Almost 70 million Americans suffer from at least one form of chronic sleep issue. Generally, lack of quality sleep is associated with many factors. This includes mental health issues, underlying chronic diseases, injuries, intense work, and poor quality of life. While there are clinical medications that people with sleep issues can use, many people are now turning to alternative sources of medicine. CBD oil is currently one of the most popular alternative sources of medicine. It’s effective for improving sleep patterns thanks to its relaxing and therapeutic effects. This article offers an overview of how to take CBD oil for sleep and how the CBD compound works in the human body.
How CBD Oil Works for Sleep
The body consists of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) responsible for regulating different processes in the body. ECS contains cannabinoid receptors that form a complex network throughout the body and the central nervous system, where sleep is usually regulated.
While the body can manufacture its endogenous cannabinoids that normally act as chemical messengers, CBD oil also has cannabinoids that can produce the same effects. A research study has found that most people who have sleep issues generally suffer from an endocannabinoid deficiency.
So, taking a product such as CBD oil can naturally influence the body’s signaling system. This involves the interaction between CBD and various hormones and neurotransmitters that affect emotional regulation, pain, and the sleep-wake cycle. It should be noted that some CBD products, especially full-spectrum CBD, contain myrcene terpenes. These are highly aromatic compounds that form the basis of aromatherapy. Additionally, myrcene has sedative properties, and therefore, consuming it in high amounts can result in sleep-inducing effects.
The compounding effect of CBD oil and its compounds can improve sleep quality. This may be through reducing the amount of time it takes you to sleep. Besides that, CBD oil for sleep can enhance deep and restful sleep by minimizing some of the triggers that interrupt your sleep patterns.
How to Take CBD Oil for Sleep
CBD is a versatile compound that comes in many forms. It’s worth noting that the form of intake usually determines how long it takes for the effects to kickstart and last. The three main ways of taking CBD oil for sleep are:
- Sublingual intake
- Vaping
- Edibles
Sublingual intake
It’s one of the most popular ways of taking CBD oil for sleep. You need to place a few drops of CBD oil tincture under the tongue, swirl it around for a few seconds and then spit or swallow. CBD will get into the bloodstream via the blood capillaries under the mouth’s lining.
Vaping
It involves taking CBD oil that has been heated using a vape pen or vaporizer. Once the oil has undergone heating in the vape pen, it will emit a vapor that you inhale. The CBD compound and other related ingredients will quickly find their way into the bloodstream via the lungs’ lining. Vaping is ideal for those who want almost instant effects. However, the effects of CBD in the body usually last only for a few hours and it is not a recommended way to consume CBD.
Edibles
This involves consuming edible CBD oil products such as gummies and cookies. However, most people prefer CBD gummies since they come in pre-dosed servings, eliminating the need to make dosage guesses. Besides that, CBD gummies come in different shapes and flavors that are generally delicious.
The effects of CBD edibles usually take longer to kickstart. Hence you must consume them at least 30 minutes before your usual bedtime. This is because edibles have first to undergo the digestive process before the CBD compound can find its way into the bloodstream. However, the effects usually take longer in the body hence ideal for those seeking deeper and lasting sleep hours.
How to Effectively Use CBD Oil for Sleep
It’s important to effectively integrate CBD oil into your lifestyle to experience the product’s benefits fully. The best way to do this is by implementing the following three steps:
- Understanding your options
- Identify your sleep issues
- Integrate CBD into your sleep routine
- Understanding your options
While CBD oil and related products are legal federally in the US, there are still some states where CBD is illegal. So, it’s important to understand your local options regarding the legality of purchasing, owning, and using CBD oil products.
- Identify your sleep issues.
If CBD is legal for use in your state, then it’s also important to understand the cause of your sleep issues. Do you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep? Or do you have both issues? Besides that, are your sleep issues caused by environmental factors such as noise, lighting, a cold room, etc., or underlying medical complications such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, digestive issues, etc.
Temporary cause factors of your sleep issues will most likely require low-potency CBD oil products. On the other hand, chronic cause factors such as underlying medical conditions may require potent CBD oil products.
III. Integrate CBD into your sleep routine
If you sleep early, then you should take your CBD oil product earlier and vice-versa. Don’t just take your CBD and jump into bed, expecting to sleep immediately. Besides that, you should take CBD hours before your usual sleep time because you might end up feeling fatigued and sleepy.
So, regularize your sleep patterns by creating a suitable bedtime ritual. This way, create a routine for your CBD oil intake. This way, you will end up experiencing better therapeutic effects of CBD and improve your sleep patterns.
CBD Oil Dosage for Sleep
So, how much CBD should you take to improve the quality of your sleep? Well, there isn’t a universal dosage recommendation that will suit everyone. However, general CBD oil for sleep guidelines can help you find the best dosage. Even though there is a wide range of factors that determine the effectiveness of CBD for sleep, weight is the most commonly used factor.
Table 1: Overview of CBD Oil Dosage Based on Weight
| Weight and dosage | 100 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 200 lbs. | 250 lbs. | 300 lbs. |
| 1 mg | 10 mg | 15 mg | 20 mg | 25 mg | 30 mg |
| 2 mg | 20 mg | 30 mg | 40 mg | 50 mg | 60 mg |
| 3 mg | 30 mg | 45 mg | 60 mg | 75 mg | 90 mg |
| 4 mg | 40 mg | 60 mg | 80 mg | 100 mg | 120 mg |
| 5 mg | 50 mg | 75 mg | 100 mg | 125 mg | 150 mg |
| 6 mg | 60 mg | 90 mg | 120 mg | 150 mg | 180 mg |
Generally, always start with a lower dosage and monitor your body’s reaction to it. If you still don’t experience the desired effects, then gradually increase your intake by 2-3mg until you find what works for you.
Final Thoughts
Sleep issues may be temporary or lasting. But regardless of the duration, not getting quality sleep can significantly interfere with your day-to-day activities, including productivity. However, CBD can help improve your sleep patterns by ensuring you get deep sleep for longer. This is because it can help manage the symptoms of underlying health conditions and minimize the triggers. To find the dosage that works for you, consider your weight and the effects you desire to attain. Remember to always start with a lower dosage and then gradually work your way up until you find what works for you.