Which CBD oil to choose for better sleep?
If you've ever dreamed of falling into the arms of Morpheus, let us guide you through the labyrinth of different CBD oils available on the market, each with its own role in this ultimate quest: a peaceful night.
Welcome to the soothing world of CBD oil where well-being and tranquility intertwine to create a natural cocoon of restorative sleep. If you're struggling to find peaceful nights of rest, you've come to the right place. This article explores the different types of CBD oils available, allowing you to choose the one that could improve your sleep.
CBD oils offer a natural approach to addressing sleep problems. We will examine the differences between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD oils to help you understand which one might be best suited for your needs.
Discover how these oils can work in tandem with your body to soothe your mind and provide you with more tranquil nights of sleep. Quality sleep is within reach, let's dive together into the practical world of CBD oils and explore how they can become your ally for more restful nights.
Using CBD oil to improve sleep
If you're reading this article, it's probably because you've been promised a better night's sleep with CBD. Let's start by looking at why CBD oil can be considered your ally.
CBD oil contains several cannabinoids (120 in total in cannabis, including CBD, CBN, CBG...). These are active compounds of cannabis. Although CBD is the most abundant, CBN (cannabinol) would also play an important role in sleep.
Why choose CBD oil for sleep?
The brain has strange habits. Why does it always start racing just when you're about to go to bed? When you're experiencing a stressful situation, whether in your personal or professional life, your brain has a field day. Eyes wide open, in the dark, it keeps you awake, preventing you from joining dear Morpheus.
This is where CBD oil and its benefits come in:
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Anxiety reduction
CBD has a relaxing effect that can alleviate anxiety, thus promoting more peaceful sleep.
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Anti-stress effect
The anxiolytic effect of CBD could lead to a state of relaxation conducive to sleep. For some people, according to Nicolas Autier, "it is possible that this translates into an improvement in falling asleep without a hypnotic effect."
Sometimes, something else is keeping you from sleeping. CBD oil is also for that! During menstrual periods, for example, the pain is sometimes so intense that it involuntarily keeps you awake. CBD oil can help you.
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Pain relief
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD can help relieve chronic pain. Soothed, you fall asleep more easily.
Best practices for taking CBD oil
CBD oil can be used in different ways: as a massage, sublingually, or in food. Use massage for localized pain. It provides quick relief, but the effect will be short-lived.
When adding it to food, remember two things:
- CBD oil is fat-soluble (it dissolves well in fatty substances)
- CBD oil does not tolerate cooking well (avoid cakes!).
You can add a few drops to dairy products, for example, or to your herbal tea before bed.
Most often, you'll find that CBD oil is taken sublingually. This is how it is most effective. Since the tongue is composed of a multitude of blood vessels, the oil is absorbed more quickly. The effect is faster and your entire body benefits.
Place a few drops (or one by one, according to your preference) under the tongue, wait 1 minute for the mucous membrane of the tongue to be well impregnated, then swallow.
How long before feeling the effects?
It is estimated that the effects are felt within an average of about 15 to 20 minutes when taken sublingually. This can depend on the dose taken (we will see later how to determine the dosage). The effects felt will depend on the dosage, the way the oil is taken, and of course, individual tolerance.
When to take CBD oil
To improve sleep quality and promote more serene sleep, we advise you to take CBD oil drops sublingually at bedtime. If you usually read before falling asleep, take this into account! Place the oil drops under your tongue when you get into bed and read while the CBD takes effect.
The different CBD oils
You now understand why and how CBD oil can help you in your quest for sleep. It's time to look at the different oils available to know how to choose the most suitable one?
Full-spectrum CBD oil
Also called "full spectrum" CBD oil, it contains all the natural components of the hemp plant: CBD, CBG, CBN molecules, as well as flavonoids, terpenes, and THC. It is true that THC has psychoactive effects. However, it is found in infinitesimal quantities in full-spectrum oil. Please note that CBD oils authorized for sale in France have a THC content of less than 0.3%.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Also called: Broad Spectrum. This oil is similar to full-spectrum oil with one difference: it is completely free of THC. All other components are present: cannabinoids (mainly CBD but also CBN, CBG...), flavonoids, and terpenes.
Ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes without any trace of THC.
CBD Isolate Oil
Cannabidiol isolate is obtained after supercritical C02 extraction from cannabis. It is the purest form of CBD (99.9%) and comes in white crystal form.
You can thus find CBN oil (cannabinol), or CBD + CBN, on certain websites. Without going into technical details, know that CBN is a cannabinoid not present in the "fresh" hemp plant. It is obtained by oxidation of THC. Either by drying the flowers in the sun, or by other less natural processes. Full and broad spectrum CBD oils naturally contain it (unlike CBD isolate).
The advantages and disadvantages of each CBD oil
Full Spectrum Oil
This oil brings together all the benefits of the hemp plant. It capitalizes on the entourage effect. Each component interacts with the others to amplify the benefits of each.
The disadvantage of this oil mainly lies in the presence of THC, which is a major drawback for anyone subject to drug screenings. Some might also say its taste is a bit more pronounced, but today, with different vegetable oil compositions (hazelnut, hemp, etc.), the taste is much more varied.
Broad-spectrum oil
As you now know, this oil contains 0% THC. However, it benefits from all the advantages of the other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes contained in the cannabis plant, and thus from the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is the synergy between all the components of the cannabis plant. The combined effects of cannabinoids can thus be more powerful or effective than those of each compound taken individually.
If you are subject to drug screenings (e.g., public service, drivers/truckers, healthcare professions...), this oil is perfect for you !
CBD isolate oil
As we explained above, this oil contains only cannabidiol. This form may seem to be the most appropriate because it is highly concentrated in CBD, but nothing could be further from the truth! It is often cheaper, but it is also less effective because it does not benefit from the entourage effect.
Important information to remember is that:
- The entourage effect is better for the effectiveness of CBD oil.
- Broad Spectrum oils are THC-free.
Criteria to consider when choosing the right CBD oil?
Determining the correct dosage
When using any form of CBD, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase (in increments of 10 mg every 2 days) until the desired effect is achieved.
For better effectiveness, we will help you determine your dosage. You may have noticed that there are different percentages: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% (Note: 30% oils are now prohibited for sale).
A 5% CBD oil contains 500 mg of CBD in a 10 ml vial; a 10% oil contains 1000 mg of CBD...
To calculate the dosage per drop, you can refer to this table:
| Quantity | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ml | 50 mg | 100 mg | 150 mg | 200 mg |
| 1 drop | 2.5 mg | 5 mg | 7.5 mg | 10 mg |
Next, you'll consider your weight.
To help you, you can start with an average dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day.
For example, for a 60kg person taking 10% CBD oil: 5 to 6 drops sublingually before bed are sufficient.
NB: For non-prescription use, for well-being, the recommended maximum dosage is 50 mg per day.
However, in the context of responsible self-medication and with the support of a healthcare professional, this dosage can be higher and reach a maximum of 150 mg/day.
Validation by a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist) is necessary regarding the risks associated with side effects and potential drug interactions. (ref, Le petit livre du CBD, Nicolas Autier).
Product origin and quality
As with many agricultural products, it is advisable to choose substances from organic farming to avoid any chemicals in the body.
Also, pay attention to the extraction method. It is important that it is as clean as possible: for the planet and for the plant! This allows the hemp plant's molecules to be preserved as naturally as possible and avoids any post-extraction additions.
Also, prioritize "made in France". Cultivation is controlled, and the organic label is highly monitored.
Now you know more about CBD oil, its specificities, its benefits, and its uses.
When you have sleep problems, it's tempting to look for a miracle cure. CBD oil can help you fall asleep peacefully. It is a natural solution that has proven effective for many consumers. It promotes sleep onset and general well-being.
However, it is not miraculous!
Use it in specific cases: chronic pain that prevents you from falling asleep (like periods), periods of stress or anxiety, difficult life moments. Accompany this use with good habits: a little daily walking, avoid heavy meals in the evening, avoid screens before sleeping... If your problems persist, consult a professional.
