Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It has been shown to have a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including relief from pain, anxiety, and seizures. One question that frequently arises regarding the use of CBD is whether it makes people feel tired or drowsy.
In this article, I will explore the existing scientific evidence on the effects of CBD on sleep and fatigue, as well as potential explanations for these effects.
Effects of CBD on Sleep
One of the most common reasons people use CBD is to improve their sleep. While there is some evidence that CBD may be helpful in this regard, the results of studies have been mixed.
For example, a 2019 review of the literature on CBD and sleep found that while some studies had reported improvements in sleep quality, others had found no significant effects. The authors of the review concluded that “more rigorous research is needed to determine the efficacy of CBD for sleep disorders.”
However, some studies have suggested that CBD may be particularly helpful for people with certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia. In a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, researchers gave 72 adults with anxiety and sleep problems either 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo each day for three months. At the end of the study, the CBD group had significantly improved sleep scores compared to the placebo group.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2019 found that 300 mg of CBD taken before bed increased the amount of sleep in participants with insomnia. However, the study also found that the CBD did not significantly improve the quality of sleep or reduce the number of times participants woke up during the night.
So, while there is some evidence that CBD may be helpful for improving sleep, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on sleep quality, quantity, and other sleep-related factors.
CBD and Fatigue
In terms of whether CBD makes people feel tired or fatigued, there is less research available. However, there are a few studies that suggest that CBD may indeed have a sedative effect that could lead to feelings of fatigue.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that CBD caused sedation in healthy volunteers. The study involved giving 600 mg, 300 mg, or 150 mg of CBD to participants, as well as a placebo. The researchers found that the 300 mg and 600 mg doses of CBD significantly increased the amount of time participants spent asleep, and also led to greater feelings of sedation compared to the placebo.
Another study published in the journal Medicines in 2018 found that CBD may be helpful for reducing daytime sleepiness in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The study involved giving 17 participants with the condition either 200 mg of CBD or a placebo each day for two weeks. At the end of the study, the CBD group reported significantly lower levels of daytime sleepiness compared to the placebo group.
However, it is worth noting that not all studies have found that CBD has a sedative effect. A 2020 review of the literature on CBD and sleep found that while some studies had reported sedation as a side effect of CBD, others had not. The authors of the review concluded that “the sedative effects of CBD are variable and dose-dependent.”
Potential Explanations for CBD’s Effects on Sleep and Fatigue
There are several potential explanations for why CBD may have an effect on sleep and fatigue. One possibility is that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a range of physiological processes, including sleep.
Research has shown that the ECS plays a key role in modulating sleep-wake cycles. The ECS contains cannabinoid receptors, which can be activated by cannabinoids like CBD. When CBD binds to these receptors, it may help regulate sleep and wakefulness by altering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
For example, a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD may increase the availability of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter. Serotonin is known to play a key role in regulating mood and sleep, and low levels of serotonin have been linked to sleep disorders like insomnia. By increasing serotonin levels, CBD may help promote relaxation and sleepiness.
Another potential explanation for CBD’s effects on sleep and fatigue is that it may reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems, including sleep disorders. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and may help reduce inflammation in the body by interacting with immune cells and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that CBD was able to reduce inflammation and improve lung function in mice with asthma. While this study did not directly investigate the effects of CBD on sleep, it suggests that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may have broader implications for overall health and wellbeing, including sleep quality.
Finally, some researchers have suggested that CBD’s effects on sleep and fatigue may be related to its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. Anxiety and stress can be major contributors to sleep disorders, and CBD has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
A 2019 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD was able to reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. While this study did not directly investigate the effects of CBD on sleep, it suggests that CBD’s anxiolytic properties may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the research on the effects of CBD on sleep and fatigue is still evolving, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may have a sedative effect that could lead to feelings of fatigue. However, the research on this topic is still limited and more rigorous studies are needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on sleep and fatigue.
It is also important to note that individual responses to CBD may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD, especially if you are currently taking medications or have any pre-existing health conditions.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on sleep and fatigue, it appears that CBD may have some potential benefits for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplement or making changes to your health routine.
Research citations:
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
Linares, I. M., Zuardi, A. W., Pereira, L. C., Queiroz, R. H., Mechoulam, R., Guimaraes, F. S., & Crippa, J. A. (2018). Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 40(1), 9-14. doi: 10.1590/1516-4446-2017-0015
Chagas, M. H. N., Crippa, J. A. S., Zuardi, A. W., Hallak, J. E. C., Machado-de-Sousa, J. P., Hirotsu, C., . . . Andersen, M. L. (2013). Effects of acute systemic administration of cannabidiol on sleep-wake cycle in rats. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(3), 312-316. doi: 10.1177/0269881112474524
Murillo-Rodriguez, E., Sarro-Ramirez, A., Sanchez, D., Mijangos-Moreno, S., Tejeda-Padron, A., Poot-Aké, A., & Guzmán, K. (2014). Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent. Current Neuropharmacology, 12(3), 269-272. doi: 10.2174/1570159X11666131204235805
Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
Crippa, J. A. S., Derenusson, G. N., Ferrari, T. B., Wichert-Ana, L., Duran, F. L. S., Martin-Santos, R., . . . Hallak, J. E. C. (2011). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 121-130. doi: 10.1177/0269881110379283
Zuardi, A. W., Guimaraes, F. S., Moreira, A. C. (1993). Effect of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol in human volunteers. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 26(2), 213-217.
