Does CBD Affect Our Sleep?
Cannabidiol has many properties that can protect our bodies. Sleep is one of the processes that is affected by the substance. Some people feel drowsy after its consumption, others become alert. So how exactly does CBD influence our sleep?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is quite complicated. As it is with anything concerning cannabis, the dosage matters. However, let us look at this chemical's properties first to understand what we are dealing with.
CBD is one of the main bioactive compounds of the cannabis plant. It does not cause those psychoactive effects that are usually associated with marijuana use. Instead, the compound is known for its numerous medical benefits. Among them, there are anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant properties. It is widely used to treat Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, and many other conditions. It is a safe compound with various therapeutic applications that can be used even by children.
Concerning the compound's influence on our sleep, the answer is not simple. After several animal studies, the scientists came to the conclusion that its effects are biphasic. During one of the studies, different doses of CBD were administered to lab rats, directly into the specific areas of their brains. Depending on the dosage, it had opposite effects. The low range doses were stimulating while larger amounts of CBD promoted additional sleep. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology pointed out that the total percentage of sleep was higher among rats who received more CBD.
Human studies show the same pattern. A study on hypnotic and anti-epileptic effects of cannabidiol demonstrated that larger doses of CBD were associated with more sleep. The participants of this study had fewer periods of wakefulness and reported no hangover in the morning. In addition, the decline in dream recall may indicate the reduced time of REM sleep. It is believed to be the reason why the remedy is used to eliminate nightmares.
At the same time, low doses of CBD (lower than 16 mg per day) or combinations of CBD with THC have stimulating effects.
A 2004 study on the effects of cannabis on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior found that the feeling of drowsiness is caused by THC, not CBD. The same amount of administered CBD and THC caused the opposite effects. Moreover, the former is believed to counteract the sedative properties of the latter.
A chemical analysis of various marijuana strains shows that indica plants are more likely to contain more THC. Thus, people who have insomnia should pay attention to this kind of weed.
In conclusion, we can say that the more CBD you take, the more sleepy you feel. To fall asleep from this compound, you have to take exceptionally high doses of 160-600 mg per day.
