Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its purported health benefits, including its potential to improve sleep. While more research is needed to fully understand how CBD affects sleep, early studies have shown promising results.
If you’re interested in using CBD to help you sleep better, here are some things you should know.
Understand How CBD Works
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating many physiological processes, including sleep. The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body). CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
While CBD is not psychoactive, it can still have a sedative effect, particularly at higher doses. However, the sedative effects of CBD are not as strong as those of other sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines.
There are many different CBD products on the market, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. When choosing a CBD product for sleep, it’s important to consider factors such as the product’s potency, the method of consumption, and the type of CBD extract used.
CBD products are available in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate extracts. Full-spectrum extracts contain all of the cannabinoids and other compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). Broad-spectrum extracts contain all of the compounds found in full-spectrum extracts except for THC. Isolate extracts contain only CBD.
While full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts may be more effective for sleep due to the entourage effect (the idea that cannabinoids work better together than in isolation), some people may prefer isolate extracts if they are concerned about the potential psychoactive effects of THC.
Consider the Dose
The optimal dose of CBD for sleep will depend on several factors, including your body weight, metabolism, and the severity of your sleep issues. It’s generally recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects.
Most CBD products will list the amount of CBD per serving or per dropper. It’s important to pay attention to this information and calculate your dose accordingly. For example, if a CBD oil contains 1000mg of CBD per bottle and has a dropper that dispenses 1ml of liquid, each dropper will contain approximately 33mg of CBD.
It’s also important to note that CBD can interact with other medications, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD for sleep.
Take CBD at the Right Time
When it comes to using CBD for sleep, timing is important. Some people may find that taking CBD in the morning or during the day can make them feel more alert, while others may find that taking it closer to bedtime can help them fall asleep more easily.
It’s generally recommended to take CBD at least 30 minutes before bedtime to allow time for the effects to kick in. However, it’s important to experiment with timing to find what works best for you.
In addition, it’s important to establish a consistent sleep routine that includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This can help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and improve the quality of your sleep.