Does cbd make you sleepy
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Does CBD Make You Sleepy?
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic effects, including its impact on sleep. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to address whether CBD induces sleepiness.
CBD and Sleep Quality Improvement
Several studies indicate that CBD can improve sleep quality. A randomized controlled trial involving 1,793 adults experiencing sleep disturbances found that chronic use of low-dose CBD (15 mg) significantly improved sleep quality over a four-week period . Another study reported that eight weeks of daily 50 mg CBD supplementation improved sleep quality in healthy, college-aged individuals. These findings suggest that CBD may enhance sleep quality, although the effects do not surpass those of melatonin .
CBD's Effect on Sleep-Wake Cycle
Research on the sleep-wake cycle presents mixed results. A study on rats showed that acute systemic administration of CBD increased total sleep time and sleep latency during the light period. However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on healthy human subjects found no significant effect of a clinically anxiolytic dose of CBD (300 mg) on the sleep-wake cycle. This discrepancy highlights the need for further research to understand CBD's impact on sleep architecture in different populations.
CBD and REM Sleep
CBD's influence on REM sleep varies with dosage. Medium to high doses of CBD have been shown to increase REM sleep latency, while medium-low doses decrease it. In a study involving rats, a high dose of CBD (40 mg/kg) increased REM sleep latency, whereas a lower dose (10 mg/kg) decreased it. Additionally, a combination of CBD and THC (200 mg CBD and 10 mg THC) significantly decreased total sleep time and REM sleep duration in patients with insomnia. These findings suggest that CBD can alter REM sleep, but the effects are dose-dependent and may be influenced by the presence of other cannabinoids.
CBD and Daytime Sleepiness
Interestingly, CBD may also counteract excessive daytime sleepiness. Preliminary data from a study on hypocretin-deficient rats, a model for narcolepsy, showed that CBD administration blocked sleepiness during the lights-off period. This suggests that CBD might have alerting properties, potentially making it beneficial for conditions characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
Conclusion
The current body of research indicates that CBD can improve sleep quality and alter sleep architecture, particularly REM sleep, depending on the dosage. While some studies suggest that CBD may induce sleepiness, others indicate it could enhance alertness, especially in conditions like narcolepsy. Further longitudinal and controlled studies are necessary to fully understand CBD's impact on sleep and its potential therapeutic applications.
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