If you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, CBD for sleep might be something worth considering. More and more people are turning to CBD as a natural sleep aid, looking for a way to relax without feeling “psychoactive effects.” While its effects can vary from person to person, many find it helpful for unwinding at night. The FDA has approved only a few CBD products, like Epidiolex, for specific conditions, but many are still discovering its potential in helping with sleep and stress.
What Is CBD and Its Effects on Sleep?
How CBD Works?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which causes psychoactive effects, CBD is non-intoxicating, making it a go-to choice for people looking for sleep relief without the mind-altering effects.
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate sleep, mood, and stress. The ECS has receptors all over your body, working together to keep things balanced. By modulating this system, CBD may help calm the body and reduce stress—two major factors when it comes to falling asleep.
CBD Vs. Melatonin for Sleep
Melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” helps control your body’s sleep-wake cycle. It is often used as a sleep aid, especially for jet lag or shift work. While melatonin directly triggers sleep, CBD helps with relaxation and stress reduction, promoting a calm state that could make it easier to drift off. Here’s a quick comparison:
CBD
- Reduces stress
- Non-intoxicating
- Supports mental health
Melatonin
- Regulates sleep-wake cycle
- Naturally occurring
- Helps adjust sleep patterns
Everyone’s body responds differently, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare pro before starting any new supplement.
What Are the Recommended CBD Dosages for Sleep?
Finding the right CBD dosage for sleep can be a bit of a journey. It’s all about finding what works best for your body. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some guidelines to help you get started.
Low-Dose CBD
The key to starting with CBD is to go low and slow. A good starting point for many is between 5mg and 10mg of CBD, taken three times a day. This gives your body time to adjust to the effects of CBD.
- 5mg to 10mg: This is the sweet spot for many people just starting. It’s a gentle starting point that is safe for most.
- Three Times Per Day: Taking it consistently throughout the day helps keep your CBD levels steady in your system.
- Gradual Increase: If after several days you don’t feel a difference, you can slowly increase your dosage. Just remember, start slow to avoid any potential side effects. It might take a few weeks for you to really feel the full benefits, so be patient!
High-Dose CBD
If your sleep issues are more severe, you might need a higher dose. Some studies have looked into higher doses, like 150mg of CBD, to help with insomnia.
- 150mg Nightly: This is a pretty hefty dose, so it should be approached with care. While participants in one study felt better overall, it didn’t significantly improve how quickly they fell asleep or how well they stayed asleep compared to a placebo.
- Well-Being: However, the overall mood and well-being improved, which could help those whose sleep problems are tied to stress.
When considering higher doses, it’s always best to check with a doctor, especially if you’re new to CBD or dealing with other health concerns. For both low and high doses, sublingual administration is the way to go. Just place the CBD oil under your tongue, hold it there for about 1 min, and then swallow. This method lets CBD enter your bloodstream faster, so you feel the effects more quickly. In the next section, we’ll talk about the best practices to make sure you get the most out of your CBD for better sleep.
Best Practices for Using CBD for Sleep
Combining CBD with Other Compounds: If you’re looking to boost the sleep benefits of CBD, mixing it with other compounds could be a game-changer. Here are some great combinations and practices to consider:
- CBD:THC Ratio – While CBD won’t get you psychoactive feeling, adding a little THC can enhance its relaxing effects. The perfect CBD:THC ratio really depends on the person. Some like a higher dose of CBD with just a touch of THC (less than 0.3%), which can help you unwind without feeling any psychoactive effects.
- Relaxation and Calmness: A balanced CBD:THC ratio helps promote calm, which is key to a restful night.
- Experimentation: Start with more CBD & less THC to see how your body reacts.
- CBN (Cannabinol) – CBN is another cannabinoid that may have sedative effects. Combining CBD with CBN could ramp up the calming benefits, which makes it a popular choice for sleep support.
- Full Spectrum Oil: Opt for full-spectrum products that naturally contain CBN and other cannabinoids for a fuller effect.
- Sleep Gummies: They combine CBD and CBN, plus sleep-promoting ingredients like chamomile or lavender, for a tasty way to wind down.
- Full Spectrum Oil – This kind of CBD oil contains not just CBD but also other cannabinoids and terpenes, which work together in what’s known as the “entourage effect.” This synergy can enhance the overall impact on your sleep.
- Broad Benefits: Full-spectrum oil offers more than just sleep support—think stress relief and mood improvement.
- Natural Sleep Aid: The combo of cannabinoids and terpenes works naturally without the need for synthetic additives.
- Sleep Gummies – If you prefer a sweet and easy option, sleep gummies are a solid pick. They often combine CBD with other sleep-friendly ingredients, making them simple to add to your nightly routine.
- Convenience: Gummies come pre-measured, so you always get the correct dose.
- Taste and Enjoyment: With their tasty flavors, gummies turn your sleep aid into a delightful treat.
By trying out these combinations, you’ll find what works best for your sleep needs and get the most out of your CBD journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD for sleep can be a natural & effective way to improve your sleep routine. Whether you choose low-dose CBD, a higher dose, or a combination of compounds like CBD and CBN, finding the right approach for your body is key. Don’t forget that everyone’s experience with CBD varies, so patience is important. Experiment with different options to see what works best for you with Friendly Hemp, where we provide you with premium quality products. For a more restful night, consider adding CBD to your routine. Ready to start your journey? Contact us today for the CBD products that best suit you and your needs!
