CBD for Sleep: Is it Actually Effective? Safety, Legality, Uses, & More

More Americans are suffering from sleep disorders than ever before. An estimated 50 to 70 million adults struggle with issues like insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and generalized anxiety disorder. Many people turn to CBD for sleep aid to combat these issues.

Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your overall health. A good night's sleep is vital for muscle repair and recovery, helps your body maintain a healthy immune system, and boosts cognitive function throughout the day.

CBD products are among the most popular alternatives to chemical sleep medicine. But even as its popularity soars, reliable information on CBD can be hard to come by. That’s why you may have some reservations if you're one of the millions thinking about using CBD to improve your sleep.

In this article, we'll explore the effectiveness of CBD for sleep and anxiety, assess its safety and potential side effects, and examine some promising clinical data. Our goal is to provide you with an objective, well-rounded perspective so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Does CBD Actually Help With Sleep?

Early research suggests that CBD products improve sleep by addressing the root causes of sleep disturbances. While the research is still ongoing, some promising findings have been made:

• A 2019 study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, Denver, found that adults suffering from anxiety and poor sleep greatly benefited from CBD supplementation. Overall, anxiety decreased within the first month by 79.2%, while sleep improved for 66.7% of patients.
• A 2023 study in collaboration with the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Utah, and the University of Illinois at Chicago showed that just 50 mg of CBD supplements significantly improved sleep quality and immune function over an eight-week trial.
• A study done by Australia's National Institute of Integrative Medicine found that medicinal cannabis oil improves sleep quality in adults suffering from insomnia.

Is CBD a Safe Sleep Aid, and What Are Potential Side Effects?

When considering any form of sleep aid, you should always consider safety and potential side effects. Thankfully, CBD is widely recognized as one of the safest sleep aids available. Side effects are rare, and those that do occur are often minimal.

The most common side effects of CBD are drowsiness and dry mouth. Occasionally, CBD may cause stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal issues. These issues are usually mild and often diminish as the body adjusts to CBD.

It's important to note that CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce feelings of "being high." This sensation is more commonly associated with THC, another cannabinoid derived from hemp.

As always, consult with your doctor or a sleep medicine specialist if you have any concerns about CBD's safety and side effects. You should also speak to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your specific health conditions or potential interactions with CBD and other medications.

Which Health Conditions Could CBD Potentially Help With?

Insomnia

Insomnia is one of many sleep disorders characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep. CBD has the potential to enhance sleep quality by mitigating other factors that interfere with quality sleep. Additionally, CBN, another cannabinoid derived from hemp, has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote mental relaxation.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is persistent discomfort that affects one or more body parts over a long period. Common conditions that cause such pain include sports injuries, arthritis, or fibromyalgia.

CBD for sleep and pain relief can reduce inflammation and optimize the body's natural healing processes, making it an excellent alternative for anyone seeking a non-addictive pain management solution.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe and are characterized by persistent and excessive worry. When these worries happen around bedtime, they often make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

CBD has been shown to decrease anxiety and provide a calming effect on the nervous system, making it ideal for those seeking an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical options.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

When patients make involuntary physical movements during REM sleep, it can disrupt their sleep cycle and even cause bodily harm. This disorder is commonly seen in those with neurodegenerative problems, such as Parkinson's disease.

CBD may be able to help mitigate these involuntary movements during REM sleep, offering a safer, more restful night's sleep.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a mental condition that is triggered when one witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. Common symptoms include flashbacks, severe bouts of anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Since CBD can produce a sense of calm and improve stress response, it may also help those who have PTSD fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Also known as RLS, this neurological disorder causes an irresistible urge to move one's legs. Symptoms can occur throughout the day, in the evenings, or even while sleeping.

Since CBD can soothe nerve pain and reduce inflammation, it may offer relief to those living with restless leg syndrome.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder

If you've ever found yourself suddenly tired despite getting adequate sleep at night, you may suffer from Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder. This condition is usually caused by disrupting the body's sleep-wake cycle — a cycle CBD can help regulate.

Legality of CBD

Is CBD FDA Approved?

Yes and no. There are certain CBD prescription drug products, such as Epidiolex — used for the treatment of seizures — that have been cleared by the FDA. The CBD products you're probably interested in purchasing are generally marketed as dietary supplements.

The FDA does not clear any supplements for any purpose, and CBD is no different. This lack of regulation is why it’s vital to purchase high-quality CBD from a reputable brand like FOCL that adheres to strict quality assurance standards.

Is CBD Legal in My State?

Federally, CBD is legal if it is derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. However, there are certain states where CBD cannot be legally sold. These states include Idaho, Iowa, and South Dakota.

In other states, like Alaska, there are certain restrictions on CBD, such as a ban on CBD-infused foods or beverages.

It's always a good idea to check your state's regulations regarding purchasing and using CBD products. Since CBD products are relatively new, their legality is ever-changing.

What Are Popular Forms of CBD Sleep Products?

Today, CBD sleep products come in almost infinite forms, but two of the most popular are CBD oils and CBD hemp gummies. Each caters to different preferences and needs and has its unique advantages. Here is a brief overview of both:

CBD Oil

CBD oil is popular because of its ease of use and direct delivery system. If you want the fastest absorption possible, you have to go with CBD oil. To use these products, you must squeeze the oil out of a dropper placed under your tongue, wait about 45 seconds, and swallow.

What's great about CBD oil is that you have complete control over the dosage. If you're new to CBD, you can start with half a dropper or less and slowly work your way up. This feature makes CBD oil an excellent choice for beginners.

At FOCL, we offer a line of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD drops for sleep for you to choose from:

CBD Gummies

If you're looking for a late-night snack to help you catch some Z's, CBD gummies and sleep go hand-in-hand. They're convenient and discreet. They also allow you to adjust the dose easily. Plus, they're pretty tasty.

Many people prefer CBD gummies over CBD oils because they provide a more gradual release, ensuring you get a sustained effect that lasts throughout the night. Here are some FOCL gummies specifically formulated to help you achieve better sleep:

What Is the Recommended Dosage of CBD for Sleep?

The dosage of CBD for sleep and calm will vary depending on the type of supplement you're using and the specific brand recommendations. Generally, you want a CBD potency of between 20 and 100 mg in a single serving.

Labeling can sometimes be confusing, so here's a brief overview of how dosages vary from one type of CBD supplement to another:

CBD Oils for Sleep: Oils tend to list the total amount of CBD per bottle. If you're looking for CBD oil for sleep and relaxation, look for formulations with around 1,000 mg-3000 mg on the label or 33 mg-100 mg per serving.

CBD Edibles for Sleep: The most common form of CBD edibles for sleep are gummies, with most brands listing one to two gummies as a serving size. Look for anywhere from 20 mg to 30 mg of CBD in a single serving.

Click here for an in-depth guide to CBD dosages

What Is the Best Time of Day To Take CBD for Deep Sleep?

Again, this will vary depending on the specific supplement, but generally, you want to take your CBD products 30-60 minutes before you go to sleep. Determining your optimal time will depend on various factors, including your metabolism and individual sleep cycle.

It's a good idea to start slow with less than the recommended dose and gradually work your way up to see how your body responds. For example, if you're taking your CBD sleeping pills half an hour before bed and find that you still can't fall asleep, try moving it back an hour.

Is It Okay to Take CBD Every Night?

CBD products for sleep are formulated to be used safely and effectively nightly. Using CBD for sleep disorders can create a more stable sleep-wake cycle and balance your endocannabinoid system. Consistency is the key to CBD or any sleep medicine, so do your best to create a consistent sleep routine.

Could CBD Keep You Awake Instead of Making You Sleepy?

If you're using CBD for sleeping and find yourself more alert than usual, chances are it's a pre-existing sleep disorder that is causing the problem, not the CBD. Nevertheless, some individuals report feelings of trouble falling asleep after taking CBD.

While CBD products are generally recognized for enhancing quality sleep, reactions can vary. If the specific CBD product you're using makes you uncomfortable in any way, stop using it immediately.

Is CBD Better for Sleep Than Melatonin?

CBD and cannabis products are often paired with melatonin to enhance their sleep-inducing properties. That said, these two supplements address sleep issues in very different ways. Each has pros and cons, and one isn't necessarily better than the other.

Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to signal to your brain that it's time to prepare for sleep. When taken in supplement form, it may help you fall asleep faster and ward off sleep problems throughout the night.

CBD products address underlying issues like anxiety-related disorders, which indirectly affect your sleep. If you're curious to try a combination of the two, consider our FOCL Deep Sleep Gummies, which contain CBD, THC, and an added touch of Melatonin.

How Does CBD Interact With Other Prescriptions?

CBD tinctures for sleep can sometimes cause drug interactions. That's why it is always a good idea to consult a medical professional if you're currently taking prescription medications.

Because CBD can influence the body's endocannabinoid system, it can potentially affect your ability to metabolize other drugs. While most users report no adverse interactions when taking CBD, it is always best to double-check if you have any concerns.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to start using CBD for insomnia, anxiety, persistent pain, or other sleep disorders, a consistent, nightly regimen can provide the relief you're looking for.

Remember that not all CBD sleep supplements are created equal, and you should always research to ensure you purchase from a reputable brand with a proven track record for safety and efficacy.

It's no wonder that CBD users everywhere turn to FOCL for sleep difficulties and so much more. Our supplements contain a blend of stress-easing adaptogens, botanicals, and CBD to help you sleep and feel your best at all times.

We have you covered if you need something for the daytime or nighttime. Click here to learn more and explore our full selection of products.