cbd and insomnia

CBD and Sleep: Can it Help?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid commonly found naturally producing in cannabis plants. Some issues with sleep related issues have found success in using CBD products such as CBD Oilto help with easing symptoms. Sadly, due to research being very restricted more testing is needed on hemp/ cannabis to truly reveal the benefits of CBD. Research has been promising and currently suggesting there could be a more natural approach allowing people with sleeping disorders to manage their condition.

Research around CBD for Sleep, and Insomnia

For a quality night sleep it is suggested 7 hours is roughly needed in adults to perform day to day tasks. This does depend with some people needing more or less. Sleep is important for various reasons but its not only about how long you sleep but the quality of sleep. Various issues can affect sleep with people struggling to stay asleep all the way to people not being able to fall asleep in the first place. Although CBD has belief to be effective for sleep we still advise asking a doctor about your prescription medication and its interaction with CBD. 

Understanding whether CBD is for you can be difficult, its important to first try identify what is keeping you from sleeping. Anything such as caffeine or certain specific prescribed drugs can have an effect on this but so can known with specific conditions such as ADHD or ADD. There is a lot of conditions which can have effect on sleep the best way to know is ask your doctor if it effects you or follow articles online looking into these:

  • Mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Medication (some can disturb your natural sleep cycle)
  • Physical discomfort such as chronic pain or restless leg syndrome
  • Caffeine (especially when consumed late in the day)
  • Environmental factors such as loud noise or too much light

 

person sleeping

CBD cannot prevent you from using caffeine before bed and it wont fix an un-comfy mattress. To learn more why not check out our CBD Knowledge Centre.

So… Does CBD Help Sleep?

The authors of this 2015 review, found evidence to suggest that CBD could be an effective treatment for numerous types of anxiety disorders. If anxiety is the main cause of insomnia then this research is promising. Research published in 2019 looked at whether CBD could improve sleep and/or reduce anxiety. In the first month of this research, 79.2 percent of the patients reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported better sleep. This same study also found that some people had lowered cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone which usually peaks in the morning, having elevated cortisol at night can increase wakefulness and impact sleep quality.

Pain, which may also cause sleep problems, could potentially be helped by CBD as well. A 2018 report noted that there is evidence to support the claim that CBD soothes pain. In the review the authors note that by reducing chronic pain, CBD could improve sleep. It is worth noting that in several of the studies referenced here, the patients involved in the trials didn’t notice an immediate improvement to sleep. Improved sleep was more likely after up to a month of regular CBD. Remember to be patient when trying CBD, if you need help figuring out how much to take, why not take a look at our dosage guide here.

FAQs: CBD for Insomnia and Sleep

Does CBD affect deep sleep?

The anti-anxiety effects of CBD can contribute to a better REM (deep) sleep. These effects can reduce sleep disruptions which can lend to a better, less interrupted sleep. CBD is not a sleep regulator and taking CBD doesn’t guarantee a “good sleep” but it can contribute to an uninterrupted sleep – helping you to wake up feeling refreshed.

How much CBD should I take for insomnia or sleep?

It can vary person-to-person based on a variety of factors. Starting on a low dose and using a “step up” method is an effective way of finding the dosage that works for you. If you suffer a lot of sleep disruption in the night, you may wish to start of a higher dose. You can check out our dosage guide here for more information on where to start.

Does CBD affect sleep apnea?

There is no evidence yet to suggest CBD can cure sleep apnea, or is more effective than existing treatments such as PAP. However, CBD can help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can contribute to less sleep disruptions that may ultimately benefit suffers of sleep apnea. More research is needed to fully understand how CBD can help sufferers of sleep apnea.

Is CBD legal in the UK?

CBD is legal in the UK. UK regulations state that CBD oil is legal so long as it contains no THC. Our CBD is regularly checked by third party labs to make sure our products are safe and legal. These reports are always available to view on our website, and we’re proud to be one of the first companies to have their products listed on the FSA’s new approved CBD products list. When you buy CBD from HempWell, you can rest assured that you’re receiving high quality, ethical CBD products.

Is CBD safe to use?

CBD is completely safe.Our CBD isolate has a guaranteed purity of at least 99.9%. We extract our CBD from hemp we grow ourselves, so we know exactly what it’s made of! We regularly have our oils tested by third-party labs to make sure there’s quality in every bottle. You can check out our lab reports here to see results from these tests.

Can I drive on CBD?

Yes, you can do everything as normal, including driving, while on CBD. It may seem counterintuitive, but there is actually some evidence that CBD can help wake you up and keep you alert throughout the day (which also helps you get to sleep at night!). Our products won’t inhibit your concentration, make you less alert, or make you fall asleep at the wheel, but will still help you drift off at the end of a long day. As always, if you feel tired at the wheel, it’s important to take a break.

How long does CBD take to work?

CBD has short and long term effects. In the short term, depending on how you choose to take CBD, you will begin to feel effects from anywhere between 10 minutes and 2 hours; you can find more information on individual products here. However, CBD can also have a longer term effect on you and your body. As you continue to take CBD, some will stay in your body, and slowly build up to further help your endocannabinoid system. As a rule of thumb, we recommend that you use CBD consistently for at least 2 weeks to begin to see the full effects of our products.