The world is lauding CBD for its effectiveness in insomnia. However, there is a group of people who are claiming that cannabinoids are not as effective for sleep as they are believed to be. So, how do CBD and THC affect sleep? Let’s find out.
Using CBD for Sleep Problems
The world is turning towards cannabis due to its increased amount of discovered benefits. Since CBD has exploded in the market, people prefer it to treat many ailments that include sleep problems among others. Those who have trouble getting a night of good sleep can turn to cannabinoids for help. Several types of research have proven that CBD helps in sleeping: it puts our senses to rest and aids in peaceful sleep.
A majority of the studies have come in favor of the notion that CBD induces sleep. The high CBD strains comprise myrcene, a form of terpene that has sedative effect, helping to sleep. In a nutshell, CBD is a proven recreational medication for insomnia. Hence, cannabis is the go-to treatment for patients who are hustling to get a good sleep.
Is CBD Keeping You Awake?
Researchers have indeed proven that CBD aids in sleeping. But is the sedative effect makes it possible? Are such treatments helpful for better sleep? These are some of the questions that have been wandering around the minds of CBD consumers.
A research was conducted to examine THC and CBD’s effect on sleep and the alertness the next day on a patient. There were eight participants in the experiment, and each patient was given a different dosage of CBD before bedtime. The dosage ranged around 5mg to 15mg. The data analysis showed some profound results. The higher THC dosage did not affect the sleep, whereas it affected the alertness the next morning. The CBD dosage with THC content, on the other hand, significantly disturbed the sleep and resulted in great attention the following day.
So, Are You Sleeping Peacefully with CBD?
A research paper, “Effect of D-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Nocturnal Sleep and Early Morning Behaviour in Young Adults” (1) was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. It stated that the use of cannabis for sleep is not effective. Yes, the THC acted as a sedative element, and CBD was found to have alerting properties. The authors have to go further and propose that CBD has an effect of sedation. The same research was conducted on the lab rats during the lights off and lights on period. During the lights-on period, the animals became more alert, and even the light-off phase didn’t show any signs of sleep in them.
Cannabinoid Results on Sleep: It’s Complicated
When you are trusting cannabis for sleeping, are you sleeping due to THC or CBD? There’s no doubt in asserting that studies proved the effectiveness of cannabinoids in sleeping. While everyone is concentrating more on its effects on sleeping, a few are more focused on the effects that increase alertness. Different researchers believe that cannabinoids have a biphasic effect, which means that a lower dose will provide you with some benefits, and a higher dose can result in reverse effects.
For instance, the lower THC dosage is relaxing and good for stress relief. Whereas, the high dosage can result in paranoia and anxiety. The same logic applies to sleep; when you consume a lower dosage, you can get adequate sleep, but even a slight increase in the dosage will lead to alertness.
In a study on CBD for sleeping, it was found that the wakefulness only happens when its content is 15 mg or higher. In a nutshell, if CBD is keeping you awake instead of putting you back to sleep, it is only because of the dosage. So, when you are consuming CBD for sleep, make sure that you take the right dosage.
The Bottom Line
After a series of study and research, it was concluded that the dosage of cannabinoids determines sleepiness and wakefulness. Here are the basic conclusions:
- 15 mg or higher THC dose can improve sleep. But, it also increases the alertness the next day.
- The specific dosage of CBD increases alertness, but not many pieces of research have backed this notion.
- The combination of THC and CBD has some benefits, including better sleep.
- THC is a safer pharmaceutical element for sleep.