Does CBD Work as a Sleep Aid: Here’s What Research Says

For many people, getting a good night’s sleep is difficult. This can be due to health issues, lifestyle choices, or the stress of everyday life. Luckily, there are natural supplements that can help improve your sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep.

One supplement worth considering is CBD oil. Research has shown that CBD may be a solution to help us get better sleep without any of the side effects that come from prescription drugs. This article will cover the benefits of CBD for sleep and research that has been done on this topic so far. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know if CBD is a viable option for improving your sleep quality.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoid compounds found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication since it has no psychoactive properties. CBD interacts with your body by way of naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors embedded in cell membranes throughout your body.

You can find CBD nearly everywhere nowadays. Hemp oil, tea, supplements, and even beauty products contain some form of this compound. In the United States, CBD was only recently made available as a dietary supplement, since it is derived from hemp. This ended the decades-long prohibition on any cannabis derivative which had strong ties to marijuana (although CBD oil can be extracted from both plants).

CBD oil has many potential uses and is becoming a popular alternative treatment for issues like chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. But does CBD work as a sleep aid? Read on to find out more about the research that’s been done on this topic so far.

Evidence That CBD May Help You Sleep Better

Research published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that CBD may be a solution for people who suffer from sleep disorders. In the aforementioned studies, researchers looked at the effects of cannabidiol on people who had trouble sleeping due to stress and/or anxiety.

In the first study, participants who received 160 mg of CBD reported increased sleep duration compared to those who took 5 mg of Nitrazepam.

In another study, researchers looked at the effects of CBD in combination with other prescription medicines in 72 adults with anxiety and sleep disorders.

The CBD doses varied from 25 to 175 mg. According to the researchers, 25 mg was the most effective anxiety dosage, but higher dosages were required to address disturbed sleep.

During the three-month study, investigators followed up with the participants every month. At the first follow-up, 66.7% of the individuals already reported less trouble sleeping.

Results from a study involving a single participant, a 10-year-old girl with PTSD and sleep disorder, further showed that CBD could work as a sleep aid.

The patient received 25 mg of a CBD supplement at bedtime, plus an additional 6 – 12 mg during the day. In the five months which the study took place, it was found that she had improved quality as well as quantity of sleep.

Although current studies are small, they provide promising preliminary evidence that CBD may work as a sleep aid.

The Relationship Between CBD and Anxiety

One of the main reasons people try CBD oil is to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This may be due in large part to the effects that CBD has on brain activity. The studies mentioned above also found that CBD could be helpful in the treatment of anxiety-related sleep disorders, especially when it comes to addressing acute stress and anticipatory anxiety.

CBD Oil Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Before we go any further, let’s dispel some myths about CBD oil. Using CBD oil won’t get you high. This is because CBD does not produce psychoactive properties like THC.

Second, CBD oil is not addictive. This is not to say CBD products have no side effects.

CBD oil can cause some side effects in people who are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients in CBD products. Most of these CBD side effects may be minor and temporary, such as dry mouth, fatigue, diarrhea, or drowsiness. If you think you may be having an adverse reaction to CBD, consult your doctor.

It’s also important to note that CBD oil affects each person differently, so what causes CBD side effects in one person may not affect another person at all.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

CBD has only recently been made available as a dietary supplement. However, the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill made it perfectly legal to buy and use CBD oil at a federal level. Although its use is restricted in a few states. You can check CBD regulations in your state.

Finding the Right CBD Product for You

Having understood the potential benefits of CBD as a sleep aid, it’s time to find the right CBD product for you.

If you’re new to CBD and don’t have chronic sleep disorders, CBD gummies will be a great choice. They’re tasty, flavored, and a really great way to get started on your wellness journey. Alternatively, you can also try any of the CBD supplements and tinctures, if taste is not so much a priority for you.

For more information on CBD and its relationship with sleep and anxiety, make sure to stop by our blog. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay informed on the latest news and special offers.