CBD and sleep: Benefits, How it works, Products (and testimonials)

If you’re one of the millions of people who have trouble sleeping, you’ve probably tried a lot of things and most likely you’ve tried CBD (the legal derivative of cannabis) and possibly HHC.

CBD is commonly used to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

However, the regulation of CBD is limited and more research needs to be done to determine the exact effects of CBD on sleep and other health issues both physical and mental.

The benefits of CBD on sleep may include:

reducing anxiety,
improving sleep quality,
reducing the frequency of night-time awakenings
and helping people fall asleep.

There are many CBD-based products suitable for sleep enhancement, including CBD oils, CBD capsules and CBD candies

It’s always recommended to start with small doses and gradually increase until you find the dose that works best for you.

It’s also important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD.

So if you happen to wake up tired, grumpy and unable to concentrate… dive into this article with a potential natural remedy that can help you get back to restful sleep: CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the two main active compounds found in the cannabis plant

In general, CBD products contain little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the cannabis product.

Unlike THC, CBD does not cause psychoactive effects or intoxication, nor does it alter a person’s mental state.
CBD products are increasingly popular and widely available in a variety of forms.

What does CBD do in the body?

If you’re considering taking CBD for sleep, or any other dietary supplement, it’s worth understanding how cannabidiol works in your body.

When it comes to CBD, we don’t yet have all the answers.

We know that it can interact with a wide variety of systems in your body, but we also know that there’s still a lot to discover about how this molecule works.

One key system it interacts with is called the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS).

You probably know that your body has certain systems, such as your digestive system, your nervous system and your immune system…

But have you ever heard of the endocannabinoid system? For many of us, the answer is no.

The ECS is an incredibly important system in your body, but it doesn’t get the exposure it deserves.

It was discovered fairly recently in scientific terms – we’ve only known about it for about 30 years, and we’re still learning more.

For a system that is so little talked about, the ECS actually has major functions in the body.

It is involved in a host of processes throughout the body, including the regulation of:

Mood,
Sleep,
appetite,
memory,
fertility
and pain perception.

The main role of ECS is considered to be the maintenance of homeostasis, which means it’s important to keep your body’s internal balance.

ECS helps the body and brain respond to change.

It also works to restore balance when you experience:

pain
inflammation
or stress.

What does the research say about CBD and cannabis?

Also known as marijuana, there’s growing interest in the health benefits of cannabis, particularly the compounds in cannabis.

Two cannabinoids that are getting a lot of attention are :

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The illegal cannabis compound that gets you high. Man-made versions are used to relieve nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatment.
Cannabidiol (CBD).

How can CBD benefit sleep?

CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex system that helps maintain biological balance, including sleep regulation.

So, by interacting with this system, CBD can directly influence our sleep patterns.

In addition to this, CBD is known for its anxiolytic properties. It can help reduce anxiety and stress, two major factors that can lead to insomnia or sleep disorders.

It also helps regulate circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that controls sleep and wake cycles.

This means that CBD use can potentially help reset a disrupted circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality.

In fact, CBD could help people suffering from various sleep disorders, including: insomnia and heavy legs syndrome, as well as other conditions known to have a negative impact on sleep, according to the research.

Insomnia

The hypothalamus plays a role in several sleep-related functions, including regulating body temperature and synchronizing sleep patterns.

CBD can help insomnia sufferers because it works with the hypothalamus to regulate stress , explains Dr. Whitelocke.

“Insomnia results from an overactive stress response that turns into rest time when we’re not trying to process conscious trauma,” he adds.

“CBD can suppress this dysregulated cycle of stress hormone overactivation and equalize the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness by neutralizing the hormones.”

In a study examining the effects of cannabis on insomnia, researchers found that CBD more effectively reduced insomnia symptoms than delta-9 THC, which is the most abundant active constituent of the cannabis sativa plant and has an intoxicating psychoactive effect.

Circadian rhythm disorders

Circadian rhythm disorders, also known as sleep-wake cycle disorders, occur when the body’s internal clock, which dictates when you fall asleep and when you wake up, is misaligned with your environment.

Circadian rhythm disorders can develop :

when there are changes in sleep patterns, often due to travel or work,
or as a side effect of medical treatment,
Or just because of aging or genetics.

CBD can improve both the quality and quantity of sleep by ensuring that the body progresses through the normal stages of sleep and REM sleep without undue interruption, which would help people with circadian rhythm disorders, explains Dr. Whitelock.

CBD’s action on cannabinoid receptors triggers a cascade of events that results in a more natural sleep rhythm compared to the diurnal rhythm of night and day.

CBD can be particularly useful for people like nurses who suffer from circadian rhythm disorders due to staggered working conditions, where sleep times change according to a person’s work schedule.

Anxiety

Numerous studies have shown CBD to be a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.

Although further research is needed, studies link CBD use to improved sleep due to its ability to reduce anxiety.

Scientific studies on CBD and sleep

Numerous scientific studies have examined the effect of CBD on sleep.

For example, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD can help reduce the frequency of nightmares in people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This suggests that CBD could be an effective treatment option for those suffering from sleep disorders associated with this condition.

In another study, published in The Permanente Journal in 2019, researchers found that CBD can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in people suffering from insomnia.

The study found that over 66% of participants reported improved sleep within the first month of CBD treatment

Potential risks of using CBD for sleep

CBD is a low-risk molecule and drug interactions with CBD products are rare.

But it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start taking CBD, as it can increase liver enzymes in people taking medications metabolized by the liver.

These medications include:

Statins,
Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen),
Certain antihypertensive drugs,
and anticoagulants.

What’s more, some research suggests that THC can cause sleep disorders.

Given that many CBD products contain THC, even at low levels, this is something to consider when talking to your doctor.

How much CBD should you take to improve your sleep?

CBD appears to have a dose-dependent action when it comes to sleep, meaning that some doses may help users fall asleep faster, while others may prevent sleep.

Until experts determine the best dosage of CBD for sleep, the response may have an action that depends on your own tolerance.

Doctors who use CBD to treat epilepsy generally start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase the amount as needed.

If you’re considering taking CBD, start by taking a small amount and see how you tolerate it.

Once you’re sure your body can handle it, you can consider increasing your dose to the recommended amount.

It’s important to tell your GP if you want to start taking CBD for sleep, especially if you’re already taking other supplements or prescription drugs.

A doctor can tell you if anything you’re taking could potentially interact with CBD, or if CBD could impact a health condition you already have.

How do I take CBD oil to sleep?

As mentioned above, there are no clear, validated guidelines for CBD consumption.

In principle, we recommend that each individual adapt his or her intake to his or her needs and behavior, starting with small doses.

Generally speaking, experts agree that regular, daily use should be adopted to maximize the effects of CBD.

If you are taking medication, you should consult your doctor to ensure there is no risk of interaction.

Practical tips for using CBD for sleep

When it comes to using CBD for sleep, it’s generally recommended to take CBD about an hour before bedtime to allow the body to absorb it and begin to feel its effects.

The recommended dose may vary according to individual needs, tolerance and the concentration of the CBD product used.

However, it is generally advisable to start with a small dose, e.g. 10-20 mg, then gradually increase if necessary, until the desired effect is achieved.

It’s also important to bear in mind that the effectiveness of CBD can vary according to a number of factors, including age, weight, gender, metabolism and general physical condition.

Therefore, it’s advisable to carefully monitor the effects of CBD on your body and adjust dosage accordingly.

Finally, it’s crucial to remember that CBD can interact with certain medications, including those prescribed for insomnia or anxiety.

That’s why it’s highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD for sleep.

In addition, although CBD is generally considered safe, it can have side effects in some people, such as:

increased drowsiness,
dry mouth
and lower blood pressure.

If you experience any of these side effects, it’s advisable to reduce the dose or stop using CBD and consult a healthcare professional.

Testimonials

These numerous user testimonials demonstrate the effectiveness of CBD.

** Diane

“Diane, a 45-year-old woman who has suffered from depression and sleep disorders (insomnia and restless nights). For the past 5 years, I’ve been taking a chemical treatment to help me sleep better, which works less and less. For the past 6 months, I’ve been taking CBD and I’ve been having pleasant nights again and feel much calmer. This has enabled me not to change my treatment for a heavier one.”

** DORIS

“I use your CBD oil 2X a day for sleep, joint pain and anxiety. I’ve now stopped sleeping pills and halved my dose of antidepressants so far. So happy with the results!”

** Christel

“Chrystel, 48-year-old woman with history of toxic meningitis. Neuralgia, migraines, nausea, photophobia and loss of balance are part of my daily life, along with depression and chronic insomnia. Painful osteoarthritis in my fingers and a herniated disc affecting the 2 sciatic nerves with a ruptured disc. After trying many treatments that were either ineffective or destroyed me, I switched to CBD. I didn’t believe in it at all, but since then I’ve been sleeping at least 4 hours a night, if not more, and I have practically no more migraines. Massages are also very effective for physical pain. I’m also calmer in the opinion of those around me, and even my psychiatrist encourages me to continue – what more can I say!”

** Marie Yannick

Full of reluctance, preconceived ideas, skepticism… who would have thought that I would embark on this experience? At my age! Burdened with painkillers, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatories, related to severe neuropathies, auto-immune diseases, osteoarthritis, for reliefs of around 4h /24h, sleeping poorly and little, I had nothing more to lose. So I took the plunge, with 2 drops 3/day at 5%. I didn’t expect any results for 15 days to 3 weeks. And…..MIRACLE! From the very first day, the skeptic in me had to face the facts: a little groggy, but incomparable muscular relief, no headaches, and a restful night! Calmer too, and less anxious. On the third day of use, I’m more than amazed! It was so simple! But why don’t doctors tell us about it? I’m still worried about one thing: I’m due to spend 3 weeks in the USA, so how can I take my precious oil with me? Finally (sorry for this long post) thanks to Belhara Berde for her diligence in delivering (discreet packaging), and her super clear and fast explanations!

The Best Mellow CBD for Sleep

Night Drops
Full Spectrum CBD Oils
Purity CBD Oils
Purity CBD Gummies

Top 10 Best CBD for Sleep

1. Sweet Dreams & Sleep CBD Organic Tea

Our Sweet Dreams and Sleep CBD Organic tea is a blend of effective and potent herbs.

This infusion is therefore an excellent option if you prefer to avoid medicated sleeping pills.

2. Strawberry outdoor: baby’s sleep

There are a myriad of different flavors and intense aromatic profiles of cannabis strains.

Each variety has a different and unique combination of smells and tastes that make every puff of your herb a tasting experience.

One of the most popular strains is the unique, pleasant taste of fruity flavors.

3. Sunset Sherbet CBD: relaxation and sleep (tenfold effects)

Sunset Sherbert is a delicious, sweet and fruity strain with an unforgettable flavor profile.

Consumers describe Sunset Sherbert’s effects as relaxing and calming, and some commonly use it to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

4. Relaxation herbal tea

To relax, ease tension and get back to restful sleep, you can take this herbal tea.

Calao CBD Shop’s Organic CBD Relaxation Tea combines blood orange, Madagascar vanilla and CBD, three ingredients with relaxing and soothing properties that will help you find a moment of peace.

This infusion is therefore ideal for people with nervous problems, pain, anxiety or insomnia.

6. Mix gummies

Savor the benefits of CBD with MIX Gummies, three flavors of CBD gummies: raspberry, strawberry and lemon.

These gummies are perfect for late-night use, to take full advantage of the relaxing effects of CBD, which will then help you get back to sleep more easily.

7. Organic CBD oils

Known for its high quality and excellent value for money, Absolu offers a range of full-spectrum CBD oils in different concentrations, such as 300 milligrams (mg), 600 mg, 1,200 mg and 2,400 mg.

Made from organic hemp grown in Colorado, these oils are all THC-free and third-party tested.

8. CBDfx

CBDfx offers three main CBD products to help improve the quality of your sleep.

The first is their CBD + CBN night capsules, which contain organic valerian root, GABA and magnesium as well as broad-spectrum CBD and CBN.

These capsules are vegan and gluten-free and are not only ideal for better sleep, but also help to improve your mood, so you wake up rested and feeling good about your day.

9. Batch CBD

Batch has created a product that its customers consider a miracle.

It’s the ultimate dream CBD oil to help you fall asleep at night and stay there peacefully until morning.

Choose between two concentrations: 1000 mg CBD or 3000 mg CBD.

The ingredients listed are simple and contain organic hemp seed oil, raw hemp extract, organic black seed oil, organic peppermint oil and a dreamy blend of terpenes.

All you need is half a dropper placed under your tongue to start.

Take more if you need it, but most customers find they have to snuggle up in bed soon after taking CBD oil, as they fall asleep faster than expected.

10. Premium CBD hemp oil 20% sleep

Cannabinol is one of the cannabinoids in hemp that promotes sleep, relaxation and appetite!

What’s more, we’ve combined it with Alpha Pinene terpenes to activate endocannabinoids (your receptors for CBD, CBN etc.).

Possible side effects of taking CBD for sleep

Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly used to treat a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders.

However, as with any treatment, taking CBD is not without potential side effects.

First of all, it’s important to note that CBD research is still ongoing, so all possible side effects are not yet fully understood. However, current research indicates that the most common side effects of taking CBD for sleep may include:

fatigue,
dizziness,
feeling sleepy during the day,
changes in appetite or weight,
and gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea.

Some users have also reported mood changes, such as irritability.

It’s important to point out that these side effects are not guaranteed and may vary depending on the individual.

What’s more, the quality of the CBD used can also have an impact on the appearance of side effects.

Poorly regulated or low-quality CBD products may contain contaminants or not contain the amount of CBD indicated on the label, which can lead to adverse effects.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose CBD products from reputable sources and consult a healthcare professional before starting CBD treatment for sleep.

Conclusion

CBD has been shown to have the potential to help people with a wide range of medical conditions, but more scientific evidence is needed to back up many of the claims.

Current regulation of CBD products is not excellent, with many products on the market not actually containing the true amounts and ingredients stated on the label.
CBD can interact with many different types of medication, so you need to take this into account if you’re planning to take it and are undergoing treatment for a medical condition.
Data supporting CBD as a sleep aid is limited, but many trials are underway and early results look quite promising.
Unlike CBD, our sleep enhancement program is both clinically validated and highly effective in improving your sleep.
Here are the best products to help you feel better and/or offer well-being to those you love.

Sources:

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041.
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23.
Chagas, M. H., Crippa, J. A., Zuardi, A. W., & Hallak, J. E. (2013). Effects of acute systemic administration of cannabidiol on sleep-wake cycle in rats. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(3), 312-316.
Linares, I. M., Zuardi, A. W., Pereira, L. C., Queiroz, R. H., Mechoulam, R., Guimarães, F. S., & Crippa, J. A. (2018). Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 40(1), 9-14.
Russo, E. B. (2019). The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1969.
Murillo-Rodríguez, E., Sarro-Ramírez, A., Sánchez, D., Mijangos-Moreno, S., Tejeda-Padrón, A., Poot-Aké, A., … & Arias-Carrión, O. (2014). Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent. Current Neuropharmacology, 12(3), 269-272.
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23.
Murillo-Rodríguez, E., Sarro-Ramírez, A., Sánchez, D., Mijangos-Moreno, S., Tejeda-Padrón, A., Poot-Aké, A., … & Arias-Carrión, O. (2014). Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent. Current Neuropharmacology, 12(3), 269-272.
Rong, C., Lee, Y., Carmona, N. E., Cha, D. S., Ragguett, R. M., Rosenblat, J. D., … & McIntyre, R. S. (2017). Cannabidiol in medical marijuana: Research vistas and potential opportunities. Pharmacological Research, 121, 213-218.
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). Overcoming the Bell‐Shaped Dose‐Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(02), 133.