The availability and consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) products such as CBD gummies have considerably grown since the 2018 Farm Bill made them lawful. Cannabis plants contain the non-psychoactive compound CBD. It has numerous health benefits, and as a result, it’s one of the most sought-after sources of alternative medicine. You can use CBD in many forms to improve your wellness. One of the common uses of CBD gummy products is for sleep management.
But how can orally consuming a CBD gummy help ensure you get deep sleep? This article highlights what research says about CBD gummies and sleep. Besides that, it offers an overview of the potential side effects of CBD gummies for sleep and how to choose the right product.
What Research Says About CBD Gummies and Sleep
The benefits of CBD have encouraged the need for trials and research studies. The usage of CBD has significantly increased during the past ten years. The Farm Bill accelerated the accessibility of CBD products, thereby encouraging researchers to carry out studies regarding their effectiveness.
There are early indications that high CBD dosages might promote sleep when it comes to the use of CBD gummies. An investigation found that taking 160 mg of CBD increased the duration of sleep. Also, taking 300 mg or 600 mg of CBD led to positive effects.
It’s understood that CBD can enhance good sleep patterns by working with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is responsible for homeostasis. It ensures that the body remains in an equilibrium state and that all the organs and processes are functioning properly.
This system consists of endocannabinoids, i.e., the chemical compounds in the body that act as nerve cells’ messengers. When you take CBD gummies for sleep, the compound will interact with the ECS. CBD will mimic the endocannabinoid activity, creating a positive internal change. This will consequentially help to ease the symptoms that cause sleeplessness. They include reducing symptoms of stress, pain, and anxiety. Besides that, CBD can promote relaxation, leading to optimal conditions that can result in deep, long-lasting sleep.
Will CBD Gummy Improve My Sleep More?
From preliminary research reports and consumer reviews, taking a CBD gummy can help you sleep more. CBD has proved to be a healthier helpful alternative to sleeplessness and other sleep issues. It works by easing the symptoms that induce sleep problems, including:
Anxiety
Sleep issues are sometimes triggered by mood disorders such as anxiety. CBD compound in gummies has strong anti-anxiety properties. As a result, it can reduce the constant feeling of worry and fear. Reducing anxiety symptoms and promoting a feeling of emotional stability and physical relaxation create an internal environment that encourages optimal and deep sleep patterns.
Insomnia
The most widespread sleep condition is insomnia. The condition normally makes it hard for the patient to fall or remain asleep. Most people usually end up staying wide awake throughout the night and often wake up feeling tired. Taking CBD gummies for sleep, especially those made with broad-spectrum plant extracts, can aid sleep and relaxation. The compound can also ease pain and inflammation, which are often linked to insomnia.
REM sleep behavior
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior is usually characterized by the physical enactment of dreams. The enactment tends to vary in severity. It may start as simple hand gestures that may turn into kicking, punching, or thrashing. Using quality CBD gummies for sleep can help block anxiety-triggered REM. This positive effect usually occurs as a result of CBD’s anxiolytic effect. One study found that patients with REM and Parkinson’s disease can use 75-300 mg of CBD to reduce the frequency and severity of REM disorder.
Excessive daytime sleepiness disorder
A study found that taking less than 160mg of CBD can promote wakefulness. Excessive daytime sleepiness disorder (hypersomnia) is characterized by a constant feeling of tiredness. As a result, it makes the affected individual takes several naps during the day. However, the patient won’t still feel refreshed, and they may fall asleep during the day, even while talking or sleeping. Note that this can affect their sleep patterns during the night and productivity during the day. Taking CBD in the right doses can produce a stimulating effect. This may lead to improved wakefulness and alertness, thereby treating hypersomnia.
How Long Does It Take CBD Gummies To Work For Sleep?
It’s not possible to give a precise answer to this. The timeframe of the onset of CBD gummies’ effects tends to vary. This is because it depends on several factors, including your body weight, metabolism, and if you have recently eaten. Besides that, if you are taking other medications or supplements, the onset of the effects will vary. That’s why it’s possible for some people to experience the effects within 30 minutes. For others, it might take up to two hours.
To experience the onset of the effects of CBD gummies for sleep, take it around one hour before your usual bedtime. As a result, you won’t have trouble falling asleep or waking up sooner than normal. It’s ideally recommended to use CBD gummies in the evening unless you are suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness disorder.
CBD Gummies Side Effects and Safety
There is no denying that CBD has a solid safety record. It’s a non-addictive and non-intoxicating organic compound that’s safe for human use. However, different people tend to produce different reactions to cannabinoids. So, taking CBD gummies for sleep can potentially result in side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Digestive discomfort
- Dry mouth/eyes
- Change in appetite
- Change in weight
In some cases, the side effects are made worse by artificial sweeteners or colors. So, it’s important to ensure that the product you are using is organic and has undergone independent 3rd party tests. A number of supplements and medicines, including blood thinners and antipsychotic drugs, may interact with CBD. If you are taking a supplement or any other medication, then consider talking to your doctor before using CBD gummies. Breastfeeding or pregnant moms should avoid using CBD products.
Things to Look for in CBD Gummies for sleep
So, what should you consider when looking for the best CBD gummies for sleep? Well, there are many brands that sell premium CBD gummies for sleep. They come in different concentrations, shapes, sizes, flavors along with sleep promoting agent such as melatonin. As a result, the selection process can be quite challenging. To make the appropriate product choice that suits your needs, here are essential features to look for in CBD gummies for sleep:
- Source: It’s important to consider organic CBD sources. They are safe and don’t have toxic additives and sweeteners that may lead to unpleasant side effects. Most reputable brands usually sell high-quality CBD products that guarantee users’ safety and effectiveness.
- Dosage: CBD gummies come in various pre-dosed servings. If you are dealing with mild sleep issues, then consider starting with gummies that have a lower dosage, i.e., 5 mg or 10 mg per gummy. This will give you time to gradually work out and find the dosage that works for you by slowly increasing your intake.
- Flavor: Edible CBD gummies for sleep can be found in a wide flavor assortment. They are mostly made with fruity flavors, so you can conveniently choose a product that suits your taste buds.
- Cost/Price: Different retailers have different product prices. But this doesn’t mean that you should buy an overpriced CBD gummy product. A container of 20 gummies will likely cost you around $40. So, when making purchases, then consider a product that’s within this price range.
The Bottom Line
Research studies indicate that CBD has sedative and relaxing properties. as a result, it can improve the quality of sleep. This can occur by enhancing the onset and duration of your sleep. The organic cannabis compound works by enhancing the effectiveness of the ECS, which is responsible for homeostasis.
So, it can be effective in managing anxiety, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and REM sleep disorder. The onset of the effects tends to vary due to factors such as age, metabolism, and severity of your sleep issues. But for better results, consider taking CBD gummies around one hour before your usual bedtime. CBD edible gummies come in different dosages, flavors, and prices, so you can conveniently find a product that suits your needs.