CBD and Sleep: Can CBD Help You Sleep?

The struggle can be real when it comes to not only falling asleep, but getting the quality sleep we need each night- the good news is, CBD just might be the natural alternative you’re looking for when it comes to getting some good shut eye.  

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant- it is non- psychoactive which means it doesn’t produce any euphoric effects. In fact, these cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping it to maintain a state of homeostasis-the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.

When it comes to CBD and sleep, CBD may help to improve your sleep by managing what may be causing your trouble with it in the first place- for example, anxiousness or discomfort. 

In need of a good night’s rest? Here’s what you need to know about CBD and sleep. 

What does the research say about CBD and sleep?

Before we dive in, let’s look at what can cause poor sleep. 

Besides for anxiousness and discomfort, trouble sleeping can also be a result of consuming caffeine late in the day, medications that can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle and even environmental factors such as living in a noisy area or having an uncomfortable mattress. Take a moment to reflect on your lifestyle, could any of these factors be the culprit for your lack of sleep?

If you experience any type of muscle or joint discomfort that’s disturbing your sleep, research has shown that CBD may help by soothing discomfort, therefore improving sleep. Studies have also shown CBD to help with sleep by reducing anxiousness- in this study published in 2019, subjects were given 25 mg of CBD in capsule form each day, within the first month over 65% of participants reported better sleep, while 79% of participants reported lower anxiety levels. 

With difficulty sleeping, comes grogginess in the mornings- interestingly enough, CBD may not only help with sleep, but it also might have the potential to promote wakefulness according to research. 

How does CBD work to improve sleep?

As mentioned before, the endocannabinoid system plays a huge role in helping our bodies to maintain a state of homeostasis- it does this by regulating body functions such as mood, sleep, appetite and more. The two main cannabinoid receptors found within our endocannabinoid system are CB1 & CB2- CB1 is mostly found in the central nervous system and CB2 is found in your peripheral nervous system. CBD works by attaching to these specific receptors to help stimulate changes in the body, including the sleep/wake cycle. 

Since CBD has also been known to help with anxiousness and discomfort, this may also help to improve sleep. 

How to use CBD for sleep?

There are a variety of ways you can introduce CBD into your routine to help with sleep. Some of the most common forms include: oils, capsules, edibles such as gummies as well as topical creams.

In terms of dosage and which method will work best for you, it’s all about trial and error! Keep in mind that what works for some people, might not work for others due to a number of factors such as weight, personal body chemistry, the nature of your sleeping troubles and even the time you take your CBD.

Our Dream CBD Capsules have quickly become a go-to product for our consumers experiencing difficulty with sleep. They not only contain 25mg of CBD, but they’re also formulated with 2.5 mg of melatonin. Based on customer testimonials, some people are able to get a good night’s rest by only taking 1 capsule an hour before bed, while others find that taking 2 caps a half an hour before bed does the trick.

Remember it’s unlikely to get immediate results, be patient and if you find they’re not working, try adjusting the time you take your capsules, how many you take or perhaps consider switching your CBD method altogether. 

Side effects and safety concerns of CBD?

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of CBD and sleep, let’s take a look at possible side effects. 

According to a 2017 review, a number of studies on the safety of CBD have shown it to be a relatively safe treatment. Although side effects are pretty uncommon, minor side effects include change in appetite, fatigue and change in weight.  

It’s also important to note that CBD products aren’t regulated in the same way as the FDA regulates dietary supplements or drugs. With it’s growth in the wellness industry has come a number of new CBD companies, some of which mislabel or misrepresent their products. Before buying CBD from a company, it’s important you do your research to find a quality product- make sure their CBD has been third-party lab tested and that those results are clearly displayed on their website! 

Curious to learn even more about CBD and sleep and if it’s right for you? We encourage you to speak to your doctor first- they know your circumstances best and will be able to guide you better into how to use CBD to improve your sleep.