Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the over 100 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.

CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and can be used in various products, including oil drops, capsules, edibles such as fruit-flavoured gummies, CBD-infused vapes, and topicals applied to the skin.

CBD is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, cancer and inflammation. Some research suggests that CBD may help treat these conditions, but more research is needed.

CBD oil is generally considered safe and widely used for its pain relief properties. Still, too low doses or too much CBD can cause some minor side effects in some users, such as fatigue, diarrhoea, and changes in appetite. You must talk to your doctor before using CBD oil products if you are taking any medications.

Can taking CBD oil help you sleep?

CBD oil and its various products, such as CBD gummies, infused lotions, vapes and tea blends, have a long history of anxiety-reducing qualities. But can it enhance sleep? If you ask regular CBD users if they sleep easier, the answer is a solid ‘yes’ on that front.

We already know that anxiety and stress contribute to sleep problems such as insomnia. Medical research shows that CBD use can effectively reduce anxiety and stress, contributing to a better quality of sleep and faster sleep onset due to its positive effects on our opioid receptors.

However, it has also been shown that a low dosage of CBD can clear your mind and may cause some alertness in users, which isn’t helpful if you need to sleep. How much CBD to take is essential here. Exploring CBD oil products and taking a higher dosage will help you feel tired and sleepy when taken nearer bedtime and, in some cases, can be more effective than sleeping pills.

CBD oil works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain, which help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Serotonin molecules are neurotransmitters in the brain and the gut responsible for managing our hormones. Positively activating our serotonin and cannabidiol receptors with CBD oil can help to significantly improve our mood, relax our mind, and help us to get off to sleep.

Improved sleep-wake cycle

One of the potential benefits of CBD oil is that it may help to improve your sleep cycle quality and longevity. CBD has been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system, a system of receptors in the body that regulates various biological functions, including sleep, in healthy adults.

You can think of the Endocannabinoid system as computer software within the body that sends signals to the brain, nervous system, immune cells and organs. It controls restoring and maintaining balance in all biological functions, from sleep to mood, memory, appetite, energy levels, cortisol secretion, pain control, immune system, and cell reproduction.

Some evidence suggests that incorporating CBD oil may be effective in treating insomnia and could help those who experience difficulty falling asleep. A 2019 study found that it effectively reduced the time it took to fall asleep and increased total sleep time in people with insomnia. More in-depth clinical research is currently being conducted to confirm these findings.

If you are considering using CBD oil to improve your sleep, it is essential to talk to your doctor first about any other medications you are taking, as the oil may interact with some medicines.

What time should I take CBD oil for sleep?

Knowing when to take CBD oil for sleep quality can help you get the most from it.

When you take a dose of oil to get a good night’s sleep, it can take around 15 to 20 minutes on average to take effect. It can take a little longer for some people, especially if you are overly stressed or have a diagnosed sleep disorder.

It is recommended to take a dose of oil up to an hour before retiring to allow calming and relaxing effects to take place. This will give you plenty of time to start winding down, letting go of the day’s stresses and strains and feeling relaxed enough to encourage good sleep quality.

Taking the correct dose of CBD oil before bed may encourage better quality, deeper and more healthy sleep. However, it works better when combined with a good bedtime routine. Here are some tips for improving your sleep:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to encourage restful sleep.

If you have trouble falling asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing to unwind, such as mindfulness, light reading, meditation and deep breathing exercises until you feel tired.

How long does CBD oil take to work for sleep?

This question has no definitive answer, as everyone reacts differently to CBD oil and has a different personal metabolism rate. Most people will feel anxiety relief within about half an hour of taking it. However, after taking CBD oil regularly for two weeks or more, you may notice more significant long-term benefits, such as more settled and deeper sleep.

Some people may take longer to feel CBD oil’s long-lasting benefits. But for more instant effects for bouts of insomnia or stress, anecdotal evidence suggests it can take up to 15 minutes for CBD oil drops, tinctures or mouth sprays to have a positive effect.

You may also benefit from using the oil with other sleep aid products such as ear plugs, eye masks, essential oil room sprays, white noise, and sleeping pills. These traditional sleep aids can help when you are sleeping away from home in unfamiliar surroundings that can make you feel anxious, such as hotels or travel lodges while working away.

Many people take CBD oil as part of their regular bedtime routine. This can help them to relax and unwind after a chaotic day. CBD oil can help reduce tension and anxiety, preventing you from quickly falling asleep. Everyone needs time to wind down before bedtime to help their body and mind prepare for sleep; CBD oil can help with this process.

How do you take CBD oil for sleep?

There are a few different ways to take CBD oil for sleep. You can take it orally, sublingually, topically, or through inhalation.

Oral ingestion is the most common way to take CBD oil. You can take a dropper full of oil and swallow it directly or blend it into a warm nighttime drink, such as a mug of cocoa or a cup of relaxing camomile tea. Or you can take CBD capsules that you can swallow with water.

Sublingual administration is another effective way to take CBD oil. To do this, you would place a few drops of oil under your tongue and hold it there for 60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive system.

Topical application is another option for using CBD oil for sleep. You can apply a small amount of oil to your temples, wrists, or other areas of your body before bed. This allows the CBD to be absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin.

Vaping CBD oil is a popular way to gain therapeutic benefits such as stress relief and better sleep, and inhaling CBD oil-infused vapes is an excellent way to take the oil in more moderate doses throughout the day. This can improve sleep quality come bedtime because of the oil’s calming effect.

The best way to take CBD oil for sleep is to experiment with different methods and find what works best for you. Some people find oral ingestion best, while others prefer sublingual or topical application. It is also essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase your intake until you find an adequate quantity.

How much CBD oil do I need for better quality sleep?

To help your mind wind down and switch off, ready for sleep, place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds to allow it to be absorbed. Keeping the oil under your tongue effectively allows CBD to move directly into the bloodstream, giving you the fastest and most potent CBD dosage for higher effectiveness.

Working out the correct CBD oil dose can be tricky. Anyone new to CBD oils should start with a low dose and slowly build up over time. Try a couple of drops of oil under the tongue first to see how you react. People gradually dose CBD in small increments. After a few nights at a low dose, you can add an extra drop each night until you find the perfect amount.

It is important to note that CBD oil is not a miracle cure for insomnia. To experience any benefits from taking CBD oil for sleep, it may be worth taking it as part of your regular nightly routine. However, trying different CBD doses is worth trying if you struggle with insomnia. It may be the perfect natural solution you have been looking for!

Can I take CBD oil with prescription medications?

Many different health issues can lead to problems sleeping that your doctor can prescribe medications for, such as:

• Delayed sleep phase disorder
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Restless leg syndrome
• Shift work sleep disorder
• Sleep apnea

Suppose you are worried about the safety of taking CBD oils with prescription medication for sleep disorders. It is worth knowing that certain medications shouldn’t be taken with the oil because CBD interacts with them.

These include:

• Angiotension II Blockers
• Antiarrhythmics
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants / Anti-Seizure Medications
• Antihistamines
• Antipsychotics
• Anesthetics
• Beta-Blockers
• Benzodiazepines
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• HIV Antivirals
• HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
• Immune Modulators
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
• Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
• Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
• Prokinetics
• Steroids and Corticosteroids
• Sulfonylureas

If you are having trouble sleeping and think sleeping pills may help, speaking to your doctor before taking a sleeping pill alongside CBD oil would be advisable.