A 2024 randomized trial published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology found that another component — cannabinol (CBN), may improve sleep, including reducing nighttime awakenings. Most clinical trials ran for at least four weeks before measuring results — so a single night’s dose is unlikely to tell you much about whether CBD will work for you long-term. If you’re using an edible form, give yourself closer to 90 minutes. Its main limitation is that it doesn’t improve deep sleep or address the underlying reasons you might be waking up during the night. Supplementing with it helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and can reset a disrupted sleep-wake cycle (making it useful for jet lag), shift work, or a bedtime that has drifted too late.
The presence of THC in a CBD product you are using could result in testing positive for THC — leading to a failed drug test. Consulting with your doctor about a safe dosage plan tailored for you should occur before using any CBD product. Therefore, discussing with your doctor prior to using CBD is advisable, especially if you are on other medications.
Your body produces molecules known as endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids. A complex cell-signaling system called the flavour trends in modern craft culture endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in regulating various bodily functions (including sleep and mood), among others. To achieve optimal results for a restful night’s sleep, choose reputable products and carefully adjust your dosage for safety.
If you are currently breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed — inform your health care provider. Notify your health care provider if you are expecting or are planning to conceive. Interaction with other medications and supplements may occur with CBD. If you experience any of the following conditions, inform your health care provider.
Other initial studies of CBD and sleep disorders suggest positive outcomes. While this study provides some important insights into medical cannabis and sleep disorders, it is a low level of evidence because of the nature of the study. Our review of cannabis use in patients with sleep disorders suggests some benefits, with a subjective patient-reported improvement in insomnia and a decrease in use of prescription hypnotics. Upon follow-up with either a pharmacist or nurse practitioner at Hybrid Pharm, 21% of patients reported being able to reduce their prescription medication use, while 18% were able to completely discontinue prescription medications used for sleep or related comorbid conditions. On the initial patient onboarding questionnaire, 87% of patients reported that their sleep disorder affected their daily routine, affecting quality of life.
Having said that, some interesting early research suggests that CBD may reduce appetite and have other weight loss benefits. Since CBD can increase endocannabinoid levels, it may be able to help correct this deficiency and have a positive effect on migraines and other conditions as a result. For example, a 2023 study in mice found that CBD reached some parts of the brain involved in migraine pain and reduced some inflammatory and pain-related processes involved in migraines (75) Overall, the current study supports the notion that CBD can offer positive outcomes in cancer treatment. THC-only treatment had no significant effect — whereas the combination of CBD and THC reduced pain by 30% or more in 43% of the study participants (60).
Research has also explored CBD’s potential to alleviate symptoms in conditions such as immune diseases (cancer), neurological disorders, and various other ailments. Numerous receptors throughout the body, involved in various important functions, are also interacted with by CBD. Since ECS receptors are dispersed throughout the body and involved in the regulation of various processes, taking CBD will likely affect these processes. CBD is termed an exogenous cannabinoid , exocannabinoid, because it originates from outside the body. Within the ECS (endocannabinoids attach themselves to ECS receptors), resulting in various changes within the body through this interaction. Throughout the body — receptors of the ECS are bound by endocannabinoids.
Also, although vaping is considered much safer than smoking, there’s growing evidence that it carries some health risks. Oral CBD can also take a long time to start working, depending on how much and when you eat. There isn’t one best method of introducing CBD into your body because they all have their advantages and disadvantages.
CBD gummies for sleep can be a valuable part of your nighttime routine. “They don’t leave me groggy in the morning (like melatonin does), and within 15 to 20 minutes, I can feel them working. They really help me relax and drift off to — and stay — asleep.” And, while there is a lot of positive talk about cannabis, there are risks—especially if you’re over 55. Again — please discuss your use of CBD or any other supplements with your doctor to make sure that it won’t affect any other medicines you take. Talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you’re taking other medications that could interact with CBD.
Until recently, this plant-based substance was classified in a way that made research difficult due to a lack of federal funding. Research16 has found that endocannabinoids may protect the brain from symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — a condition that causes abnormal patterns of breathing while asleep. They found an increase in total sleep time and a decrease in the amount of nighttime awakenings.12 In a systematic review11 of cannabidiol and insomnia management, research suggests that CBD (either on its own or with THC) could help with insomnia symptoms.
Evidence suggests that CBD may alleviate feelings of anxiety, which can indirectly enhance sleep if anxiety is the reason for sleeplessness. At present (CBD products are classified as supplements), which are not regulated by the FDA and may vary significantly in quality. Even well-known drugstore chains have announced plans to begin offering CBD products in select states.