How Can CBD Help With Sleep Disorders? Update 12/2024

Health and well-being can only be achieved through a good night’s sleep. Most health professionals recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimum health. Getting a good night’s sleep ensures that you wake up feeling relaxed and energized for the next day. Memory creation, growth and repair of muscle and tissue, and the prevention of illness are all benefits of a good night’s sleep.

Unfortunately, some people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Nearly one-third of American employees sleep less than six hours a night, and as many as 70 percent of Americans do not get enough sleep. Sleeping better and avoiding sleep debt can be achieved in a variety of ways. The use of natural sleep aids, prescription sleep aids, or better sleep hygiene practices is a few of the options.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis derivative, is becoming an increasingly popular sleep aid. CBD is often used to help people sleep better and feel less stressed. However, CBD is only loosely regulated in the United States, necessitating a great deal more research before concrete conclusions can be drawn about how CBD affects sleep and other aspects of physical and mental health.

About Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Cannabis sativa is the scientific name for the green, narrow-leaved plant you may recognize, despite the numerous various colloquial titles. It’s perfectly acceptable to use the term “cannabis” to refer to anything made from the plant. The “cannabinoids” group of chemical substances is found in abundance in cannabis plants. Researchers have focused their attention on two cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), out of the more than 100 that have been identified.

What Is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?

THC, the most well-known cannabinoid, is responsible for the majority of cannabis’ well-known effects, including “getting high.”. THC-rich portions of the Cannabis sativa plant are referred to as “marijuana.”

Classified as “hemp” are all forms of cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC. Hemp is no longer considered a restricted substance in the United States as of 2018. As a result, the American market has seen a surge in hemp-related items. These items are commonly referred to as CBD products when sold.

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Hemp-derived CBD, the other well-known cannabinoid, is lawful to sell in the United States if it is extracted and marketed in accordance with applicable legislation. CBD does not have the same high-inducing effects as THC and is not a gateway drug. Aside from that, CBD has no side effects that could lead to reliance or misuse.

Cannabis-derived CBD (also known as CBD oil) is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. CBD has been linked to a wide range of health advantages, but the scientific veracity of these claims is yet unconfirmed in the majority of situations.

Is CBD FDA-Approved?

The FDA has only approved a small number of cannabis-derived or cannabis-related drugs in the United States:

  • Epidiolex. To our knowledge, this is the first FDA-approved cannabis-derived CBD medication. Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex are among the rare and severe forms of epilepsy for which the medicine has been approved for treatment. Other forms of seizures may be reduced by Epidiolex, but the FDA has not approved it for the treatment of those seizures.
  • Marinol and Syndros. Dronabinol, a synthetic version of THC, is found in both of these medications. Capsules or oral solutions are the most common delivery methods. There are numerous medicinal uses for Dronabinol, which affects the region of the brain that controls hunger, nausea, and vomiting. These include the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and the treatment of HIV-related weight loss.
  • Cesamet. There is a synthetic molecule in Cesamet called nabilone, which has a chemical structure similar to that of THC. Also, this capsule affects the brain’s portion that governs vomiting and nausea, just like dronabinol. Chemotherapy patients who have not reacted to other anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications are given this medication.

In terms of CBD products, the FDA hasn’t approved them anymore. The FDA has yet to make a decision on the safety and efficacy of CBD or cannabis in the treatment of any specific disease or condition.

What Forms Does CBD Come In?

CBD comes in a variety of forms:

  • Drugs took orally, such as Epidiolex, which has been approved by the FDA.
  • An under-the-tongue application of oral sprays.
  • Drops or droplets can refer to both oils and tinctures.
  • Vaporizers and e-liquids that can be used in a vapor pen.
  • Gummy bears, chocolates, and cookies, as well as coffees and teas, are all examples of foods and beverages.
  • Capsules and pills are both examples of
  • Lotions, creams, patches, gels, and ointments are all examples of topical remedies.

What Are Common Doses of CBD?

The FDA does not control the dosage of non-drug CBD products aside from Epidiolex. There is a considerable range in the amount of CBD found in different products.

Up to six months of daily 300-mg oral CBD dosages have been shown in studies to be safe. Taking up to 1,500 mg daily was shown to be well-tolerated by participants in one research review. Subsequent research has validated the safety of 1,500 mg per day for four weeks.

People may end up taking more or less CBD than they anticipated because the amount of CBD on a product label is not always indicative of the amount of CBD in the product. It was found that 26% of items tested lower in CBD than the label claimed in a study of 84 online sales of CBD products. It was found that roughly 43 percent of the items tested contained more CBD than stated on the label.

These goods may include more THC than stated on the label even though CBD at larger doses does not appear to have major negative effects. THC content may be hidden on the label of other CBD products. Intoxicating effects may or may not be desired as a result of the THC in these items.

What Are the Effects of Taking CBD?

Using CBD can help alleviate stress and anxiety, according to a number of studies. Because of its effect on the serotonin system, CBD has the potential to modify the mood. The product kind and dosage can have a significant impact on the outcome for each individual.

A sense of “euphoria” is not experienced with CBD, unlike with THC. CBD does not even come close to having the psychoactive effects of THC at high doses. CBD has also been shown to lessen the intoxicating effects of THC in a few studies.

Study results reveal that patients who take CBD for a short period of time do not experience withdrawal symptoms.

What Health Conditions Can CBD Help With?

CBD’s efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy has been well-documented thus far. CBD may potentially be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders, according to preliminary studies.

There is currently inadequate evidence to support the use of CBD in the treatment of various health issues. It appears that CBD may be helpful for a variety of sleep problems, including insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness disorder, according to early research findings. Preliminary evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may help patients sleep better and cope better with worry.

What Are the Risks of CBD?

Most of the side effects associated with CBD products and pharmaceuticals are minor. Patients on Epidiolex, for example, may have diarrhea or other gastrointestinal difficulties. CBD may cause drowsiness in some persons. CBD may interact with other drugs in a patient’s system, resulting in additional side effects.

How Can CBD Help With Sleep Disorders?

CBD’s impact on sleep disturbances is still in its infancy in research. Chronic pain patients who take CBD report better sleep. At this time, it’s not apparent if the pain alleviation these patients are experiencing is helping them sleep better or if CBD itself is having this effect.

Other preliminary investigations on CBD and sleep disturbances are encouraging. CBD may or may not improve sleep for everyone, and different amounts may have varied effects. Low dosages of CBD have been found to be stimulating, but high amounts of CBD have been found to be sedating. Also, the way CBD is administered and the dosage can cause differences in results. We need more research to better understand CBD’s role as a treatment for insomnia.

Anxiety and CBD

Anxiety isn’t a sleep disorder in and of itself, but it can lead to poor quality sleep, insufficient sleep, and other sleep disorders. Early research suggests that CBD can be used to treat anxiety problems since it relaxes the nervous system. Nearly 80% of participants who used CBD to treat their anxiety reported fewer levels of anxiety within a month of using the product. Moreover six out of ten subjects saw an improvement in their sleep, however, the findings fluctuated.

Insomnia and CBD

Insomniacs have trouble getting to sleep or remaining asleep at night. This disorder impairs one’s capacity to stay awake during the day, as well as one’s mood. People with insomnia who have a history of restless nights are more likely to experience sleeplessness at night if they worry about not getting enough rest.

It’s possible that CBD can help with insomnia-related anxiety, given how well it’s been shown to relieve anxiety when used topically. Also in the works is a pilot trial of CBD and THC use in those with physician-diagnosed sleeplessness. The results of this study will provide more information about how CBD affects sleep.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and CBD

During the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, patients with REM sleep behavior disorder talk and make violent motions. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are the two most frequent neurodegenerative disorders in which the problem occurs.

REM sleep behavior disorder symptoms were reduced in four Parkinson’s disease patients in small research. 2–7 times a week was a typical frequency for the patients before they started taking CBD. The symptoms occurred 0–1 times a week after using CBD. REM sleep behavior problems may be treated with CBD, however, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder and CBD

The normal daylight hours are difficult for those with excessive daytime sleepiness disorder. CBD, a cannabinoid found in cannabis, may be able to help you get up and remain awake. CBD has been shown to be a wake-inducing medication in animal studies. Other research, on the other hand, reveals that CBD has sedative properties. The effects of CBD consumption on wakefulness and sleepiness must be studied further.

Does CBD Interact With Other Prescriptions?

If a person is taking other medications, CBD may interact with other medications. The liver’s capacity to metabolize some drugs can be hindered by CBD. Additionally, patients who use CBD along with medications or vitamins may become drowsy.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before consuming any CBD oil or other CBD products. Let your doctor know if you’re using any drugs, herbs, or supplements that might interact with CBD. It’s up to your doctor to tell you whether or not CBD is a good fit for your health care needs.

How we chose

This selection was based on factors that we consider to be good indicators of product safety, quality, and openness. This article’s products:

  • An ISO 17025-compliant laboratory has tested the product and issued a Certificate Of Analysis (COA) to prove it.
  • hemp farmed in the United States
  • According to the COA, this product contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.

The following factors were also taken into account:

  • manufacturing methods and certifications
  • the potency of the product
  • whether or whether the product has other components that may help with sleep.
  • indications of consumer confidence and brand repute, such as:
    • Customers’ feedback.
    • How many warning letters have the corporation received from the FDA?
    • whether any health claims made by the business are not backed up by evidence.

Why these products?

There isn’t a better CBD for sleep than another. However, there are several characteristics that indicate the quality of a CBD product. Take a bath with a CBD bath bomb before going to bed, for example, and you may find that these items help you get a good night’s sleep.

Pricing

The majority of the items on this list cost less than $50.

In dollars per milligram, our pricing point guidance is based on the value of CBD in a container (mg).

  • $ = under $0.10 per mg of CBD
  • $$ = $0.10–$0.20 per mg
  • $$$ = over $0.20 per mg

A product’s price can be better understood by looking at the ingredients, serving sizes, amounts, and other details on the label.

CBD terms

  • CBD isolate A product that contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids.
  • Full-spectrum CBD: This is mostly CBD, with a few terpenoids, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. The product has all of these features.
  • Broad-spectrum CBD: This contains a high concentration of CBD and lower concentrations of the other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in cannabis. Removed are cannabinoids like THC.
  • Flavonoids: The compounds that provide a particular flavor to a substance. Flavonoids in cannabis and hemp give different strains their distinct flavors.
  • Terpenes: Chemicals responsible for a plant’s distinct scent, with a different one for each variety. There may potentially be health benefits to terpenes.

What research says on CBD for sleep

Insomnia and other sleep difficulties are common reasons for people to take CBD. Insomnia can be brought on by a variety of factors, including physical discomfort and worry, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because CBD has been shown to be effective in alleviating pain and anxiety, it follows that it could also improve sleep quality.

For pain management

CBD has been shown to be an effective treatment for pain in numerous trials. Several research on CBD and pain from 1975 to March 2018 were examined in a 2018 review. For cancer-related pain, the research found that CBD has great potential as a therapy, particularly for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

For stress levels

Even though more research is needed, it is possible that CBD can help alleviate anxiety. Anxiety in social circumstances can be reduced by CBD, according to two studies published in 2010 and 2019Trusted Source. You might want to give CBD a try if you’re having sleepless nights because of stress, according to an independent review in 2018.

For anxiety

A study published in 2019Trusted Source examined the effects of CBD on anxiety and sleep. They gave 72 women a daily dose of 25 mg of CBD. 79.2% of patients reported less anxiety and 66.7 % better sleep after one month.

For wakefulness

There is further evidence that CBD can help keep people awake during the day, as a 2014 review trusted Source looked at both human and animal trials. Because it may be able to help you stay awake during the day, it is worth a try

The existing study on CBD and sleep is promising, but more studies are needed.

How to know what you’re getting

How to read CBD product labels

To make sure you’re obtaining a high-quality CBD product, make sure to read the label.

As an example, this is what a CBD label might say:

  • Oils. Olive oil, hemp seed oil, MCT oil, and other oils are common ingredients in CBD products. To be on the safe side, make sure to include a description of the oil type on the label.
  • Flavorings. It’s not uncommon for CBD products to include flavoring agents.
  • Other ingredients. For example, if you’re selling a CBD-infused tea, you’ll need to list the remainder of the components.
  • Other factors. It’s important to note on the label whether or not the product is organic or locally sourced. Whether or not this matters to you is entirely up to you to decide.
  • Dosage. The amount of CBD you should take varies from person to person, thus not all CBD labels tell you how much to take. Even if you don’t know how much CBD is in your bottle, it’s important to know exactly how much you’re getting out of every single product.

What to look for from a third-party test

Customers should be able to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the CBD product they purchase. This is when a third-party lab verifies that the product is what it claims to be.

A lot of CBD products on the market don’t actually contain any of the substance. You may be able to avoid these scams by reading the lab report.

How to read a lab report

Look for the following words in the lab report:

  • CBD content. There should be a report detailing the amount of CBD in the bottle or in a milliliter of the product.
  • Other cannabinoids. Lab results should show the presence of other cannabinoids if it is a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product.
  • Flavonoids and terpenes. Flavonoids and/or terpenes may be mentioned in some lab results. This page includes a number of common cannabis phrases, which you can learn more about here.)
  • Residual solvent analysis. Residual solvents are byproducts of extraction procedures. And to make CBD isolate, some businesses that sell goods without THC use powerful chemicals.
  • Presence of heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. High-quality CBD products should be devoid of these potentially dangerous chemicals, but not all lab reports check for them.

Where to shop

  • Dispensaries. The best place to get CBD is via a local dispensary or cannabis shop. Because of this, the workers are more likely to be educated about the items’ contents and advantages.
  • Health shops. If you’re looking for a CBD product, you can get it in numerous health shops, as well as some retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. When shopping at a dispensary, be aware that items are more likely to have passed third-party testing than those found in other retailers.
  • Online for delivery. You can also get CBD online, but don’t conduct your CBD shopping on Amazon! If you search for CBD on Amazon, you’ll only find hempseed items that don’t contain CBD. Amazon currently restricts the selling of CBD.

If you’re unsure, talk to the people who make the CBD products you’re considering. Use the information provided above and here to distinguish between products that have been tampered with and those that have been manufactured with care. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where to buy their products.

How to use

If you’ve never used CBD before, it’s easy to become lost in the jargon of CBD consumption.

The first step is to determine how much CBD to take. Begin with a low dose of 20 to 40 mg per day. Increase this dosage by 5 mg if you don’t notice a difference after a week of taking it. You’ll notice a difference if you keep at it.

Look at the box to figure out how many drops to use. It might mention the CBD concentration per milliliter. If not, you’ll have to figure out how much is in the full bottle before you can get an accurate estimate.

One drop, not a dropper full of CBD, is typically 0.25 or 0.5 milliliters (mL). In order to achieve the desired dosage, you can use as many drops as necessary.

There are various methods for taking the cannabidiol (CBD) supplement. Then, before you swallow it, keep your mouth open for about 30 seconds after you place it in. CBD can reach your bloodstream through the capillaries under your tongue, where it can be absorbed. This will have a greater impact on you than if you ingested it.

CBD side effects

Many people find CBD to be safe and effective. However, there are some adverse effects to be careful of. A study has shown this to be true. Known adverse effects of CBD are as follows:

  • diarrhea
  • changes in appetite
  • changes in weight
  • fatigue
  • drowsiness
  • jitteriness

A number of drugs can interact with CBD, as well. A grapefruit warning is a red flag that a drug is not safe to use with CBD. Many drugs can be affected by CBD in a similar way to the way grapefruit affects the body. To be on the safe side, have an appointment with your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen that includes CBD.

If you can, work with a cannabis doctor who is knowledgeable.

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