Which CBD to choose for sleeping?

Cannabidiol offers numerous health benefits. Scientific research has notably established that CBD may help with sleep. So, among the various products available, which CBD should you choose for sleep? Find the answers to this question in this dedicated article.

What is CBD?

The Cannabis Sativa L. plant, commonly known as hemp, has been cultivated and used for centuries for its many health benefits. This variety of cannabis contains in particular a high level of Cannabidiol (CBD). According to various studies, cannabidiol concentrates the benefits of the medicinal plant. Furthermore, CBD has no psychotropic effect and is not addictive, unlike THC. Its health benefits are proven by Science and recognized by the WHO.

Experts in the health field recognize cannabidiol as a natural, non-narcotic remedy. Thus, CBD extracts (leaves, flowers, etc.) and CBD products derived from hemp are legalized in several European countries such as France. On December 2022, the Council of State indeed officially announced the legalization of CBD for therapeutic use and well-being throughout France. However, the regulations in force in France limit the THC level in CBD extracts and CBD products to 0,3%. Exceeding this legal threshold, THC can cause euphoria. The product in question is therefore considered a drug, strictly prohibited from cultivation and use.

The benefits of CBD

CBD incorporates multiple therapeutic virtues demonstrated by various scientific studies. The molecule notably has the following effects:

• pain relievers: through its action on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD reduces the sensation of pain. The product helps relieve everyday pain: menstruation, migraines, stomach aches, etc. Cannabidiol is also recommended for soothing pain related to certain chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, etc.;
• anti-inflammatories: CBD limits the response of immune system cells to external aggressions to reduce or even avoid inflammation;
• antiemetics: cannabidiol regulates the functioning of the digestive system;
• anti-stress: CBD soothes physical and psychological tensions related to stress and anxiety;
• neuroprotectants: the cannabidiol molecule acts at the brain level to prevent neurodegenerative diseases;
• antiseptics: CBD eliminates the microorganisms responsible for infections that are present on the skin and mucous membranes.

CBD has many other effects on the body. Scientific studies notably prove its potential to inhibit the development of tumors and cancer. The cannabinoid also promotes growth. Studies are still ongoing to reveal any other effect of CBD on the body.

How does CBD act on sleep?

CBD does not act like a sleeping pill. The natural product has indirect effects on insomnia and other sleep problems. Indeed, the molecule has no hypnotic effect and does not affect brain receptors. Cannabidiol instead influences the receptors of the endocannabinoid system and the production of sleep, well-being, and relaxation hormones.

CBD, an effective natural calming agent for falling asleep

CBD acts as a tranquilizer. The molecule stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for good mood and physical and psychological well-being. By promoting their secretion, CBD helps fight stress and anxiety. The release of physical and psychological tensions promotes falling asleep. This promotes the quality of restorative sleep during the night.

The effect of CBD on the production of the sleep hormone

The cannabidiol molecule stimulates the production of melatonin: the central hormone regulating chronobiological rhythms. Melatonin triggers the need for sleep. A high production of this hormone therefore increases the body's and mind's demand for rest. Furthermore, this hormone regulates the circadian rhythm, i.e., the biological sleep-wake cycle.

Consequently, CBD allows the consumer to (re)find deep and restorative sleep phases during the night. This guarantees optimal recovery for the body and mind, especially at night. The consumer enjoys better physical and psychological shape upon waking.

Which CBD to (re)find quality sleep?

CBD is available in various forms commercially. You can notably get capsules, e-liquid, resin, as well as other CBD products for sleep. However, oil, infusions, as well as CBD food products are the most suitable for treating sleep disorders.

CBD oil to sleep

CBD oil is the most suitable form of consumption for treating insomnia and other sleep problems.

How to take CBD oil to sleep?

Administering CBD oil sublingually is particularly the most appropriate method for falling asleep. You should place the drops of CBD oil under your tongue. Let them work for 20 to 60 seconds before swallowing them with a glass of water. Consuming CBD oil sublingually provides fast effects, within approximately 1 to 2 minutes after ingesting the drops. Indeed, the CBD molecule passes directly into the body through the oral mucous membranes. 

You can also add CBD oil drops to your meals. With this method of consumption, Cannabidiol takes between 1 and 2 hours to produce its effects.

The different types of CBD oil for sleep

You can find CBD oil with different compositions. In particular, you have the choice between:

• Full Spectrum CBD oils: composed of a natural vegetable oil base and all the components of hemp (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids), including THC at a regulated level (below 0,3%);
• Broad Spectrum CBD oils: made up of the vegetable oil base, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, etc.) found in CBD composition, except THC;
• CBD isolate: this type of product contains only the vegetable oil base and the CBD molecule.

Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD oils offer multiplied effects. Through the entourage effect, the other components of Cannabis Sativa L. optimize the actions of CBD in the body. These varieties of CBD oils also allow you to benefit from the advantages of other cannabinoids, particularly CBG and CBN.

Furthermore, you can find on the specialized market a wide variety of oils with highly varied CBD concentrations, ranging from 5% to 45%, or even more.

CBD infusions for sleep

CBD infusions are also suitable for combating insomnia and other sleep problems. They consist of fresh or dried CBD flowers or leaves packaged in airtight containers. CBD leaf or flower extracts must be diluted in boiling water and a fatty substance (milk or butter).

Drinking a hot beverage a few hours before bedtime helps relax the body and mind during the night. The relaxing properties of CBD also enhance the effects of the infusion. CBD infusions are furthermore available in a wide variety of flavors to increase the pleasure of tasting. You can also find, in dedicated stores, infusions made from CBD leaf or flower, enriched with other natural ingredients with soothing virtues. CBD leaves and flowers are generally combined with chamomile or verbena extracts. These ingredients also have calming and relaxing effects.

CBD food products for sleep

CBD also comes in candies and everyday food products and beverages. These products should be consumed at night before bedtime. Eating sweets before sleeping is not recommended. However, you can make an exception for CBD treats for sleep disorders. Remember to brush your teeth well after taking the product. This will help you avoid oral problems.

CBD dosage for sleep

Whatever form of CBD you choose for sleep, follow the recommended dosage for falling asleep. No official information currently indicates the exact dosage of CBD to take for sleep.

Nevertheless, for informational purposes, the average dosage for treating insomnia and sleep disorders is 30 to 60 mg of CBD for a person weighing 60 kg. If you want to make sure you take the exact CBD dosage for sleep, seek the advice of your doctor or a CBD expert.

The side effects of CBD for sleep

CBD can cause unwanted or reversed effects on the body.

Some CBD consumers may fall into a state of drowsiness or lose all sense of alertness. This effect is explained by CBD's actions on the secretion of the hormones of well-being, relaxation, and sleep. Severe fatigue, migraines, digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc.) may also occur.

These undesirable consequences are generally explained by a CBD overdose, low-quality cannabidiol product, or an interaction between CBD and medications.

Get high-quality CBD from a specialized retailer to avoid CBD side effects. Furthermore, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a doctor or a cannabidiol expert regarding the use and especially the dosage of CBD for sleep.