In part one of our article on CBD and Sleep we explained the Endocannabinoid System and what effect CBD has on it. You can read it here in case you haven't yet. In this second part, we'll focus on CBD's impact on sleep, potential benefits and the concerns.

By enhancing AEA levels, regulating CB1 activity, and interacting with serotonin and GABA receptors, CBD can help to reduce stress, alleviate pain and support the circadian rhythm.

Potential Benefits

Research on CBD and sleep is still developing, but early studies suggest it may be helpful for several sleep disorders

Insomnia

A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal found that 66.7% of participants who previously suffered from sleep disruption from anxiety reported better sleep after one month of CBD use. See the study here.

Anxiety-Related Sleep Disorders

CBD’s anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties help relax the mind, making it easier to fall asleep. A study on PTSD patients found CBD improved both sleep quality and anxiety levels. See the study here.

Potential Negative Effects 

While CBD is generally regarded as safe, some researchers and critics question its long-term effects and potential habit formation. The below outline the key negative effects in our mind.

Dependence & habit formation

Unlike THC or opioids, CBD is not physically addictive. However it might create psychological dependence if someone relies on it daily for sleep. A person who regularly takes CBD to sleep may struggle to fall asleep without it - similar to how melatonin or caffeine can create a dependency.

There is also a risk of tolerance development, meaning higher doses may be needed over time.

The habit formation and lower dose response are the main draw back in our mind. We liken it to melatonin and did not find the effects convincing in our trial phase. See our article on melatonin here.

Lack of Long-Term Research

Most studies on CBD are short-term, so the long-term effects on sleep and brain function are unknown.

Quality and Label Issues

Since CBD is largely unregulated, many products contain inaccurate CBD levels. Some products may even contain THC. While this might be fun for weekends, not really what you're looking for when trying sleep. 

The problematic part is that THC might be a contamination and not disclosed on the label. A 2017 study found that 69% of online CBD products were mislabeled (Source)!

If you're an unsuspecting professional just wanting to fall asleep at 4am after a late night grind at work, the last thing you want is accidentally getting high and ruining all of your precious sleep!

To sum it all up

CBD has some potential as a sleep aid, especially for anxiety-related insomnia, chronic pain, and sleep disorders. However, it’s not a magic cure, and its long-term effects remain uncertain.

Ultimately, the habit formation, lower dose response and quality issues is why we do not like it as a supplement. Similar to melatonin we think it has it's place and works for some people but not for us.

We found our solution with Magnesium Glycinate, Apigenin and L-Theanine which you can find here. All the benefits of a relaxed and calm mind without the potential side effects and habit formation.

Consider consulting with a healthcare professional if you are unsure about a new supplementation regimen to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your individual needs.