A common question that arises with CBD use is: Does CBD oil make you tired? To fully understand this, it’s essential to know how CBD interacts with the body. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants, offering numerous health benefits, including promoting better sleep without harmful side effects.
In this article, we’ll dive into how CBD affects sleep, why it might make you feel drowsy or relaxed, and how to use it to improve your sleep quality.
Does CBD Make You Tired?
CBD may promote relaxation by slowing down the breakdown of anandamide, a compound that helps regulate feelings of happiness and calm. This process could contribute to better sleep. However, it’s not strong enough to cause a sedative effect on its own.
Some users claim that “CBD makes me sleepy” and use it as a natural sleep aid, while others use it for increased alertness and mental clarity. So, does CBD make you sleepy or awake?
Researchers are still exploring CBD’s full range of effects, but its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. How CBD affects you can vary based on several factors:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Dosage
- The type of CBD oil used
How CBD Dosage Affects Tiredness
Determining your ideal CBD dosage can be challenging since everyone responds differently. If you’re considering CBD for sleep or relaxation, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it is a good strategy.
If you take too much CBD too quickly, you may experience mild discomfort or sleepiness. According to a 2017 review of CBD and sleep in the Journal of Current Psychiatry, CBD can help regulate sleep by affecting brain receptors that control wakefulness and relaxation.
How Does CBD Make You Tired?
Higher doses of CBD may increase the brain’s Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) activity. GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms an overactive nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which could help you fall asleep.
For those using CBD as a sleep aid, it’s recommended to take higher doses before bed. Full-spectrum CBD (which includes other cannabinoids like THC) is often considered more effective than CBD isolate for sleep due to the combined effect of cannabinoids.
Here are some tips to enhance your sleep quality while using CBD:
- Avoid screens before bed.
- Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon.
- Exercise during the day, but not right before bed.
- Set a regular sleep and wake time.
- Keep your room cool for better sleep.
CBD May Improve Sleep Quality
CBD itself doesn’t have a direct sedative effect. Instead, it helps you relax, making it easier to stay asleep and reach deeper sleep stages, like REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. By reducing stress, CBD may prevent sleep disruptions, helping you feel more refreshed and energized in the morning.
When shopping for CBD oil for sleep, always choose products with high-quality ingredients and third-party lab test results to ensure purity.
How to Choose CBD Oil for Sleep
- Potency: CBD oil labels typically list the concentration of CBD in milligrams (MG). For sleep support, opt for a higher potency CBD oil, as it allows you to achieve stronger effects with smaller amounts, saving you money in the long run.
- Additional Ingredients: Many CBD products include other natural ingredients to enhance their benefits. For instance, CBD sleep products may contain melatonin or chamomile, which are known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
The Side Effects of CBD
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some side effects can occur, particularly with higher doses. Fortunately, these effects are short-term and last only as long as the CBD remains in your system (about 3–5 hours). Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Appetite changes
If you find that CBD makes you too sleepy or uncomfortable, adjusting your dosage may help. For most users, though, these side effects are rare and mild.
The Takeaway: Can CBD Make You Tired?
CBD can make some people feel tired or drowsy, while others use it to enhance focus and alertness. If you’re looking for better sleep, larger doses of CBD may help you unwind and fall asleep more easily. Its calming properties can also improve your overall sleep quality by reducing stress and helping you stay asleep longer.
FAQ
How soon can CBD oil make you sleepy?
Some users report feeling sleepy 45–60 minutes after taking a higher dose of CBD oil, though this effect varies and isn’t clinically proven.
Does CBD make you tired?
CBD may cause drowsiness in some individuals, especially when taken in high doses. However, its effects vary based on dosage, tolerance, and individual biology.
Does THC make you tired?
Yes, THC can cause drowsiness by interacting with brain receptors that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Some people may feel sleepy, while others experience increased energy or euphoria.
Does Delta-8 make you groggy in the morning?
High doses of Delta-8 THC may cause grogginess the next morning due to its sedative properties. This can affect your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Why does CBD make me so sleepy?
CBD may cause sleepiness by increasing levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. It can also affect serotonin receptors, contributing to its calming effects.
Does hemp oil make you sleepy?
Hemp oil from hemp seeds doesn’t contain cannabinoids like CBD or THC, so it’s not known to cause sleepiness. However, its calming effects may come from essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
Does CBD make your eyes heavy?
CBD itself isn’t known to cause heavy eyelids, but THC can. Heaviness in the eyes is typically associated with THC and is a common sign of cannabis intoxication.
Can I use CBD for fatigue?
CBD shows promise in reducing chronic fatigue symptoms by addressing inflammation and promoting alertness. Its effects on fatigue depend on dosage and individual responses.
Does CBD make you lazy?
CBD may help relax muscles, reduce anxiety, and alleviate pain, which could lead to feelings of relaxation or tiredness. However, not everyone experiences fatigue after using CBD.
Conclusion
For some people, CBD can promote relaxation and help with sleep. Others use it to stay alert and focused. The effects of CBD vary depending on the individual, the dose, and the type of CBD product used. If you’re seeking better sleep, higher doses of CBD taken at bedtime could help you unwind and get deeper rest.
Always consult your healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you’re taking other medications, and choose high-quality, third-party tested products for the best results.