Tension and worry usually cause sleepless nights, as a constant stream of thoughts prevents relaxation and sleep. Studies demonstrate that CBD reduces these tensions, calming the mind and creating conditions for a restful night’s sleep.
Dreams are believed to play a crucial role in processing emotions, memories, and information. Many individuals turn to cannabidiol for its reputed benefits on sleep quality, yet there’s growing chatter about CBD’s link to unsettling dreams.
Waking up from a nightmare can leave you feeling anything but rested. For those already battling stress, a bad dream can exacerbate anxiety, leading to doubts about CBD’s suitability.
While research into CBD’s effects on dreams is still in its infancy, initial studies on rats suggest that CBD might decrease both non-REM and REM sleep while potentially easing anxiety and potentially enhancing overall sleep quality.
In this blog, we discuss how cannabidiol can help you sleep better.
Read more blogs on CBD
CBD’s Influence on Restful Sleep
Cannabidiol has emerged as a popular natural remedy for enhancing sleep quality. Notably, its ability to promote deep relaxation and manage healthy inflammation levels may prime the body for slumber.
A common barrier to sleep is the mind’s tendency to race with stress-induced thoughts. High doses of cannabidiol (50 mg and above) taken before bedtime could aid in mitigating this, especially when combined with other sleep-promoting habits, such as:
- Reducing screen time before bed
- Dimming lights to signal bedtime.
- Keeping the bedroom cool
- Adding melatonin supplements
Moreover, CBD’s impact on sleep may be partially attributed to its effect on GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. Elevated GABA levels act as a calming force against the fight-or-flight response, steering the body towards a state conducive to restorative rest.
The CBD and Sleep Takeaway
It’s essential to highlight that there is no concrete scientific evidence linking CBD to nightmares or unusual dreams.
Our dreams are shaped by myriad factors from our conscious lives and subconscious depths. Although the intricacies of sleep-dreaming remain largely enigmatic, the prevailing theory is that dreams serve to help us sift through and discard superfluous information and emotions.
The exact impact of cannabidiol on REM sleep is still under investigation. However, there is evidence suggesting that CBD might promote deeper sleep due to its soothing and relaxing effects on the brain.
Given that CBD’s effects can vary from person to person, it’s impossible to definitively state that CBD products won’t influence your sleep—it’s a variable that you might need to explore individually.
Read more about Cannabis use and sleep: Expectations, outcomes, and the role of age
FAQS
Does CBD have any effect on sleep?
While additional study is needed, studies have linked cannabidiol usage to better sleep because of its ability to reduce anxiety. CBD’s well-established role in reducing anxiety without causing the stony lethargy associated with THC products makes it an ideal tool to calm intrusive thoughts before falling asleep.
How can I use CBD for better sleep?
Try CBD in the morning and midday for 3-5 days before bedtime. If energizing, increase the dose 2-4 times to help relax and sleep.
Is it better to sleep with CBD or melatonin?
Melatonin suits jet lag or shift work, while CBD’s relaxing properties may help with anxiety or sleeplessness. Essentially, melatonin and CBD serve different purposes.
Why is CBD causing me to sleep so much?
CBD can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and induce relaxation, which may produce sleepiness in certain people. However, the effects of CBD on drowsiness might vary depending on factors such as dose, individual tolerance, and the type of CBD product used.