CBD for Sleep: Dreamy Facts and Findings

Fact Checked By

Dr. Max Kerr

Published August 25, 2020 by

Olivia Walters

Why is CBD for sleep a better alternative to over-the-counter medicine? Cannabis can help people tackle the cause of their sleep disorders instead of serving as a quick fix to sleeplessness.

It’s tempting to buy widely-known pharmacy sleep aids when hours turn into days of not falling asleep. You’re not “you” when you’re tired, so if there’s an inexpensive, accessible option, what’s the harm in taking the brand-name products like Benadryl and ZzzQuil?

Many traditional sleep aids contain antihistamines which only provide temporary relief. Eventually, you build up a tolerance to the drowsy effects and wake up with groggy “hangovers”.[1]

While those products may have a limited effect on people’s ability to drift off into a slumber, cannabis is a more holistic sleep aid that can highlight the causes of insomnia.

What factors cause insomnia? Depending on the person, insomnia may be caused by[2]:

Stress or trauma
Environmental changes
Pain
Jet lag
Anxiety or depression
Substance abuse

As the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana continues to spur discussion at the state and federal level, cannabis as a natural remedy is one proposed solution to poor sleep.

In this article, we discuss what people are saying about CBD for sleep and suggest the best CBD oil for insomnia (you’ll also learn the meaning behind our slogan “I Sleep With Plants”). Take a look and then decide for yourself if you’re ready to make the switch from over-the-counter to hemp-based sleep aids.

Why Use CBD for Sleep?

Almost every state has legalized CBD from hemp-derived sources (excluding Nebraska, Idaho, and South Dakota)[3], which is good news for a majority of insomniacs.

Researchers studying CBD have already shared findings of the multiple conditions CBD could treat, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression[4], to name a few.

Of course, you should talk to your doctor for more guidance and continue to follow cannabis research. CBD for medicinal use still needs further testing to confirm its benefits.

Disclaimers aside, researchers testing the efficiency of CBD oil for insomnia have reached promising conclusions. One study suggested an increase in sleep duration after participants dosed 160mg of CBD[5]. Medical News Today also reported how cortisol levels (a stress hormone) lowered with the use of 300 or 600mg of CBD.

Cortisol levels tend to be higher in the morning, but for insomniacs fretting about not being able to sleep, their cortisol levels increase in the evening when they should be winding down.

That’s why CBD is a good option for people with high stress because it triggers the brain to release more serotonin (a “feel good” hormone).

For those who still aren’t sure about CBD, take a look at this brief overview explaining what it is and how it works:

CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most abundant molecule in cannabis.
It doesn’t have the same chemical profile as THC and won’t get you “high.”
You can smoke (bud/vapes), ingest (consumables), or apply (lotion) CBD.
Using CBD, your brain receives activated receptors that help block anxiety.

While the causes of insomnia vary from person to person, there is a relationship between anxiety and poor sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, insomnia is a notorious symptom of anxiety disorders ranging from severe worry to PTSD[6].

Not getting enough rest affects job performance, mental health, and energy. Thinking negatively about not sleeping can induce anticipatory anxiety; while sleep deprivation can provoke other anxiety disorders.[7]

This mutual relationship reinforces the healing powers of the cannabis plant. If you’re tired of being tired and stressed out, CBD could be the answer.

Not sure where to start? Check out our recommended nighttime CBD products for peaceful sleep (with the dreamiest CBD sleep aid near the end).

What is the best CBD oil for sleep?

Every CBD company has its selling points and choosing one is difficult when you don’t know what to look for in a quality hemp product.

In general, certificates of analysis and positive customer reviews indicate brand quality. If the CBD product features other sleep-inducing ingredients like melatonin, it’s likely to get you snoozing even faster.

Another point to consider is how you prefer to take CBD. Are you a nighttime snacker? A CBD infused gummy[8] might be your new bedtime treat. Does a long soak in the tub help your anxiety? A lavender-scented CBD bath bomb[9] could take some of the edge off.

There are tinctures, lotions, face masks, and dozens of other CBD sleep-friendly products available on the market. Knowing which one is best for you will require some trial and error.

An awesome part about using CBD for the nighttime is getting to say “I Sleep With Plants.” This is Sovereigny’s philosophy because we love bragging about nighttime routines which include cannabis. Plus it’s a cheeky way to share what’s going on behind closed doors without saying too much (hint, hint).

So what’s our secret for a good night’s sleep?

Bonus: Dream by Sovereignty

Mindfulness is key. The experts recommend limiting caffeine intake, screen time, and alcohol consumption before bed.[10]

Professionals in the cannabis world also advise dosing CBD for insomnia. Sovereignty offers a CBD evening aid for restless sleepers and morning people.

Our nighttime Terpene Formula called Dream is fortified with another cannabinoid called CBN (cannabinol) for an additional calming effect. The berry-flavored powder mixes in water (or try sleepy tea) and gently helps you fall asleep.

We use California hemp with Chinese adaptogens and melatonin so you can dream through the night, wake up refreshed, and take on the day with intention.

Dream is a lab-tested CBD product with less than 0.3% THC. Within 30 minutes of taking the supplement, a mild wave of sedation washes over you and lulls you into a restorative hibernation.

The next morning, expect to feel enough energy to possibly even cut out your morning coffee. For those interested in making the transition to caffeine-free mornings, we also sell a daytime supplement called Purpose.

By making small adjustments to your routine using CBD, you create space for positive change. There’s always room to feel a little better. It’s up to you to make it happen.

End sleep anxiety for good