Compare the Best CBD Oil for Sleep in 2022

How CBD May Help With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, sometimes called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is defined as a sleep disorder in which an individual’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted while they are asleep⁽¹⁾. 

The disorder causes symptoms like insomnia, daytime drowsiness, headaches, and snoring.

Based on a 2018 study, cannabidiol (CBD) may have properties beneficial to individuals suffering from sleep disorders⁽²⁾. 

Additionally, a 2020 clinical study has suggested that cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may help in managing sleep disorders⁽³⁾. 

CBD and THC may interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽⁴⁾. This interaction may influence anxiety, mood, and the body’s circadian rhythm. 

The circadian rhythm, also called the circadian cycle, is a natural and biological process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle⁽⁵⁾. 

Sleep disorders may result from a disturbance of the circadian rhythm⁽⁶⁾.

Aside from the ECS, cannabinoids may also interact with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

The activation of CB1 receptors is hypothesized to impact sleep regulation and sleep cycle⁽⁷⁾. An animal study noted that the interaction between cannabinoids and CB1 receptors affects the hamsters’ circadian rhythms⁽⁸⁾.

There is no current clinical research on the effects of cannabidiol on sleep apnea. However, studies have indicated that CBD may potentially reduce symptoms and complications that may result from the medical condition, such as insomnia⁽⁹⁾. 

 

Benefits of Using CBD for Sleep Apnea

A study on cannabis and insomnia has indicated that the use of cannabidiol (CBD) may have possible therapeutic benefits for insomnia⁽¹⁰⁾.

The same study also suggested that CBD has a possibly beneficial effect on REM (rapid eye movement) sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness⁽¹¹⁾.  

REM sleep is when brain activity is at its peak. During REM sleep, the brain exercises essential neural connections that enhance an individual’s mental health and overall well-being⁽¹²⁾.  

Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep and hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness are symptoms commonly associated with sleep apnea⁽¹³⁾.

A study in 2019 discussed CBD’s calming effects on the central nervous system. Individuals suffering from anxiety and sleep problems were given 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD capsules. Results indicated that individuals experienced improved sleep and reduced anxiety⁽¹⁴⁾.

Another study stated that participants reported better quality sleep after taking 160 milligrams of CBD compared to individuals who took a placebo, or a drug with no therapeutic effect(15).

Another common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is anxiety and depression⁽¹⁶⁾.

A study has stated that CBD may significantly regulate anxiety- and depressive-related behaviors of animal models⁽¹⁷⁾. 

The administration of CBD may result in reduced anxiety, depression, and stress-related behaviors. 

The research suggests that CBD may provide therapeutic benefits for dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and related psychotic disorders⁽¹⁸⁾.

The mentioned animal studies on the benefits of cannabidiol may sound promising. However, future research on the effects of CBD on humans is warranted. 

The American Migraine Foundation stated that individuals with sleep apnea also experience headaches related to the disorder. 

Individuals are woken up by these headaches, resulting in feelings of tiredness and unrest despite having a whole good night’s sleep⁽¹⁹⁾.

Obstructive sleep apnea also occurs more often in individuals who suffer from nightly nasal congestions due to narrowed airways⁽²⁰⁾.

Mucosal inflammation may be responsible for the numerous distinct and interrelated factors that lead to congestion and increased nasal secretions⁽²¹⁾.

Meanwhile, recent studies have shown that CBD may contain anti-inflammatory properties⁽²²⁾. 

Thus, CBD may have the potential to help with nasal congestion, a condition that may cause a higher risk of developing sleep apnea⁽²³⁾. 

Overweight individuals also have a higher risk of suffering from sleep apnea due to the excess fats around the upper airway obstructing the individual’s breathing⁽²⁴⁾. 

A study in 2020 hypothesized that CBD may have potential anti-obesity properties due to the way the compound affects lipid (fat) and glucose (sugar) metabolism through the interaction with various cannabinoid receptors⁽²⁵⁾. 

Despite that, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) strongly opposes the use of medical cannabis and cannabinoids in dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. 

The AASM stated that the objection was due to the clinical trials and research on CBD and obstructive sleep apnea having insufficient evidence and unreliable delivery methods⁽²⁶⁾.

Individuals with sleep apnea are strongly advised to consult with their physician or any authorized sleep facility before taking CBD for their medical condition.  

How to Take CBD for Sleep Apnea

CBD comes in varied forms, such as CBD tinctures, edibles, like CBD gummies, topicals, and vapes. The effectiveness of CBD may depend on the individual’s weight, metabolism, and diet. 

CBD Edibles

Edibles such as CBD gummies work by allowing the compound to pass through your gastrointestinal tract before it enters your bloodstream. 

This method may offer a convenient way to consume CBD for symptoms of sleep apnea, such as insomnia, as CBD edibles’ effects may last all night⁽²⁷⁾. 

CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures or CBD oil are made by infusing cannabis into carrier oils, like olive oils, coconut oil, and MCT oil⁽²⁸⁾.  

Tinctures are then applied sublingually or directly under the tongue. You should wait for one to two minutes before swallowing⁽²⁹⁾. 

CBD Vapes

CBD may also be inhaled using vape pens. It is the fastest way to feel the benefits of the compound. 

The vapor goes straight from your lungs into the bloodstream⁽³⁰⁾.

However, smoking and vaping have been linked to the development of severe lung diseases, so caution is advised⁽³¹⁾.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals, like lotions and CBD creams, are applied to the desired area on the skin for localized relief of minor or chronic pains⁽³²⁾, such as headaches caused by sleep apnea. 

Dosage

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA does not recognize CBD as a form of medical treatment for sleep illnesses such as sleep apnea⁽³³⁾. 

Therefore, there is no set dosage for CBD or any CBD product. 

Generally, individuals should begin by taking a low dose of CBD then gradually increase to higher doses if there are no substantial side effects. 

According to a study from Current Drug Safety, doses from around 1mg to 1,500 mg of CBD per day are tolerated well by humans⁽³⁴⁾.

Nonetheless, you should discuss with your doctor the best CBD dosage for your medical condition.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Sleep Apnea?

The CBD form, dosage, and administration method may determine how long it takes for CBD products to affect the system.  

CBD tinctures, administered sublingually (under the tongue) using a dropper before swallowing, may require around 15 to 30 minutes before taking effect⁽³⁵⁾.

Edibles such as CBD gummies and pills may take effect within 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion⁽³⁶⁾.

CBD may also be inhaled through smoking or vaping, which is the fastest method of feeling the effects of CBD, taking around 2 to 15 minutes⁽³⁷⁾.

Note that vaping may cause potential health risks like severe pulmonary diseases⁽³⁸⁾, so caution is advised. 

Meanwhile, CBD topicals, such as creams and balms, are applied to the skin for localized pain relief. These products may require 10 to 15 minutes before CBD takes effect⁽³⁹⁾.

You should consult a medical professional before using any CBD products for sleep apnea. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Sleep Apnea?

There are no official studies on how long the effects of CBD may last in your system to help with sleep apnea. 

The compound’s effects may remain in the system depending on the dosage of CBD, the frequency of its consumption, and the method of administration⁽⁴⁰⁾.

How to Choose the Right CBD for Sleep Apnea

You should take of note these factors when choosing the best CBD oil for sleep apnea:

CBD Extracts 

CBD extracts are categorized into three types: full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the extracts of cannabis plants, including flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids. This type also has less than 0.3% THC concentration⁽⁴¹⁾.

Flavonoids give antioxidant properties to plant compounds, whereas terpenes provide a unique fragrance to plants. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oil has almost the same contents as full-spectrum CBD oil. The only difference is that broad-spectrum CBD oil has only a small amount of THC or is entirely THC-free. 

Lastly, CBD isolates are pure form cannabidiol usually extracted from Cannabis sativa.

Hemp Source

A CBD product with an unverified hemp source may contain harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), that pose a considerable health risk when ingested. 

Therefore choosing non-GMO CBD products or organic hemp manufactured and produced by trusted CBD brands is vital. 

Colorado and Los Angeles are some states that have a large market for CBD products and medical marijuana. 

Carrier Oils 

After being extracted from the hemp plant, cannabidiol or hemp extracts are infused into carrier oils, like coconut, hemp seed, or MCT oil.

The oils contained in CBD oil products have fatty acids and a moisturizing effect. 

Third-Party Lab Testing  

CBD brands should undergo a thorough evaluation through third-party lab testing. 

These tests examine the product for pesticides and heavy metals that may be harmful to consumers. 

Trusted CBD companies that produce high-quality CBD products provide certificates of analysis (COA) on their websites. 

COAs are third-party lab results that show the CBD product’s actual content. 

CBD and Safety for Sleep Apnea

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD to treat sleep apnea. 

However, a World Health Organization (WHO) report states that CBD is safe and well tolerated by the body⁽⁴²⁾. 

Still, if you experience sleep apnea symptoms or any related medical conditions, it is best to seek advice from a licensed medical professional first.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Sleep Apnea

CBD may contain a grapefruit warning. Thus, the effects of the following medications may be hindered by the use of CBD⁽⁴³⁾.

• Antibiotics
• Pain medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol medications

The interaction between the grapefruit and medication may vary in severity, depending on the drugs’ composition, amount of grapefruit consumed, and an individual’s health condition⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Legality of CBD

The only FDA-approved cannabis-derived medication is Epidiolex. 

It is a prescription drug for treating seizures associated with two rare forms of childhood epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)⁽⁴⁵⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill states that CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the United States⁽⁴⁶⁾.

 Before purchasing CBD products with THC, you should check your state laws if they are allowed.