How to Use CBD Oil for Sleep
Apr
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you’re not alone. An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans report having sleep-related problems.
We’re all actually supposed to be getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. How often do you meet your sleep goal?
Having trouble sleeping can be frustrating, and negatively affect your mood and physical health. That’s why many people turn to cannabidiol (CBD) oil for sleep. This natural sleep aid may be the key to helping you get a good night’s rest.
Read on to learn more about using CBD oil, and specifically CBN or cannabinol, for sleep, including its effects and proper dosage.
Is CBD Oil Good For Sleep?
It seems like there are an overwhelming number of natural sleep aids on the market promising to help you fall asleep fast. However, many of the claims are unfounded.
That being said, the effectiveness of CBD for sleep has been studied in recent years. Some research shows that CBD can help support healthy REM sleep, thus supporting overall sleep quality.
Another study comparing the use of CBD products with a placebo also found that 160 mg of CBD helped support sleep duration. While more research is needed into the benefits of CBD for sleep and so on, many people report that CBD helps them:
- Fall asleep
- Stay asleep
- Wake up refreshed
This makes sense since cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This critical system is thought to play a role in maintaining important functions, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and regulating circadian rhythms.
Of course, when you use CBD products as a sleep aid you’re not experiencing the psychoactive effects that you would form THC.
How Does CBD Oil Work for Sleep?
A lot of people are hesitant to use sleep aids because many of them have scary side effects. Some prescription sleep medications include side effects like sleepwalking, eating, or even sleep driving. Even if you’re desperate to get a good night’s sleep, that’s a pretty hefty tradeoff.
Over-the-counter sleep aids can often cause drowsiness because they’re made with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine ingredient used to reduce allergy symptoms. The most common side effect of diphenhydramine is sleepiness, which is why it’s used off-label to help people fall asleep.
CBD doesn’t do any of that. It isn’t a sedative, and it won’t cause drowsiness when used as directed.
The health benefits of the cannabis plant for sleep quality come from its ability to help the body feel relaxed by calming your nervous system. CBD works to ease physical tension and support mental health, and it can help soothe feelings of stress that might make it difficult to go to bed.
CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your brain that modulate your circadian rhythm, also known as your internal clock. These receptors help your internal clock send the message to the rest of your body when it’s time to naturally wind down for the night.
The reason why so many people choose CBD tinctures or gummies for sleep is that they don’t force your body to do anything or change the way it works. Taking CBD oil or edibles won’t leave you feeling groggy, drowsy, or loopy — it simply helps your body do the things it already knows how to do by supporting a balanced sleep-wake cycle.
However, no amount of CBD will fix a legitimate sleep problem or health condition. If you’re dealing with health conditions or sleep disorders, consult your doctor for professional advice.
Best CBD Oil For Sleep
It’s important to know that not all CBD oil is created for sleep. Many CBD brands offer different full-spectrum CBD oils that can create different effects. For instance, at Blue Forest Farms we offer CBD oil for relaxation, energy, focus, and more.
The effects of CBD oil can differ due to what we call the entourage effect. This refers to the idea that cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes work synergistically. Each cannabinoid has its own set of unique effects, but these effects can be altered when the cannabinoids are combined to create different desired side effects.
When it comes to finding the best CBD oil for sleep, you should opt for a formula that combines the benefits of CBD with a concentrated amount of CBN, a cannabinoid known for its sedative effects. This combination can promote deep relaxation and relieve tension so you can fall asleep and stay asleep.
CBN For Sleep
CBN, or cannabinol, is one of the many therapeutic compounds found in the hemp plant. CBN is formed when THC breaks down. However, it is non-intoxicating and is really the key to improved sleep.
Cannabinol has not been studied as much as CBD. However, it has been shown to have some properties that may help you drift into sleep. More research is needed to understand its benefits more, but this is a promising start.
When looking for CBD oil for sleep, look for a formula with CBN that will interact with your endocannabinoid system to help your body produce sleep hormones on its own. This can help restore your natural circadian rhythm so you can wake up feeling rested and maintain a more consistent sleep schedule.
How to Take CBD for Sleep
Taking CBD/CBN oil for sleep is easy, so you can conveniently incorporate it into your nighttime routine. Simply take one dropper of your favorite oil 30 minutes before bed to promote restful sleep. You can take higher doses of CBD, but just keep in mind that this CBD dosage is what most supplements will recommend for sleep.
You can take CBD any time of day, but remember that a product specifically designed for rest and relaxation will make you feel sleepy so you may not want to take it in the morning. CBD with CBN is designed specifically for nighttime use. If you also want to use cannabis during the day, try a CBD blend for energy and focus.
To maximize its bioavailability (how much CBD/CBN gets absorbed into your bloodstream), we recommend taking CBD sublingually and holding it under your tongue for at least 30 seconds. You can find CBD oil in many fun flavors, like banana foster or chocolate, for a pleasurable experience.
From there, wait for the effects to kick in. Everybody has a different tolerance for cannabinoids, so you may need to experiment with different CBD/CBN oil dosages for sleep to find what works best for you.
BFF CBD For Sleep
When you’re looking for CBD for sleep, BFF has you covered. Our sustainably grown hemp is combined with other natural ingredients to create products that can help you unwind, relax, and sleep.
Our CBD/CBN 06 Oil is ideal if:
- Your sleep schedule is inconsistent
- You’re a light sleeper
- You have a hard time falling and staying asleep
We also offer other products, like CBD gummies for sleep, that are great natural options for sleep support. Shop our CBD solutions for sleep today and experience the joy of a full night’s rest for yourself.
The Final Word on CBD for Sleep
CBD use can help you turn poor sleep into restful sleep if you combine it with good bedtime practices. However, it won’t fix your bedtime routine — that part’s all on you. Use your CBD oil, lotion, or gummies about 30 minutes before you’re ready to crawl into bed.
Give your body some time to digest your dinner before you lie down. Keep your room nice and cool, and wear your comfiest pajamas. Lay your head down on a supportive pillow, close your eyes, and relax. The rest can happen naturally with a little help from CBD.
Sources:
How many hours of sleep are enough? | Mayo Clinic
New Insights Into the Circadian Rhythm and Its Related Diseases | Frontiers in Physiology
