If you’re one of the millions of Americans who struggle with sleep deprivation, you may be searching for a natural remedy that can help you get the rest you need. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a popular option gaining traction as a potential treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
But what does the science say? Is CBD oil effective for sleep and anxiety? Is it safe to use?
In this blog post, we’ll look at the current research on CBD oil and sleep. We’ll also discuss some potential risks and side effects associated with using CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil, and How Does it Work?
CBD oil is a natural, plant-based product that contains cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis plants. It does not contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that produces the “high” sensation.
CBD oil works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates various functions in the body, including sleep, mood, appetite, and pain.
It also binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, helping to boost its function. This may help to improve sleep, mood, and pain.
CBD Oil and Sleep Disorders
CBD products are popping up everywhere. You can find them in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, gummies, creams, and even dog treats. CBD is short for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD won’t make you high. There’s evidence that it may have benefits like reducing anxiety and inflammation.
It may help with sleep by:
- Reducing anxiety: A 2019 study showed that CBD could reduce anxiety in children with various conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Easing pain: CBD may help relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation. A 2016 study found that CBD oil could reduce pain in rats with arthritis.
- Improving sleep: One small 2018 study looked at the effects of CBD on people with insomnia. The participants took a 25-milligram (mg) dose of CBD one hour before bedtime for four nights. Compared to the placebo group, the CBD group showed significantly improved sleep quality and lessened daytime sleepiness.
CBD for Sleep: Is It Safe?
The short answer is – Yes, CBD is generally safe. But it can cause side effects, including the following:
- Dry mouth: Research has shown that CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For this reason, people who suffer from dry mouth may experience an increase in symptoms.
- Diarrhea: CBD oil can cause diarrhea in some people. This is because of how the cannabinoids interact with the gut.
- Decreased appetite: Some people may experience a reduction in appetite when taking CBD oil. This could lead to weight loss or malnourishment if not combined with increased food intake.
- Drowsiness: CBD may cause people to feel sleepy or drowsy. This is especially common when taking high doses.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired is a common side effect of CBD oil. This is likely due to the interactions between CBD and the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in trying CBD for sleep. It’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved CBD for any medical conditions, including sleep disorders.
Other Possible Health Benefits of CBD Oil
Aside from being a reliable sleep aid, here are some of the benefits of using CBD oil:
Reduce anxiety
CBD oil has been shown to reduce anxiety in people with a social anxiety disorder (SAD). A study showed that 600 mg of CBD oil could significantly reduce symptoms of SAD.
Another study found that 79.2% of participants reported lower anxiety after taking CBD oil for one month.
May relieve pain
CBD oil has been shown to relieve pain in rats
A human study showed that a 600 mg dose of CBD oil was effective in treating people with arthritis pain.
In another study, participants took a higher dose of 2,400 mg per day. The results showed that people who took the high dose experienced less pain and sleeping difficulties than those taking a placebo.
May reduce acne
CBD oil has been shown to reduce acne by regulating the production of sebum in the skin.
A human study showed that CBD gel effectively reduced sebum production and prevented acne.
Could benefit heart health
CBD oil has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in rats.
A human study found that taking CBD oil for one week helped to reduce resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress, compared to a placebo.
Another study showed that taking 300 mg of CBD oil for six weeks reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by smokers trying to quit. The participants also reported feeling less anxious and less inclined to relapse.
CBD for Sleep: Bottom Line
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants. Some people use CBD oil for relaxation or to relieve anxiety. There are a few studies on the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil, and the FDA does not regulate CBD products. More research in the future will determine whether CBD oil is an effective treatment for sleep disorders. If you’re considering trying CBD oil for sleep, talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.