CBD For Sleep – How It Works

CBD for Sleep is a popular application for CBD Oil.  Restful sleep is key to functioning at your best and staying healthy. Yet one in every two Canadian adults struggles to fall or stay asleep, and one in five do not find their sleep to be refreshing. This can wreak havoc on the mind and body with negative repercussions through all parts of life. If you’re not functioning at your best, you’re not going to thrive. 

In one U.S. study, researchers found nearly 10% of Americans had used CBD to improve their sleep. Most of them said it worked. 

This is good news for those who struggle to sleep. If you’ve tried prescription or over-the-counter sleep medications to no avail, it may be time to try out CBD for sleep. 

What is CBD?

CBD (or cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is one of many compounds that can be extracted from marijuana and hemp plants, and it has shown to potentially help with anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation and insomnia.

Cannabinoids like CBD have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries – but only recently has there been enough scientific evidence to support its use as a treatment for some medical conditions.

CBD is a cannabis compound that doesn’t get you high, unlike its well-known counterpart, THC. It’s not psychoactive, which means it doesn’t affect your mood or consciousness in any way.

There are many different types of CBD oil available – Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, CBD Isolate; they each have their own benefits and side effects to consider when deciding what type might be right for you.

CBD and sleep-regulating molecules

CBD works with the endocannabinoid system, a biological system of series and receptors that interact with endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are cannabis-like molecules produced by our bodies that interact with cannabinoid receptors similarly to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. 

A well-known endocannabinoid in the human body is anandamide. This compound’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word for “bliss” and it plays a large role in many bodily processes, from appetite regulation to sleep. 

In one study, researchers gave rats anandamide and monitored their sleep. They found that rats given anandamide experienced deeper sleep, making it a potential therapeutic option for those struggling with insomnia. 

What does this have to do with CBD? Well, anandamide plays so many important roles in the body but doesn’t stick around for long. Researchers believe CBD may slow the breakdown of anandamide, allowing it to stay in the body and keep regulating processes for long periods of time. 

CBD and melatonin production

If you’ve researched how to get better sleep, you’ve probably come across melatonin. It’s a sleep-regulating hormone commonly recommended for people who struggle to fall asleep, but taking melatonin supplements doesn’t always help people sleep better. 

CBD has been suggested to help because it plays a role in signaling tryptophan, an amino acid that converts serotonin to melatonin. One of the ways CBD may help is by reducing inflammation. Researchers have found tryptophan to be more available in the bloodstream when there is less inflammation. 

By taking CBD, users can potentially help their bodies naturally produce melatonin and sleep better. 

Regulating stress and anxiety for better sleep with CBD

Ever kept up late into the night with racing thoughts and endless anxiety? Many people experience these symptoms strongly before going to bed, which interrupts their ability to fall and stay asleep. 

One reason behind this is higher levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol, the stress hormone, typically peaks in the morning for a normal person. However those with insomnia may have higher cortisol levels at night.

Studies show that high levels of cortisol can lead to an increased number of awakenings during the night, leaving you unrested the next day.

In one study on the effects of CBD, researchers found that participants who took 300 to 600 mg of CBD had significantly lower cortisol levels; this suggests that it may also act as a sedative.

CBD is a promising tool for stress and anxiety relief. In one large case study on CBD’s role in anxiety and sleep, researchers found about 80% of their subjects had decreased anxiety and 70% had improved sleep after their first 30 days of taking CBD. 

Taking CBD as part of your bedtime routine may help calm those anxious and racing thoughts, leading to a better night’s sleep.

How to use CBD for sleep

Sleep is a crucial part of our everyday lives. Without the right amount, we can feel exhausted and irritable. There are a few different ways that you use CBD for sleep:

CBD oils/tinctures

CBD oil is typically taken by mouth, and many users find sublingual administration more effective. This involves placing drops or a dropper of CBD oil under your tongue for 60-90 seconds before swallowing to allow absorption through the oral membranes and into the bloodstream.

Taking CBD for sleep sublingually this way allows for quick absorption into the system. It should be taken at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed for the best results.

CBD topicals

Soothing CBD topicals like gels or creams can be a relaxing way to wind down for the evening. Using CBD bath salts in a warm bath before bed may be able to help as well.

Topopicals don’t normally enter the bloodstream, however; using this method works best alongside a quality CBD oil or tincture.

CBD capsules

CBD capsules come in many forms, from pure capsules to capsules with melatonin. Capsules take longer to take effect, so these should be ingested at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.

CBD with CBN

Tried CBD and looking to explore other cannabinoids? Anecdotal claims from many users say that using CBN for sleep is the way to go. CBN (cannabinol) is another compound in hemp that has been dubbed the “sleepy” cannabinoid, though there is little research on it as of yet.

Here at Mellow, we’ve got CBN/CBD tinctures in our original formula, and sleep formulas enhanced with melatonin.

Final thoughts on CBD for sleep 

Many people have found success in using CBD to improve their sleep. If you’re struggling to fall asleep at night, it may be worth trying CBD. 

It’s non-intoxicating, so you won’t get high from using it. Instead, you may experience a reduction in stress and anxiety and an easier time falling asleep. 

Ready to try CBD for sleep but afraid it won’t work?

Mellow CBD has got your back. We have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee if you don’t find success using our products.