Does CBD Make You Sleepy? - Coalition for Cannabis Standards & Ethics

If you’re looking for a natural way to help you sleep, then CBD oil may be the answer, but what if it’s not? What if it actually makes you more alert or even hyperactive? Is that possible?

The answer is both yes and no. This blog post will explore the science behind whether or not CBD can make you feel sleepy and why this is so.

How Does CBD Affect the Body?

The effects of CBD are highly dependent on the individual. Some people report feeling more alert after taking CBD, while others feel sleepy or relaxed. The reason for this variability is that everyone’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is different. Like our fingerprints, our ECS is unique.

Your ECS is responsible for regulating all sorts of functions in your body, including mood, pain, and sleep. It’s made up of endocannabinoids (like anandamide) that bind to the CB-receptors in the body. These CB-receptors are very abundant in the central nervous system and the immune system.

When you use CBD, it interacts with the ECS’ CB-receptor sites as well. This is how CBD produces its beneficial effects, and you can feel so relaxed after taking a dose.

Can CBD Cause You to Feel Sleepy?

Yes, CBD can make you feel a bit sleepy. At high doses, researchers found that CBD can make you feel sleepy. When you use CBD oil, CBD binds to receptor sites throughout your body that are responsible for these functions, which is why you can feel sleepy after taking a dose.

However, researchers also found that low-dose CBD can make you feel more alert. You have to remember that our ECS is unique and may respond to CBD differently compared to other CBD users.

Can CBD Make You Feel Sleepy Even If You’re Not Tired?

In some cases, yes. This is very rare and not the norm for most people who use CBD oil. If you aren’t tired when using it or have taken too much of it, then chances are you’ll feel more alert.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it doesn’t get you high. Unlike THC, it won’t trigger a couch-lock phenomenon, but depending on the dosage and how you reacted to it, CBD can get you feeling relaxed and maybe a bit sleepy.

If you’re looking for a natural way to help you sleep, then CBD oil may be the answer, but always consult with your doctor first.

Do All CBD Oil Brands Make You Sleepy?

No. Some people report feeling more alert after taking a dose of it or even hyperactive. This is why you need to be wary about where you get your oil from and only choose reputable brands with high-quality ingredients that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.

Other Beneficial Effects of CBD

Aside from giving you a good sleep, it has other potential benefits that users can enjoy. Among these are:

Providing Relief from Pain and Inflammation — CBD has been shown to help reduce chronic pain as well as inflammation including tendonitis and other muscle and joint problems.
Boosting Immune Function — CBD helps modulate how our immune system responds to triggers as well as maintain normal immune system health.
Reducing Anxiety — CBD can help ease social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and other anxiety disorders.
Increasing Focus and Concentration— Some people have reported feeling more focused after taking CBD.
Promoting Cardiovascular Health — Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce inflammation in arteries, which may lower your risk of atherosclerosis or heart disease later on down the road.
Improving Skin Health — Applying CBD oil directly to the skin can help improve complexion, reduce acne and even treat psoriasis.

There are many potential benefits to using CBD oil, and some of the benefits we mentioned here can even greatly improve your sleep. However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience will be different. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Different CBD Forms to Use

When it comes to using CBD oil, there are a few different forms you can choose from. These include:

CBD Tinctures — Tinctures are a popular way to administer CBD. They come in liquid form and are usually taken sublingually or under the tongue for fast absorption. This is preferred by many people because it allows them to feel the effects quickly.
CBD Capsules — Capsules are ingested with food for better absorption. It provides longer-lasting effects.
CBD Vape Oil — Vaping oil is a great way to get CBD’s benefits quickly and efficiently. However, it’s important to note that vaping oil isn’t recommended for everyone, especially those with respiratory issues.
CBD Topicals — CBD oil can also be applied directly to your skin in the form of a lotion, cream, or salve. When absorbed through this method, it’s said to provide pain relief and other localized benefits. This is perfect for people who can’t sleep because of muscle cramps and chronic pain like rheumatoid arthritis.

These are just some of the CBD forms you can choose from to help with your sleep. Always remember that CBD forms that pass through the stomach, like CBD capsules and gummies, have a slower onset but longer duration of effects. CBD forms that are directly absorbed by the cells, like sublingual and inhalable CBD products, have a faster onset but shorter duration of effects.

Read more: Hemp vs. CBD Gummies

How Do You Use CBD for Sleep?

If you’re looking to use CBD oil as a sleep aid, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

You may begin with a low dose at first to prevent side effects. You may then adjust the dose accordingly until you find your perfect spot.
Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re taking medication or have a medical condition.
Know the possible side effects and how it interacts with your specific health profile to avoid any unwanted reactions or complications.

The Bottomline

CBD oil is a powerful supplement that can be used in many different forms, but there are still some things you should keep in mind before starting to use it. Always consult your doctor and be sure to follow all directions when using it. Also, remember that everyone’s experience will be unique, so only try the amount and methods of taking CBD oil that’s right for you.