Despite the rising popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) and the rapid growth of the cannabidiol market in the recent years, much confusion still exists surrounding its use, benefits and effects. One of the most popular uses of CBD products is to help with insomnia and to improve sleep quality, or to reduce feelings of anxiety. So, does that mean CBD can make you feel sleepy or tired? If not, how does CBD make you feel? Let’s take a look.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the naturally-occurring active compounds (called cannabinoids) found in cannabis and hemp plants. So far, over 113 different cannabinoids have been identified. Unlike the other major active constituent of cannabis, tetrahydrdocannibinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive, meaning that it does not cause a mind-altering “high.” According to World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” CBD can be extracted from the stalks or stems of both cannabis and hemp plants, as it is the second most abundant component of these plants, and makes up about 40% of the plant extracts.
How does CBD work?
The human body produces naturally-occurring molecules called encocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors located in the body and the brain and induce the release of chemical messengers responsible for communication between cells. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the body, and regulates processes such as sleep, inflammation, and response to pain and stress. CBD has similar molecular structure to endocannabinoids, and also interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Learn more about the effects of CBD on the brain.
Unlike THC, CBD does not bind to any cannabinoid receptors, and instead, stimulates the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors without binding to them. Due to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD has been studied and suggested to have medicinal properties and therapeutic applications for many medical conditions. CBD is currently being examined in several clinical trials, and is at different stages of testing for various medical conditions.
Does CBD make you feel sleepy or tired?
Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not have sedative effects on the body. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, stimulating it and helping the body achieve a state of equilibrium, improving the stress response and decreasing feelings of anxiety. Therefore, CBD does not result in feelings of drowsiness or sleepiness. That being said, individual responses to CBD can be slightly different. Some individuals report feelings of “being energized” after taking CBD, while others report feelings of “relaxation.” If you find that CBD puts you in a relaxed state, you may want to take your CBD supplement before going to bed.
Can CBD be used to promote healthy sleep?
CBD acts with the endocannabinoids naturally produced in the body, and works together with the endocannabinoid system to regulate essential functions such as sleep. Research studies show that CBD can help individuals with insomnia relax and therefore fall asleep, as well as to stay asleep. However, CBD oil made from hemp does not have intoxicating properties, meaning that it should not make you feel tired, sleepy or otherwise sedated.
Since many prescription sleep medications can result in undesirable side effects and even dependence, there is currently a great need to find more natural alternatives to treating insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
Since the field of CBD research is relatively new, any potential long-term side effects of its use are still under investigation. While CBD seems to be safe to use and well-tolerated by most individuals, you should always check with your physician before you use it, especially if you have any serious medical conditions.
