instead? After all, CBD products are just another form of a natural sleep aid, right?

over the counter sleep aid pills

Many of the pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat sleep problems come with a long list of sometimes harsh possible side effects, such as anxiety, depression, impaired driving, and symptoms of withdrawal – long-term insomnia sufferers often have a hard time quitting them.

Using CBD oil for sleep, on the other hand, is non-habit forming and has relatively few minor side effects.

How Much CBD Is Needed For Better Sleep?

How much CBD oil, or capsules, should you take to treat a sleep disorder? Well, the good news is taking CBD oil or another form of a CBD product is quite simple.

That said, it’s always best to talk with your doctor and pharmacist before starting any treatment, especially if you’re taking other prescription medications.

That being said, dosage amounts vary on an individual basis depending on your weight, body chemistry, diet, and the type of condition you’re trying to treat.

Dosing CBD for Bedtime Use

Some of the research on pure CBD for deep sleep has recommended a CBD dose of up to 160 mg CBD by mouth before going to bed. However, it’s always best to start with the lowest effective dose and only add more as needed. The general “rule” to remember is to “Start Low and Go Slow.”

Always start with the lowest effective dose to help you fall asleep. Increase this CBD dose only as needed.

The typical serving size of CBD hemp extract in capsules will contain 10 mg to 25 mg CBD.

If you are using CBD for sleep, you can start with one serving size and see if that is enough for you. You can then gradually add more if needed. If you are using CBD oil, you can start with a ¼- ½ dropper and slowly increase as needed. If you use edibles, start with a ¼- ½ piece and slowly increase as needed.

taking cbd oil for sleep

While CBD is generally considered safe to consume, starting at a low dosage allows you to slowly adjust until you feel that your sleep quality has improved.

Medterra, a CBD company based in Irvine, California, has taken an innovative approach in combining traditional supplements, known for their calming effects, with CBD (25 mg per capsule) to create a product that’s highly effective in helping people get wholesome, deeper sleep.

Medterra’s Good Night capsules include melatonin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), passionflower, and chamomile, all-natural supplements known for their calming, relaxing effects. The combination of CBD with these supplements provides a synergistic effect that effectively induces sleep and prolongs sleep duration.

Before you start any new supplements for sleep, it’s recommended that you discuss your particular situation with a trusted medical professional. Always seek medical advice from a doctor or medical advisor before starting anything new or if you have questions about your health.

Things to Consider Before Using CBD Oil

Humans have been using CBD products for thousands of years, they just never realized it at the time.

Our understanding of CBD effects is growing rapidly, and the future of natural cannabinoid treatments is exciting. The CBD industry is bringing along with it a whole new world of medical research that is needed.

However, while CBD oil has shown great potential as a safe, non-habit-forming sleep aid and pain reliever, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects.

cbd coupon code banner

As always, we recommend talking with your doctor before starting any new supplement to treat sleep issues or unmanageable pain. 

Also, keep in mind that most studies involving reliable CBD products which are focused on adult use.

The way CBD affects children is still largely unknown, which is why we only recommend it for adults.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other sedative medication, consult with your doctor before you begin using CBD for sleep.

Side Effects of Taking CBD As a Sleep Aid

The side effects of CBD are dose-dependent. Taking too low of a dose could have a stimulating rather than a sedating effect. And, taking too much CBD could cause fatigue, lethargy, or grogginess.

So, it’s incredibly important to take the amount of CBD that’s right for you, not the amount that’s right for Sally or Joe. 

Where to Buy Premium CBD Oils for Sleep

Not all CBD products are made the same, so you shouldn’t buy CBD oil without doing your research first.

You may also need to experiment with different products to find the most effective concentration of CBD for you. For example, some people prefer a CBD isolate over a full spectrum CBD oil for sleep.

There’s really no right answer here – use what works best for you. Use whatever sleep CBD oil makes your sleep cycles normal again.

Medterra, the previously mentioned CBD oil company, specializes in the development of liposomal (slow release capsules) CBD.

For full disclosure, Medterra is a CBD School partner, but we wouldn’t recommend their products without first testing them. We’ve tested their Good Night Liposomal CBD capsules and we can tell you this, they work wonderfully well. We needed only one 25 mg capsule to drastically improve sleep duration and quality.

We recommend them as a starting point for finding the right CBD oil for you. Follow this link to learn more about their Good Night capsules and if you want to give them a try, use our special promo code CBDSCHOOL25 to get 25% off your order.

Don’t let poor sleep and chronic pain prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep any longer – give natural cannabidiol a try.

Sweet dreams!

Have You Tried CBD for Better Sleep?

Whether you’ve already tried CBD oil for sleep or are curious to know more before giving it a shot, head over to our review page for the best CBD oils for sleep.

best cbd oils for sleep banner

It can be a daunting task to try to sort through the massive amount of brands and products that help with sleep. The CBD industry isn’t exactly small. We have narrowed down the selection to some of the best CBD oils for sleep.

References

1Irwin, M. R., Olmstead, R., & Carroll, J. E. (2016). Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Duration, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Experimental Sleep Deprivation. Biological psychiatry80(1), 40–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.05.014     

2Cooper CBNeufeld EVDolezal BA, et al
 
3Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., & Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis sativa L. and Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids: Their Chemistry and Role against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cancer. BioMed research international2018, 1691428. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1691428
 
4VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019). Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clinic proceedings94(9), 1840–1851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003
 
5Hui-Chen Lu, Ken Mackie, Review of the Endocannabinoid System, Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 2020, ISSN 2451-9022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.016.

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