CBD can improve night rest: the science behind CBD effects on sleep

Cannabis natural constituents  — phytocannabinoids, both psychoactive THC and non-psychoactive CBD — have many beneficial effects on the human body, among which is improving quality of sleep [1, 2].

CBD (cannabidiol) is a legal and safe cannabinoid that quickly becomes a popular alternative to well-known sleep aids.  Unfortunately, scientific research on CBD properties has been almost completely impeded during the 20th century. Because of that, scientists still do not know exactly how CBD affects sleep.  However, evidence is already there: CBD might normalize and improve sleep quality.

When is better to take CBD — morning or evening?

Taking CBD in the morning will keep you alert throughout the day and might reduce daytime sleepiness, while taking CBD in the evening will help you sleep better during the night. CBD may be particularly useful for people who experience circadian rhythm disturbances due to shift work (e.g., nurses) [3].

How does CBD improve sleep?

CBD is known to reduce anxiety, which is likely one of the reasons cannabidiol improves sleep. In clinical experiment taking just 25 mg of CBD every day for a month improved sleep in 66% of participants, and also reduced anxiety in 79% of respondents (N = 72) [4].

Another study enrolled a group of people, who suffered from insomnia.  Results of the study showed that taking 160 mg/day of CBD increased the total sleep time and reduced the frequency of awakenings during the night [5].

Another small yet interesting clinical study enrolled four patients with Parkinson's disease, who also suffered from REM sleep disorder. CBD reduced the symptoms of the parasomnia, namely CBD reduced muscle tone and muscle movements during REM sleep [6].  Normally, during REM sleep, muscle tone is lost, which is why we do not move or act when we are dreaming. The REM sleep disorder causes muscles to remain active so a person can act during their dreams (which is not safe).  CBD reduced symptoms of REM sleep disorder in people with Parkinson's disease [6].

CBD has also shown its efficacy in preclinical research.  A systemic administration of CBD (10 mg/kg) increased the duration of sleep in rats [7].

In another experiment, cannabidiol prevented anxiety-induced REM sleep reduction in rats [8].

CBD is a natural substance that affects a lot of molecular processes in the body.  While more research is needed on the effectiveness of CBD in the treatment of sleep disorders,  preliminary studies demonstrate that CBD, depending on the dose and time of administration (morning, evening), can promote alertness during the day and improve sleep at night [9].

References:

• How to reduce menstrual pain — the effect of CBD oil