CBD Oil for Sleep: Does it Work? [Research, Side Effects & Usage]

CBD Oil for Sleep: Does it Work? [Research, Side Effects & Usage]

Posted by Christian on 26th Apr 2023

Marijuana’s cannabinoids play an important part in its medicinal properties. While THC offers therapeutic effects, cannabidiol is the more widely accepted medicinal chemical compound. Many take CBD oil for sleep issues and pain, among other medical conditions.

Historically, the cannabis plant has been used in ancient China as a treatment for various medical conditions. Take the “sagacious sleep powder,” for example. It is said to be a combination of marijuana and datura flower and is used as an anesthetic.

Today, CBD is hyped because of its benefits in different aspects of human health, but one of the most popular applications of this cannabinoid is by taking CBD for sleep problems. Want to know more about its potential as a sleep aid? Keep reading.

About CBD Oil and Why it Can Help you Sleep


CBD oil is simply a cannabinoid drawn from the plant with the help of carrier oils such as coconut, olive, or hemp seed oil. For optimal extraction, raw cannabis flowers and leaves are decarboxylated to bring out their full cannabinoid and terpene potential.

About CBD Oil and Why it Can Help you Sleep

Producers typically use hemp plants as a source of CBD, as these are within the legal threshold of containing less than 0.3% THC. Other chemical compounds encompassed by the crop include cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN).

With CBD being the primary cannabinoid in CBD oil, this product can produce therapeutic effects commonly associated with the non-psychoactive ingredient.

It provides pain alleviation, inflammation relief, relaxation, anxiety moderation, and overall balance of the body.

How Does CBD Work?


One thing you should know about this substance is that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our body creates cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. Both endo- and phytocannabinoids are received through the ECS.

This system is valuable for its homeostatic role, which has a significant part in maintaining the proper function of our body through homeostasis or the balance among the interdependent aspects of the body.

Aside from the ECS, different systems in the body contribute to homeostasis. This includes the digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems. The nervous system, which is primarily in charge of sleep, also has a massive role in maintaining balance.

This is where things can get a bit complicated. You see, for endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids like CBD to be absorbed into our system. It binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS.

These receptors are present and have functions in many other systems. CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in abundance in the central nervous system. They are present in the peripheral system and some parts of the digestive, circulatory, reproductive, and immune systems.

With influence on various body functions, it is no wonder why it is called the universal regulator of the body.

So, when you consume CBD oil for sleep, it enters your bloodstream to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because these receptors are located in the nervous system, particularly the central and peripheral parts, they can influence the quality of your sleep.

What Research Says about CBD Oil for Sleep


What Research Says about CBD Oil for Sleep

The first thing you should know about using cannabidiol for aiding sleep disorders or addressing sleep problems is that it goes both ways. This means that it has the potential to wake you up or help you sleep when needed.

Studies show that this substance can help fight daytime sleepiness, making it a possible treatment aid for narcolepsy and somnolence. According to research, a low dose of cannabidiol can provide wakefulness in sufferers.

Meanwhile, researchers say that the chemical compound can probably increase the total amount of sleep in people having trouble falling and staying asleep at night. A study is underway to determine the potential of CBD oil for insomnia.

Many speculate on the effectiveness of CBD in helping sleep disorder sufferers thanks to its potency in addressing some causes of sleep disorders.

How Does CBD Oil Work to Improve Sleep?


Remember that some sleep sources include allergies, respiratory conditions, frequent urination, pain, stress, and anxiety. If you suffer from one or more of these, then you will be glad to know that using CBD oil for sleep can benefit you.

Cannabidiol binds with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, abundant in the nervous system. Thankfully, this includes the part of the brain that deals with some of the reasons that cause sleep issues.

If you are suffering from chronic pain due to medical conditions such as lower back issues. Others are arthritis, multiple sclerosis, headache, fibromyalgia, and the likes. Then using CBD oil for sleep can assist you in increasing the quality of your nighttime rest.

This is because there are cannabinoid receptors in the brain in charge of pain and pleasure. It helps minimize the discomfort you feel so that you can sleep soundly at night.

Any Other Ways?


Another way it can improve your sleep is by addressing mood and mental conditions. Look back on those nights when you are kept up by bothering thoughts. Perhaps you are worried about the health of a family member, your finances and work, or other things that concern you.

Any Other Ways?

Regardless of what causes your anxiety and stress, science shows that these can take a toll on your ability to sleep, or if you can, the quality of your slumber. This can lead to failure to fall asleep at night, as well as restlessness during sleep.

Now, if you think that consuming cannabis for the euphoric and sedative effects of THC is the only way to use cannabinoids to help address your stress and anxiety, then you might want to reconsider.

Like with pain, it is worthwhile to mention that there are CB1 and CB2 receptors in parts of the brain in charge of mood and relaxation. Consuming CBD oil for sleep can help you feel calmer, less tense, and more restful at night.

If you are suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy, you can also consider taking CBD oil thanks to its regulatory function.

Disclaimer


Keep in mind that it does not provide an instant burst of energy. Again, what it does is address the source of your lack of energy during the daytime. Some reasons could be slow metabolism, as well as anxiety and stress.

If you are having trouble with lethargy as your body takes a long time to convert food into energy, then CBD has the potential to help as cannabinoid receptors are present in systems in charge of metabolism.

Those who suffer from fatigue caused by stress and anxiety, causing them to lose focus, can also take cannabidiol to boost concentration and cognitive functions.

To use CBD oil for sleep or energy, consumers like you have a wide range of options to choose from. You can use it as a tincture, which you intake sublingually, or you can infuse it into your daytime or nighttime drinks.

Disclaimer

The best part is, you can use CBD oil for cooking your favorite dishes. You can use it to sauté your aromatics or simply add it to your food after cooking.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns of CBD?


Now you might be wondering if taking CBD oil for sleep is the safest choice to treat your sleep disorders. You need to know that many of CBD’s potentials to address these issues are still under investigation by researchers.

Your best bet is to consult your physician about your intent to try CBD oil for sleep. This is especially if you take other medications for your nighttime problems or other medical conditions.

If you decide to go ahead with your plan, you should remember that the ECS and cannabinoids have regulatory functions and that their effects can be like a two-way street. It can wake you up or make you sleepy, depending on what your body needs.

Plus, your body knows itself. You might have decided to use CBD oil for sleep, but if your body needs additional energy, then that is what you might get and vice versa.

Best Time To Try CBD Oil For Sleep


For people who are experimenting with CBD oil to address sleep concerns, it is important to try to do so during rest days.

As mentioned, this cannabinoid can have varying effects on different people and it can affect your performance for the day if things don’t go according to plan. This reminder is important, especially for people who operate heavy machinery for a living.

You should also keep in mind that CBD has possible side effects. Some studies found that it can have negative impacts on the kidneys and liver. Reports also say that low-quality CBD can cause headaches.

The most responsible way to start with CBD oil for sleep is to look for high-quality products. These products can be made through supercritical CO2 extraction to create clean and safe CBD oils. Then, you can start small by taking minimum doses.

CBD oils that come with droppers are the best way to watch your dosages. You can start with a few drops, then work your way up as you discover how your body reacts to the cannabinoid and how it affects your sleep.

Conclusion


Cannabidiol offers many potentials for sleep disorder sufferers, as long as you get high-quality products from reputable sources. To get the best CBD oil for sleep, check out what CBD Genesis has to offer.