When is the Best Time of Day to Take CBD?

“When is the best time of day to take CBD?” has become an increasingly common question as more people become aware of the potential benefits of CBD. CBD has been shown to help with a variety of issues, including pain, anxiety, and sleep. But when it comes to taking CBD, timing can be the difference between it being an effective supplement and a waste of money.

In this article, we'll go over when the best time of day to take CBD is, and what factors you should consider when making your decision.

Why Do People Take CBD?

People take CBD for a variety of reasons. For NBA star Klay Thompson, CBD is the go-to sleep aid whenever he struggles to fall asleep after giving his all on the basketball court. For some others, CBD is a way to ease anxiety or calm nerves before an important meeting. Some people even take it as a preventative measure to avoid feeling pain later on.

Besides these, CBD also contains some beneficial nutrients that are not always easy to come by in our diets. So, taking CBD can also be a way of getting these essential nutrients into our system.

When is the Best Time to Take CBD: Day or Night?

The short answer is: it depends.

The best time to take CBD depends on many factors, including your body chemistry, the reason you're taking it, your lifestyle, and even the type of product you're using. Let's break it down.

  • Body Chemistry - Your body chemistry is unique to you, which means the way CBD affects you can differ from how it affects someone else. For some people, taking CBD in the morning helps them feel more alert and focused throughout the day. For others, taking it in the evening helps them sleep better.
  • Reason for Taking CBD - Are you taking CBD to ease anxiety? Help with pain relief? Or improve your sleep? The reason you're taking CBD can also play a role in when the best time of day to take it is. For example, if you're taking CBD to ease anxiety, you might find that taking it in the morning helps you feel calmer and more relaxed throughout the day.
  • Lifestyle - Your lifestyle can also be a factor in when you take CBD. If you have a busy schedule, you might find that taking it in the morning or afternoon helps you manage your day-to-day better.
  • Type of CBD Product - The CBD product you're using can also affect the best time to take it. CBD oil, for example, is typically taken under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. It takes effect fairly quickly, in as little as 15 minutes. CBD edibles, on the other hand, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in because they go through digestion before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • CBD Dosage - The dosage of CBD you're taking can also be a factor in determining the best time to take it. Lower doses of CBD help you feel more alert and focused, while higher doses can help you relax and sleep better.

Benefits of Taking CBD in the Day

Enhanced Focus

If you have trouble focusing or feel foggy-headed in the morning, taking CBD might help. While CBD will not stimulate you as much as a cup of coffee, it can induce a healthy state of calm and balance. Taking low doses of CBD in the morning can be a lifesaver if you have a busy day ahead and need to be on your A-game.

Energy

If you're struggling to get out of bed in the morning, CBD might help with that too. Taking a small dose of CBD can help ease tension in your muscles and make it easier for you to get moving.

Improved Appetite

Many people miss out on the nutrition and energy boosts that come with a healthy breakfast because they don't have an appetite in the morning. If this is you, taking CBD in the morning might help. CBD is an appetite stimulant, so it could be just what you need to start your day on the right foot.

Improved Workouts

If you're an early morning exerciser, taking CBD before your workout could help to improve your performance. CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help ease muscle soreness and joint pain. It can also improve focus and motivation, which are essential for a great workout.

Stress Relief

When the day's stressors catch up with you, taking CBD can help you feel more relaxed and at ease. When stressed, your body produces cortisol, which jacks your stress level. CBD interferes with the production of cortisol, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Antidepressant Effects

If you've had to deal with an "afternoon slump" at any point, you know how frustrating it can be. Low levels of energy and motivation make it hard to get anything done. CBD works as a partial agonist of serotonin receptors, which can help to improve mood and ease depression.

Benefits of Taking CBD at Night

Helps You Unwind

After a long day at work, it can be tough to relax and unwind. CBD can help with that by inducing a healthy state of calm. If you already have a pre-sleep routine like reading, meditation, or taking a bath, adding CBD to the mix can help you relax even more and prepare for a restful night's sleep.

Calm Your Thoughts

Because we live in fast-paced times, it can sometimes be hard to put the mind at ease after the day's work. While sinking into the couch or bed might sound like the perfect way to relax, it does little to control the mind's racing. CBD can help here too. CBD eases anxiety and promotes relaxation, making it easier to quiet your thoughts and prepare for a good night's rest.

Promotes Restful Sleep

Sleep problems are one of the most common reasons people take CBD. CBD helps with sleep in two ways. First, it can reduce anxiety and stress, both common causes of insomnia. It also reduces REM sleep disorders, which can cause nightmares and night terrors. High doses of CBD before bed can help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Stops Snoring

Relaxation of muscles in the throat can cause snoring and interrupted breathing. CBD helps reduce muscle tension, which can help to reduce or eliminate snoring.

How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work?

Before you decide on the best time of the day for you to take CBD, it's critical to understand how long it takes for its effects to kick in. CBD vape pens and tinctures tend to work the fastest, with effects kicking in within minutes.

Capsules and gummies can take a bit longer, typically around 30 minutes.

Topicals work differently than other CBD products, as they're not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, they work on the area where they're applied, providing local relief.

When Is the Best Time to Take CBD for Sleep?

The best time to take CBD oil for insomnia is 30-60 minutes before bedtime. This time gives the compound enough time to be absorbed into your system and promotes a restful night's sleep.

Keep in mind that CBD is not a replacement for good sleep hygiene. For the best results, practice healthy sleep habits like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine before bed, and ensuring your sleeping environment is inviting.

When Is the Best Time to Take CBD for Anxiety?

If you're taking CBD oil for anxiety, it's best to take it in the morning or afternoon. Taking it then gives the compound enough time to be absorbed into your system and provide relief throughout the day. It's also important to remember to use a low dose, as high doses can be sedating.

When Is the Best Time to Take CBD for Pain?

If you're taking CBD for pain, you can take it any time in the day or night. However, if you're taking it for chronic pain, it's best to take it in the morning and at intervals during the day to get through the day without the pain becoming too disruptive.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

The amount of CBD you should take depends on several factors, including weight, the severity of your symptoms, and your body chemistry.

CBD doses are typically in milligrams (mg). For most people, a low dosage is around 15-20 mg. A moderate is 25-35 mg, and a high dose is 50-65 mg.

The best way to find the perfect dose is to start low and increase until you find a dosage that helps with your symptoms. Also, you may not experience the benefits of CBD right after taking it. Some users say it took them a few days or weeks of regular use before they could feel the full benefits.

That said, here's a dosage chart to give you a general idea of how much CBD to take:

Weight (lbs)

Low Dose (mg)

Moderate Dose (mg)

High Dose (mg)

100-125

13-20

25-35 

50-60

126-150

20-25

30-40

55-65

151-175

25-30

35-45

60-70

176-200

30-35

40-50

65-75

201+

35+

45+

70+


How Often Should I Use CBD Oil?

You can use CBD oil as needed or daily. If you're using it for anxiety or pain relief, you may want to take it more frequently first and then taper down to a maintenance dose once you're feeling better. If you're using it for sleep, it's best to take it nightly to maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Taking CBD?

Experts consider CBD to be safe and well-tolerated. However, there are a few potential side effects, including dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Also, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to check with your healthcare provider before taking CBD. CBD may interact with other medications. So, If you're already on a prescription you may also need to talk to your doctor before taking CBD.

Best Time to Take CBD: Conclusions

The best time of day to take CBD oil is whenever works best for you. There's no wrong time to take it, as long as you're consistent with your doses.

If you're taking it for anxiety or pain, it's best to take small doses in the morning or afternoon to avoid the potential for drowsiness. If you're taking it for sleep, take it 30-60 minutes before bedtime. As always, start with a low dose and increase as needed. And if you have any concerns, check with your healthcare provider before starting a CBD regimen.