Whether the cause is mental anguish or physical exhaustion, lack of sleep is a menacing problem for individuals all around. Most sleep-inducing medicines have side effects like tiredness and grogginess. People are starting to use CBD as an alternative to such medicines. Those who are new to this cannabis may wonder – does CBD make you tired?
A simple answer is no, although the science on this is still emerging and growing as the CBD trend grows. Frequent users of CBD report better sleeping habits without causing tiredness. They suggest it has a relaxing effect that improves the underlying conditions which cause insomnia and poor sleep. This includes all types of CBD products, from CBD Gummies to CBD vape juice.
Continue reading to learn more about the effects of CBD.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol is better known as CBD, one of the primary cannabinoid extracts found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are known to interact with the endocannabinoid system or ECS.
The ECS contains cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that work together to regulate various bodily processes. Its function includes balancing and regulating processes like communication between cells, immunity and inflammatory response, and maintaining the general homeostasis of the body.
By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD binds itself with the receptors to indirectly modify the activity of the different proteins and enzymes of ECS.
According to a study by Translational Psychiatry, CBD inhibits the degradation of anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid popularly known as the “bliss molecule.” It acts as a mood-enhancing signal between the cannabinoid receptors. CBD may not activate the cannabinoid receptors, but it occupies the CB1 receptors in a way that makes the effect of anandamide last longer.
Can CBD Make You Feel Tired?
People tend to mistake tiredness for sleepiness. Hence, you often see users give confusing and contradictory answers to the question – does CBD make you tired?
CBD by itself cannot make you drowsy or tired. This only happens if CBD products also include other cannabinoid extracts like Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is responsible for giving intense sensations that puts you in a hazy state. THC can also improve sleep, although it can cause grogginess and tiredness in the long-term.
CBD promotes better sleeping patterns, but it does not do so by acting as a sedative. Instead, it works towards solving the root cause of the sleeplessness. As already mentioned, CBD induces relaxation. These relaxing effects can alleviate, say, your stress and anxiety levels that are causing you to lose out on enough sleep.
A study published by the Permanente Journal investigated the effect of CBD on 72 adults with sleep issues. The majority of the individuals reported mental and physical relief after months of using CBD. As a result, the relief from sleep issues promoted the development of a healthy sleep cycle in them. The authors of the study also found that CBD had fewer side effects in comparison to sleeping pills.
To increase wakefulness for a good night’s sleep, users should look for high-quality CBD isolate products. It is best that you buy from companies that offer products infused with pure CBD extracts with no other terpenes. You can check for high CBD content by looking at the third-party lab results provided by the CBD seller.
Other ways to check the CBD purity and quality include making sure the product has no visible whole seeds. You should also look out for a strong fragrance. Although, many good CBD products, such as cbd oils do not have a noticeable scent.
Can You Take CBD During The Day?
People ask this question as a result of their experience with sleeping pills. Sleeping pills have sedative effects that induce tiredness or drowsiness to make you fall asleep immediately. So you cannot take them during the day.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that CBD instead has a relaxing yet stimulating effect. It makes you alert to reduce daytime sleepiness that is often experienced as a symptom of sleep or other mental disorders. This way, you get a good quality of sleep at night.
So, the answer to the question here is yes, CBD can be taken during the day. Contrary to popular belief, it can make you more alert as it relaxes your body and mind.
How Does CBD Effect You?
The effect of CBD depends on a variety of factors. The delivery method, dosage, and other cannabinoids mixed with CBD products all play an essential role in determining the response.
Many people tend to combine CBD products with medicines they are already taking. The interactions between CBD extracts and other medications can influence the nature of the effects significantly. That is why users must research beforehand if their current medication pairs well with CBD.
The strength of the CBD effects depends on the dosage or concentration you get per serving. This is supported by the evidence found in a study published in the Brazilian Journal Of Psychiatry. A high dose may induce drowsiness, while a low dosage may encourage relaxation and alertness at the same time.
CBD, by itself, helps in inducing relaxation. However, a full spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product will include a combined effect of CBD and other cannabinoids. For instance, a full-spectrum CBD oil will produce an “entourage effect” to give you an enhanced psychoactive experience. The psychoactivity is a result of cannabinoids like THC.
By keeping all these factors in mind, you can predict whether CBD makes you tired or not.
Final Thoughts
Research is still getting collected to understand better the effect of CBD. So, giving a conclusive answer to the question, “does CBD make you tired?” is a challenging task.
A straightforward answer, for now, is no. Unless taken in high dosages or along with other cannabinoids, CBD does not make you feel tired. Research has given some evidence to show that CBD induces a calmness within you that leads to better sleep.
Whether CBD makes you feel tired also depends on what you are taking it for. For better sleep, you can take a low dose of it during the evening. For any other reason, a slightly higher dose at the start of your day will lead to greater satisfaction.
