How to Find the Best CBD for Sleep

How to Find the Best CBD for Sleep by Candace Osmond at CBD Origin

Have you ever experienced sleep issues such as insomnia, and you’re not really sure what to do about it? Several pieces of evidence suggest CBD might be the solution. However, CBD is still a mystery to many, so let’s look at what it is, what it can do to help you sleep, and the best CBD for sleep.  

Top 3 Picks

 Based on their effectiveness, price points, and accessibility, these are my personal choices. 

• Best Overall: Ice Cream Cake
• Best for Non-Smokers: Nighttime Melatonin Gummies 
• Best Starter: CBD GUMMIES: CALM 

Does CBD Help With Sleep?  

Consider Indica 

On the label, look for the word “Indica.” There is no such thing as a “nighttime” strain. You’ll need to experiment with various types to see which one works best for you. Though she notes that something classified as Indica may be more sedating. 

Consider THC Content

Preliminary research indicates that high doses of CBD may promote sleep. According to one study, a CBD dosage of 160 milligrams enhanced sleep duration compared to a placebo.  

The researchers discovered that a placebo, 5 mg of the insomnia medication nitrazepam, and 40, 80, and 160 mg of CBD all assisted subjects in falling asleep. 

The Insomnia Issue 

Cortisol, the stress hormone, normally peaks in the morning. Still, individuals who suffer from insomnia may experience elevated cortisol levels at night. Regardless of whether you have insomnia, having elevated cortisol levels at night is related to an increased number of overnight awakenings. 

Researchers discovered that cortisol levels reduced much more when subjects consumed 300 or 600 mg of CBD oil. These findings imply that CBD affects cortisol release, possibly functioning as a sedative. 

What Is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Does It Help With Sleep? 

The cannabinoid THC6 is responsible for most of cannabis’s well-known effects, such as “getting high.” The term “marijuana” refers specifically to THC-containing components of the Cannabis sativa plant. 

Hemp refers to cannabis plants and derivatives that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. As of 2018, the United States federal government no longer classifies hemp as a controlled substance.  

As a result, the American market has seen an invasion of hemp-related items. Generally, these goods are advertised as CBD products. 

Cannabis contains various active ingredients, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC is primarily relaxing in nature, it can have a stimulating impact on some individuals, particularly those new to marijuana use or consuming higher amounts.  

In some instances, marijuana use before bedtime may result in a lengthier period of falling asleep. At smaller dosages, CBD appears to improve alertness6, whereas, at greater concentrations, it tends to promote sleepiness. The combined effects of the two drugs may be dose- and time-dependent. 

Different Forms of CBD for Sleep  

For those who want to control their CBD intake precisely, a capsule (or gummy) is the best option, as the packaging will indicate the amount contained in each capsule. 

When utilizing a tincture, it’s more challenging to obtain the precise dose desired. Another advantage of capsules is that they are tasteless. You can taste more with tinctures, and the flavor is not always wonderful. 

Speed is not always the most crucial consideration when deciding how to consume CBD. For some, adding it to their beverage or smoothie is the most convenient method, while others prefer capsules.  

Whichever method you use, it’s a good idea to schedule it for maximum effect. If you’re taking it to help you sleep, you may wish to take a capsule two hours before bed or a tincture 20 minutes before night. 

The tincture or spray is the quickest way to feel the effects. Place the CBD beneath your tongue and allow 60 to 90 seconds for the mucous membranes in your mouth to absorb it.  

Many people will begin to feel the benefits within approximately 20 minutes. If you consume a capsule or a CBD drink, it must pass through your digestive system and be digested by your liver, which might take an hour or two. CBD used topically is preferable for treating chronic pain in a specific location. 

Pros and Cons to Using CBD for Sleep 

If you’re interested in knowing the benefits of taking CBD for sleep, consider the following:

• It can reduce anxiety so you can sleep better.
• Can soothe pain, which also leads to better sleep. 
• Improves the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder. 
• It is available in many forms.

The disadvantages of taking CBD for sleep are mainly its potential side effects:

• Can lead to weight changes.
• It can affect your appetite.
• Can lead to diarrhea or fatigue. 

Will CBD Make You Feel Sleepy Or Just High?

Cannabinoids work in conjunction with your endocannabinoid system. Which assists your body in maintaining a state of balance and stability known as homeostasis. 

In contrast to THC, CBD is not psychoactive, which means it will not cause you to feel “high.” Rather than that, it has a variety of health benefits, including seizure reduction in persons with epilepsy and pain relief from various diseases. 

According to some studies and anecdotal data, CBD may also help you sleep better.  

Is CBD Addictive? 

CBD does not appear to have any addictive properties in and of itself. This could be because CBD does not cause intoxication. 

While active THC exhibited significant physical and psychological effects such as high heart rate and euphoria. CBD had no effect on heart rate, blood pressure, or cognitive function in a small 2016 study of 31 people. 

CBD also responded comparably to placebo in terms of self-reported intoxication. On the other hand, the THC group reported feeling sedated and euphoric. CBD is non-addictive, but it may even aid in treating drug addiction. 

It also may help reduce the risk of developing methamphetamine use disorders. Additionally, it may aid in preventing relapse following a time of detoxification and abstinence. 

What to Look for in a CBD for Sleep 

THC Content 

This is critical if you want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC, which is a concern for many people considering CBD. However, understanding the THC content of a product can be beneficial for various reasons, including determining its effectiveness and availability. 

Therefore, check for hemp-derived products if you’re looking for a product that has a trace of THC in it (but not enough to actually make you high). Additionally, these goods are widely available online and in retail places.  

Origin 

Numerous CBD products marketed online and in brick-and-mortar stores are derived from hemp, not marijuana. And the origin of the hemp may be significant.

The majority of hemp utilized in CBD products sold in the United States is grown in Colorado, Oregon, or Kentucky (which enacted a law supporting hemp growers in 2013) or is imported from other countries. 

Colorado has the most effective hemp program of those sources. The state’s agricultural department conducts spot tests on hemp plants while still growing to determine their THC content and examine any allegations of illegal pesticide use based on complaints.  

Safety Testing 

Products made from hemp cultivated overseas can be much more hazardous. They are not subject to state or federal testing.  

Therefore, when purchasing CBD products made from hemp, examine the labels to discover where the hemp was cultivated, especially in Colorado.  

However, not all goods offer this information. Inquire of the workers at a dispensary or retail store where the hemp was grown. Additionally, check the company’s website to see if that information is available for things acquired online or contact the seller with the same inquiry. 

CBD Content 

Look for products that indicate the amount of CBD (or cannabidiol, as the compound is officially known) in each dose.  

Doses, which are indicated in milligrams, or mg, vary significantly depending on the form of the medicine, and experts frequently recommend starting with low-dose products. 

On the other hand, exercise caution with goods that list merely the overall “cannabinoids” they contain, rather than the amount of CBD.  

CBD and THC, but dozens of other related chemicals may be included in these cannabinoids. Businesses may employ this method for labels to attract less attention from the FDA. 

Things to Consider When Using CBD for Sleep  

Certificate of Analysis 

Some of those products, which do not list the CBD concentration on the label, sell themselves as “whole-plant” or “full-spectrum” hemp products. They will tout their high content of other plant chemicals, such as different fatty acids. 

While it is likely that those extra chemicals provide further health benefits, this remains unknown. In some circumstances, you can verify the certificate of analysis (COA), indicating the amount of CBD or THC included. 

Health Claims 

Even for seemingly minor issues such as migraines, making health claims is permissible only for prescription medications that have undergone thorough study for efficacy and safety.  

Additionally, the more spectacular the promise, such as the potential to cure heart disease or cancer, the more suspicious you should be. The FDA has been cracking down on hundreds of companies selling CBD products online since 2015 for making unapproved health claims. 

CO2 Extraction 

CBD products’ labels occasionally state that they were extracted using “CO2.” This could suggest that the CBD and other plant components were extracted using high-pressure carbon dioxide gas rather than chemical solvents.  

Depending on the type of CO2 extraction utilized, the procedure may extract CBD and additional cannabinoids from the plant.  

However, this strategy is not always preferable, as it is unknown whether the additional chemicals bring additional health benefits. And it may not be any safer, as specific methods of CO2 extraction continue to employ solvents. 

How to Use CBD for Sleep  

How to Figure Out Your Dosage 

For novices to CBD products, it is recommended to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. You may wish to start with a few drops of CBD oil and progressively increase the amount until you discover the right amount for you. 

It would usually take approximately 20 minutes after taking CBD oil for you to feel the effects. It can take longer for specific individuals. This is why we recommend taking CBD up to an hour before bedtime so you can begin winding down and letting go of the day’s tensions. 

Height and Weight 

While the dosage of CBD is unique for each individual. A basic formula can estimate the quantity you need to take based on your weight and the level of the desired benefits.

Our dose calculator is based on the following calculations. These doses are estimations and should not be used with expert medical advice. 

If you are using CBD for the first time, start with a low-strength dose and slowly increase it over time. Once you find a dosage that works, you’ve discovered the optimal dose for your body. 

Should you encounter adverse effects, it means you’ve reached your maximum dose. Reduce the dose to the lowest level that did not cause adverse effects. 

The strength and amount are as follows:

• Low: 1 mg CBD per 10 pounds.
• Medium: 3 mg CBD per 10 pounds.
• High: 6 mg CBD per 10 pounds.

The ideal CBD dosage is determined by your weight and desired dosage. A smaller, 90 lbs woman won’t need as much as a jock who weighs 250 pounds.  

And someone seeking minor relief from anxiety or stress will not require a significant dose in the same way that someone seeking to cure persistent pain will. 

Note that plenty of online calculators can determine your CBD dosage based on your physical traits.  

Experience With CBD Products 

It’s crucial to start slow if you’ve never used CBD before. When smoking or vaping CBD, it’s difficult to quantify your intake in milligrams. However, the advantage of inhalation is that you receive a very immediate reaction.  

If a few puffs on a CBD vape leave you feeling calm but not drowsy, you’ve undoubtedly found your happy place. 

Each individual reacts differently to CBD. Despite what some might say, there’s actually no such thing as a typical dose of CBD. Considering that it is used by many people to treat a wide variety of diseases. 

Additionally, the various CBD strains may require varying amounts. For example, you may need a higher dose of a CBD-only isolate than a full-spectrum product. If your product is CBD-only, start with 25 milligrams.  

If you live in a state that allows full access to cannabis, you can start with smaller doses of a full-spectrum CBD. Begin with 5 milligrams and gradually increase (or decrease) by 5 milligrams every couple of days. 

The Best CBD for Sleep 

Ice Cream Cake 

Ice Cream Cake is an enjoyable Indica cannabis strain created by crossing Wedding Cake and Gelato #33. This strain has sedative properties that induce complete relaxation of the mind and body. It also has a creamy flavor profile enhanced by sweet vanilla undertones and sugary dough. 

 

• Type: Indica marijuana strain
• CBD Level: medium to high
• THC Level: 23% 

Medical marijuana patients and consumers indicate that this strain has relaxing benefits that aid with anxiety, pain, and sleep. Ice Cream Cake marijuana is excellent for use at night when all you have to do is watch TV and go asleep.  

Growers describe this strain as having light green and purple buds covered in frosty trichomes. 

Pros

• It can help with sleep, anxiety, and pain.
• Has a calming effect.
• Sweet flavor. 

Cons

• Hits hard for new users. 

Wedding Cake 

Wedding Cake, alternatively referred to as “Triangle Mints #23,” is a potent Indica-dominant marijuana strain created by combining Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. In Canada, this variety is referred to as Pink Cookies.  

• Type: Indica-hybrid marijuana strain
• CBD Level: medium to high
• THC Level: 24%

Wedding Cake has sedative and uplifting properties that help to calm the mind and body. This strain has a tangy and robust flavor profile with earthy pepper undertones.

It is used by medical marijuana patients to alleviate symptoms linked with loss of appetite, lack of sleep, and pain. Consumers with a poor tolerance for THC should approach this strain with caution because of its high THC content. 

Pros

• Great for medical use. 
• Rich flavor.
• It can aid with pain and insomnia. 

Cons

• Slow to work, be careful with the dosage.

Deep Sleep 

Also called P.O. 4, Deep Sleep is a Progressive Options cross of Larry OG and Pre-98 Bubba Kush. This Indica-dominant hybrid is appropriately named, as it instantly induces sleepy relaxation in consumers.  

• Type: Indica-dominant hybrid strain
• CBD Level: medium strength
• THC Level: 15%

Deep Sleep has a very fruity and sweet flavor on the inhale, followed by a great OG funk on the exhale. OG Kush enthusiasts will adore these dense, resinous, purple-tinted blossoms. 

Pros

• Suitable for new users.
• Packed with flavor. 
• Very calming effect.

Cons

• It mainly works for mild insomnia. 

Wana – Blueberry Sour Soft Chews 

The Wana Blueberry Sour Soft Chews combine a mild tartness with a hint of sweetness. These Wana Blueberry Sour Soft Chews combine a mild tartness with a touch of sweetness. 

• Type: sour soft chews
• CBD Level: N/A
• THC Level: 10 mg

The soft chews are made with all-natural materials and infused with an Indica terpene-enhanced distillate that contains 10 mg of THC. 

Pros

• Made with all-natural ingredients. 
• Soft and easy to chew.
• Can buy as many as you want. 

Cons

• Single flavor option. 

Full Spectrum CBD Oil 2500mg 

With slightly more than 83mg of CBD per serving, Royal CBD’s 2500mg full-spectrum CBD oil is ideal for those seeking powerful relief without consuming the entire bottle. 

• Type: oil
• CBD Level: 83.3 mg per serving
• THC Level: N/A

Each drop contains around 3 mg of CBD; therefore, a potent dose of fast-acting full-spectrum CBD requires just about five to 10 drops. 

Pros

• Very potent.
• Available in convenient pack offers. 
• Strong and effective.

Cons

• Too strong for new users. 

CBD GUMMY: CALM 

The Calm gummies were created to assist you in dealing with life’s difficult situations with greater ease and focus. Counter daily worries while promoting a sense of peace and relaxation with Charlotte’s Web’s botanical blend of lemon balm and full-spectrum hemp extract.  

 

• Type: gummies
• CBD Level: 10 mg per 2 gummies
• THC Level: N/A

You can opt for three different gummy counts and even subscribe to the product to get a better deal. 

Pros

• Pleasant taste.
• Great for non-smokers.
• Suitable for new users. 

Cons

• Too mild for some users.

Nighttime Melatonin Gummies 

With their sweet, fruity flavor, CBD oil candies are great for folks who are new to hemp and CBD. With 30 milligrams of CBD per gummy bear, the recommended daily dosage of CBD gummies is one gummy.  

 

• Type: gummies
• CBD Level: 30 mg of CBD per gummy bear
• THC Level: N/A

If the intended effects are not obtained, you may raise your daily dosage to meet your individual requirements. CBD-infused gummies may help you maintain a healthy lifestyle by supporting physical and emotional well-being.  

Hemp gummies are now available in a nocturnal formulation with melatonin, which aids in natural sleep and wakes you completely refreshed. 

Pros

• Pleasant taste.
• Good for non-smokers.
• Made with natural fruit and hemp extract.

Cons

• Some complain the flavor is too intense. 

Gold Bee CBD Capsules 

Gold Bee CBD capsules are formulated with a full-spectrum CBD-rich hemp extract mixed in premium-grade MCT oil for maximum absorption. These capsules are encased in a soft gel shell to protect the oil and have a slippery outside coating to aid in swallowing.  

• Type: capsules
• CBD Level: 10 or 25 mg of CBD per capsule
• THC Level: N/A

The amount of CBD that an individual needs will vary according to their unique body chemistry. Start with lower doses of CBD to assess your body’s response to CBD capsules and then gradually increase or decrease your dosage.  

These capsules range in strength from 10 mg to 25 mg, and each bottle contains 30 capsules. 

Pros

• Easy to swallow.
• Multiple CBD levels are available. 
• Made with premium-grade MCT oil.

Cons

• No info on THC levels given. 

Alternatives to CBD for Sleep 

If you’re skeptical about CBD consumption, here are some viable alternatives. 

Chamomile Tea 

Chamomile’s chemical composition makes it extremely good at inducing sleep. Apigenin is a chemical component found in the plant extract that promotes sleepiness by attaching to the brain’s GABA receptors.  

GABA receptors are the same as the receptors for benzodiazepines, which are frequently used as anti-anxiety medications due to their soothing impact.  

When the apigenin in chamomile attaches to GABA receptors, it has a calming and relaxing effect, which is why chamomile tea can induce sleepiness. 

Meditation 

Meditation may aid in sleep improvement. It can help to calm the mind and body while also improving inner peace when used as a relaxation technique. Meditation may help alleviate insomnia and sleep problems by fostering overall tranquility when practiced before sleep time. 

Lavender 

Lavender is easily one of the most widely used essential oils. It’s frequently used to promote relaxation and sleep. When applied before bed, lavender oil has been demonstrated to aid in falling asleep and increase the overall quality of sleep. Diffuse lavender oil for about an hour before retiring for the night. 

FAQ 

Question: What type of CBD Helps you Sleep? 

Answer: It depends on how your body and how it responds to CBD. Many people love to try the oil variety for the first time and adjust their doses or CBD intake type from there.  

Question: Can CBD Help With Sleep Apnea? 

Answer: Some evidence shows that CBD can be used as a sleep aid. However, any research supporting CBD as a sleep apnea treatment is anecdotal. 

Question: How Much CBD do you Need to Feel Tired? 

Answer: There is no standard answer to this question. Just calculate your dosage based on your body’s unique characteristics and start with a small dose, working your way up if needed.  

Question: What is CBD Isolate?

Answer: CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD and doesn’t contain any additional cannabinoids. It’s useful for making CBD tincture, homemade edibles, and custom CBD mixtures. It’s also the preferred form of CBD for animals due to its pure nature. 

Final Words 

If there is one thing you have to remember after reading this article is that it’s always important to start slow when introducing CBD into your life. If you want to know my #1 choice, I’d pick Ice Cream Cake for its effectiveness. 

Regardless of the type of CBD you consume, carefully read the labels and only buy CBD for sleep from authorized sellers. Adjust your doses based on what your body needs. And for even more great reviews and tips, check out our website!

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