According to the CDC, millions of Americans struggle to sleep, from Chicago to Miami to Nashville. We want to discuss the benefits of CBD for sleep so you understand how this compound could lead to easier bedtimes and more well-rested days. CBD has an impressive list of uses, and getting better sleep is one of them.
Sleep is incredibly important for our health and wellness, and with a pack of Find Wunder, you can get the restful night you deserve. Learn how CBD can help you snooze and the best ways to take it for a blissful night in bed.
Underlying Factors CBD Can Treat
Most people who struggle to sleep normally have an underlying issue that causes this disturbance. You can manage many of these factors with CBD and cannabis use. So, it makes sense that by treating these issues with CBD, you’re also using CBD to enhance sleep. Common underlying factors that cause sleep issues are:
- Chronic pain
- Restless legs syndrome
- Anxiety, stress, and PTSD
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Insomnia
The most common effects of CBD include:
- A quiet and calm mind
- Relaxed muscles
- Mellow or sleepy feeling
- Improved comfort
The above sensations are the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep. With CBD, you can feel more comfortable, fall asleep easier, wake up less throughout the night, and stay asleep for longer.
Is CBD for Sleep Safe?
CBD is not regulated for sleep, meaning there are no CBD products approved as a sleep aid or medication. However, that does not mean CBD cannot improve sleep or is not safe.
What the FDA Says
Many of us trust the FDA to approve and regulate what goes into products that we consume. So, what the FDA has to say about CBD for sleep is important. Unfortunately, they don’t have much to say. By no means do they report that CBD is unsafe, but they have not conducted the necessary research to conclude one way or the other.
Only a small handful of medications containing CBD are FDA-approved, such as Epidiolex, a seizure medication. Again, CBD for sleep not being FDA-approved does not mean the FDA deems it unsafe; it just means they haven’t performed the required studies yet.
What Doctors Say
Unlike the FDA, doctors and medical experts can share their opinions on CBD for sleep without ample research and studies. Many of these experts admit that there is a lack of research, but based on their knowledge and experience with CBD, they believe it can help some people sleep better.
For example, Daniel Whitelocke, M.D., owner and CEO of Ozark MMJ Cards, told Forbes, “Insomnia results from an overactive stress reaction that’s spilling into a rest time when we’re not trying to process conscious trauma… CBD can suppress this dysregulated cycle of stress hormone overactivation and equalize the sleep and wake rhythm through counteracting hormones.”
This is just one way that doctors explain how CBD can help with sleep, but there are many more. Doctors warn people to be cautious due to the lack of short- and long-term research, but most suggest CBD can be an effective sleep aid.
Risks of CBD for Sleep
There are a few potential risks of taking CBD for sleep. The most important one is reactions to other medications. The following types of drugs can interact poorly with CBD:
- Statins
- Anti-inflammatories (including ibuprofen and naproxen)
- Certain anti-hypertensive medications
- Blood thinners
If you take any of these drugs, you might still be able to use CBD for sleep, but you should check with your doctor first.
Aside from these reactions, which only apply to you if you’re on these medications, the only notable risk people mention is increased alertness. For certain people, CBD energizes rather than calms, which is not helpful for sleep. But this is rare. It’s also worth noting that CBD is not addictive, as that is a concern for many.
As we’ve mentioned, we need much more research on cannabis’ effects on the human body. However, nothing currently suggests that CBD for sleep is unsafe.
Asking Your Doctor (and Yourself)
Ultimately, everyone is different. Our bodies react to things differently, and a million factors can influence those reactions. CBD is safe for most, but if you’re concerned about your reaction, ask your doctor what they think. It can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions before going, as your doctor will likely ask similar questions:
- How long have you had problems with sleep?
- How is your diet?
- How much do you exercise?
- What is your screen time like?
- How much alcohol do you drink?
- What is your caffeine consumption like?
- Do you know how you react to CBD and other cannabis compounds?
- Are you on any medications or supplements?
Poor nutrition, no exercise, long-term conditions, medication reactions, and much more could be the root cause of your sleep troubles. Speaking to your doctor can help you unveil the root cause. However, that doesn’t mean CBD isn’t the right answer for you. As discussed, CBD can help with a range of conditions that disrupt sleep.
Tips for Sipping on CBD Before Bed
If you’re down to try CBD for sleep, you probably have some logistical questions. We have the answers! Below are tips and guidelines for taking CBD to effectively enhance sleep.
Dosing
Dosing is extremely important. CBD for sleep is dose-dependent, meaning you can take too little or too much. Neither is dangerous; you just won’t experience the desired effects. It’s possible that CBD can cause REM sleep latency, meaning it takes you longer to enter REM sleep. The less REM you get, the more tired you’ll feel during the day. So, you want to take enough CBD to sleep better, but not so much that you delay REM for very long.
Since CBD for sleep is not regulated, the best dosage is hard to find. However, Ryan Fiorenzi, BS, Certified Sleep Science Coach, explains that many experts concur that 1–6 mg per every 10 pounds of body weight is a decent rule to follow. That means a 150-pound person can take 15–90mg before bed, and a 200-pound person could take 20–120mg.
Our Sessions hemp-infused drinks contain 5mg THC and 5mg CBD. One or two of these before bed is a great dose to start with, and you can sip on them throughout the day to help with rest later, too. These cannabis mocktails can help you snooze and relax, and you can find them throughout the country, from Maine to California.
Timing
Again, there is no definitive right answer to this question. Some people dose themselves with CBD throughout the day, and by the time they go to bed, they’re sleepy and relaxed. Other people like to dose an hour or so before bed. Certain folks prefer to take their CBD once they’re in bed and settled.
But we recommend finishing your CBD dose at least 10 minutes before bed. It all depends on your routine and what you’re comfortable with. Our Find Wunder drinks help you relax quickly; there’s no need to take it hours before bed. You can sip on them all day, though, if being calm throughout your day makes bedtime easier.
Consuming
You can take CBD tinctures, oils, edibles, or capsules, but our low-calorie drinks are the tastiest and fizziest option. Their perfect blend of THC, CBD, and L-Theanine is just right for sleeping.
Many other hemp drink brands, such as BREZ and Cann, have lower doses, fewer flavors, and more calories. Find Wunder gives you everything you need for a good night’s sleep and nothing you don’t.
Using CBD to Catch Some Zzz’s
You don’t need to be a regular cannabis user or be California sober to reap the benefits of CBD for sleep. We make hemp-infused drinks to help people have fun but also to give everyone an enjoyable way to find some peace. The combination of THC and CBD in our 5mg Sessions can help you exactly that.
Find Wunder drinks aren’t just for getting high and socializing — they’re for calming down, slowing down, and being kind to yourself. That’s precisely why we added 5mg of CBD to our Sessions! Sip on Find Wunder drinks a bit before bed, and you can snooze all night long.