Does cbd help with sleep
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The Impact of CBD on Sleep: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to CBD and Sleep Disorders
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, including its effects on sleep. With increasing anecdotal reports and preliminary research suggesting its efficacy, CBD is being explored as a treatment for various sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep disturbances.
CBD's Mechanism of Action in Sleep Regulation
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep, mood, and anxiety. By influencing this system, CBD may help modulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality2 6. However, the exact mechanisms through which CBD affects sleep are still under investigation.
Clinical Evidence on CBD and Sleep
Positive Effects on Sleep Quality
Several studies have shown that CBD can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances. For instance, a review of literature indicated that medium to high doses of CBD increased REM sleep latency, while medium-low doses decreased it, suggesting a dose-dependent effect on sleep architecture1. Additionally, a study on rats found that acute systemic administration of CBD increased total sleep time and sleep latency during the light period3.
Mixed Results in Human Studies
Human studies have produced mixed results regarding the efficacy of CBD for sleep. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that a combination of CBD and THC significantly decreased total sleep time and REM sleep, but did not impair next-day cognitive performance or alertness4. Another study reported no significant effects of CBD on the sleep-wake cycle of healthy subjects, suggesting that CBD may not alter normal sleep architecture in individuals without sleep disorders5.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety
A large-scale study comparing different CBD formulations found that chronic use of low-dose CBD was safe and led to significant improvements in sleep disturbance. However, these effects were not significantly different from those of melatonin, a commonly used sleep aid7. This suggests that while CBD may be beneficial for sleep, its effects might not surpass those of existing treatments.
Limitations and Future Research
Despite promising preliminary findings, the current body of research on CBD and sleep is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and a lack of standardized outcome measures. Many studies also focus on sleep as a secondary outcome in the context of other health conditions, such as chronic pain or PTSD6. Future research should aim to address these limitations by conducting larger, rigorously controlled trials with long-term follow-up to better understand the clinical impact of CBD on sleep.
Conclusion
While preliminary evidence suggests that CBD may have potential benefits for improving sleep quality and reducing sleep disturbances, the current research is not sufficient to support its routine clinical use for sleep disorders. More extensive and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosages and formulations for different populations. As the field evolves, CBD could become a valuable alternative or adjunct to traditional sleep medications, offering a new avenue for those struggling with sleep issues.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Insomnia : Literature review
Short-term use of medium to high doses of CBD may improve insomnia, but combined use with THC may decrease slow wave sleep.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalCannabinoid therapies in the management of sleep disorders: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies.
Cannabinoid therapies show promising potential for treating sleep disorders, but more large-scale, rigorous trials are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEffects of acute systemic administration of cannabidiol on sleep-wake cycle in rats
Acute systemic administration of CBD increases total sleep time and sleep latency in rats during the light period of the day of administration.
RCT
Animal Study
Very Rigorous Journal0371 Acute effects of cannabinoids in insomnia disorder: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial using high-density EEG
A single dose of 200 mg CBD and 10 mg THC reduced total sleep time and suppressed REM sleep in insomnia patients without impairing cognitive function, alertness, or simulated driving performance.
RCTNo Acute Effects of Cannabidiol on the Sleep-Wake Cycle of Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Acute administration of CBD does not interfere with the sleep cycle of healthy volunteers, supporting the proposal that CBD does not alter normal sleep architecture.
RCTThe use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials.
Cannabinoids may improve sleep quality, decrease sleep disturbances, and decrease sleep onset latency, but more research is needed to confirm their long-term effects and potential side effects.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe Safety and Comparative Effectiveness of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Formulations for the Improvement of Sleep: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.
Chronic use of a low dose of CBD is safe and could improve sleep quality, but its effects do not exceed those of 5 mg melatonin, and adding low doses of CBN and CBC may not enhance these effects.
RCT
Large Human TrialCannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for chronic insomnia disorder (‘CANSLEEP’ trial): protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, proof-of-concept trial
A single dose of an oral cannabis-based medicine (ETC120) containing 10 mg THC and 200 mg CBD may improve sleep and daytime function in individuals with chronic insomnia disorder.
RCTRigorous JournalCannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats
CBD increases wakefulness and decreases rapid eye movement sleep in rats, potentially benefiting sleep disorders like excessive somnolence.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedA Cannabidiol/Terpene Formulation That Increases Restorative Sleep in Insomniacs: A Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Crossover Pilot Study
An oral CBD-terpene formulation can increase slow wave sleep and REM sleep in insomniacs without affecting total sleep time and without causing adverse events.
RCT