Despite the rising popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) and the rapid growth of the cannabidiol market in the recent years, much confusion still exists surrounding its use, benefits and effects. One of the most popular uses of CBD products is to help with insomnia and to improve sleep quality, or to reduce feelings of anxiety. So, does that mean CBD can make you feel sleepy or tired? If not, how does CBD make you feel? Let’s take a look. 

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol), is one of over sixty cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant including THC, the cannabinoid responsible for delivering the psychoactive effects associated with getting high. 

While the two cannabinoids share many similarities, one of the distinct differences between CBD and THC is that CBD does not get you high. Because of this, CBD has opened the door to the many medical applications of the Cannabis plant. 

HOW DOES CBD WORK? 

The human body produces naturally-occurring molecules called encocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors located in the body and the brain and induce the release of chemical messengers responsible for communication between cells. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the body, and regulates processes such as sleep, inflammation, and response to pain and stress. CBD has similar molecular structure to endocannabinoids, and also interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Learn more about the effects of CBD on the brain. 

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind to any cannabinoid receptors, and instead, stimulates the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors without binding to them. Due to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD has been studied and suggested to have medicinal properties and therapeutic applications for many medical conditions. CBD is currently being examined in several clinical trials, and is at different stages of testing for various medical conditions.c 

CAN CBD BE USED TO PROMOTE HEALTHY SLEEP?

CBD acts with the endocannabinoids naturally produced in the body, and works together with the endocannabinoid system to regulate essential functions such as sleep. Research studies show that CBD can help individuals with insomnia relax and therefore fall asleep, as well as to stay asleep. However, CBD oil made from hemp does not have intoxicating properties, meaning that it should not make you feel tired, sleepy or otherwise sedated. 
Since many prescription sleep medications can result in undesirable side effects and even dependence, there is currently a great need to find more natural alternatives to treating insomnia and other sleeping disorders. 
Since the field of CBD research is relatively new, any potential long-term side effects of its use are still under investigation. While CBD seems to be safe to use and well-tolerated by most individuals, you should always check with your physician before you use it, especially if you have any serious medical conditions. 

DOES CBD MAKE YOU FEEL SLEEPY OR TIRED?

Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not have sedative effects on the body. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, stimulating it and helping the body achieve a state of equilibrium, improving the stress response and decreasing feelings of anxiety. Therefore, CBD does not result in feelings of drowsiness or sleepiness. That being said, individual responses to CBD can be slightly different. Some individuals report feelings of “being energized” after taking CBD, while others report feelings of “relaxation.” If you find that CBD puts you in a relaxed state, you may want to take your CBD supplement before going to bed.