CBD offers users a wide variety of potential benefits, and some people who suffer from insomnia have turned to CBD as a sleep aid. This does not mean that everyone who uses CBD will get tired, but it’s wise for anyone interested in CBD oil to be aware that it’s a possibility. Several studies have pointed out that the dose you take is likely to be the biggest predictor of whether or not CBD will cause drowsiness or help you combat insomnia.
Energy-Boosting Capabilities
It may seem counterintuitive, but CBD has the ability to either boost energy or make users tired. A study published by the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that using no more than 15 mg per day can increase wakefulness and offer an energy boost. This effect was even more prominent when CBD was taken in conjunction with THC.
Increased Sleep for Most Users
People who do not currently have any sleep-related disorders will have higher odds of falling asleep if they take a large dose of CBD. Studies suggest that 600 mg per day is helpful in these cases, although individuals who are already sleeping well on their own may be more interested in avoiding larger doses. This is especially important if you don’t want to deal with excessive sleepiness after taking CBD.
Increased Sleep for Insomniacs
The same study that looked at somnolence in people without insomnia discovered that a much smaller dose works well for many individuals who suffer from sleepless nights. As little as 160 mg daily helped study participants not only fall asleep but also stay asleep for longer periods of time than usual.
People with chronic insomnia have a greater risk of developing numerous health issues such as seizures, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Therefore, it’s no wonder that medical scientists are studying CBD’s potential as a viable sleep aid.
Dream Reduction for PTSD Sufferers
Individuals who suffer from frequent nightmares might benefit from taking CBD. A study from 2017 looked closely at the link between CBD and a reduction in PTSD-induced nightmares. The best results were achieved with a combination of CBD and nabilone, which is a man-made alternative to cannabis. If you don’t have access to nabilone, CBD might still provide some benefits. This is due to the fact that scientists believe CBD reduces the amount of time that people spend in the REM stage of sleep.
Drowsiness vs. Increased Sleep
Anyone who specifically wants CBD to help them sleep will need to choose the appropriate dose. For everyone else, there is still the risk of experiencing drowsiness after taking CBD. This is often an unwanted response, so drowsiness is typically listed as a potential side effect of CBD, instead of as a beneficial product for insomnia. It’s worth noting that feeling drowsy doesn’t always lead to sleep, but it can be an impediment for people who have to drive or pay close attention to another task.
To find out how your body reacts to CBD, it’s best to start with a low dose and take it at home. After you discover whether or not CBD makes you feel drowsy, you can adjust your dose as needed. Keep in mind that higher doses are often associated with an increase in sleep, which means it might be best to take CBD before bed even if you’re not using it for insomnia. Check out our list of the best-reviewed CBD oils to get started.
