CBD for sleep

Narayan et al. (2022)

The evidence regarding CBD as an aid to falling asleep and staying asleep is currently unclear and is being intensively researched.

One mechanism in this regard could be that CBD reduces anxiety (neuroendocrine and via the endocannabinoid system) and thus combats the cause of many sleep problems.

CBD could therefore indirectly contribute to improved sleep by reducing anxiety. CBD application has proven successful in this way for various sleep problems and different groups of people (healthy individuals, people with specific anxieties, chronic illnesses, or psychiatric problems).

Furthermore, there are slight indications that there could also be a direct link between CBD use and reduced sleep problems.

However, CBD appears to be primarily anxiolytic; a specific sedative effect has not yet been clearly demonstrated.

Different studies have reported varying optimal dosages and treatment durations. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.

Narayan, A.J., Downey, L.A., Manning, B., & Hayley, A.C. (2022). Cannabinoid Treatments for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Consideration of the Impact of Sleep Disturbance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104941

Kuhathasan et al. (2019)

Besides improving sleep quality, CBD could also counteract insomnia and speed up falling asleep.

However, existing positive findings should be mentioned with reservations, as methodologically sound studies are still insufficient.

Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, BN (2019). The Use of Cannabinoids for Sleep: A Critical Review on Clinical Trials. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383-401. https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000285

Babson et al. (2017)

CBD binds to certain receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the sleep-wake cycle.

Depending on the dosage, CBD may have different effects. There is evidence that medium and high doses in particular can have a sedative effect and may therefore be suitable for treating various sleep problems.

Initial studies suggest that CBD could be useful for treating insomnia (sleep disorder).

The benefits of CBD over placebo have already been demonstrated in various animal studies. Humans also reported significantly longer sleep duration when they took CBD compared to those who received a placebo (Carlini, 1981).

There is also initial evidence of symptom reduction through CBD in REM sleep problems.

However, in combination with THC, sleep quality (especially deep sleep) could be impaired in the long term.

Babson, K.A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9