CBD Oil for Dreams - April 2024

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an organic compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and other cannabinoids like terpenes and flavonoids. CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component found in marijuana⁽⁴⁾. 

CBD oil is a product that comprises cannabidiol extract plus an oil, such as coconut oil, and is often used topically⁽⁵⁾. 

Concentrations of CBD can be obtained from hemp or marijuana plants. Hemp is classified as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) on a dry weight basis.

CBD-based therapies exhibit promising results in a wide variety of therapeutic uses in preclinical research⁽⁶⁾.

CBD may possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects in humans, including antipsychotic, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and procognitive properties⁽⁷⁾.

CBD, like all cannabinoids, operates on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽⁸⁾. The ECS mechanism maintains the body’s equilibrium or homeostasis.

CBD Effects on Dreams

CBD administration was evaluated in a clinical trial, and the results indicated that cannabidiol did not appear to disrupt sleep-wake cycles⁽⁹⁾. 

Findings from studies support the hypothesis that CBD does not affect normal sleep architecture or sleep patterns, including having dreams⁽¹⁰⁾.

According to a preliminary study on cannabis and insomnia, cannabidiol may have medicinal and therapeutic promise for sleeplessness and insomnia⁽¹¹⁾.

CBD, however, may affect the rapid eye movement stage (REM stage)⁽¹²⁾. This effect indicates an increase in time spent dreaming during sleep phases. 

CBD may have therapeutic potential in treating REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime drowsiness⁽¹³⁾.

Evidence points toward a calming effect of CBD in the central nervous system. Studies indicated the putative anxiolytic effect of CBD as anxiety was reduced while the quality of sleep improved over time⁽¹⁴⁾. 

CBD’s interaction with the ECS through CB1 and CB2 receptors may affect bodily functions. This action may lead to a relaxed state and better sleep quality⁽¹⁵⁾.

In terms of sleep, research has shown that CBD administration does not appear to interfere with the natural sleep cycle⁽¹⁶⁾.

The majority of a person’s dreaming happens in REM sleep. During this stage of sleep, mixed frequency brain wave activity becomes more similar to that evident in wakefulness. Breathing becomes more rapid and irregular, and heart rate and blood pressure rise to levels consistent with awakening⁽¹⁷⁾.  

Cannabis and sleep research is in its infancy and has produced inconsistent findings. An additional controlled and longitudinal study is necessary to improve one’s understanding of the findings and their clinical consequences⁽¹⁸⁾.

What Does Scientific Literature Say About the Effects of CBD on Dreams?

CBD oil has shown promise in reducing anxiety, seemingly affecting a person’s sleeping pattern⁽¹⁹⁾. 

CBD may interact with serotonin and GABA receptors, as serotonin is involved in mood and anxiety regulation. GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms the brain’s excitation, resulting in relaxation and drowsiness⁽²⁰⁾.

CBD has been linked to reducing anxiety levels in studies⁽²¹⁾. Many CBD users report falling asleep more rapidly after consuming the compound. 

Additionally, some studies suggest that sleep quality may be improved, resulting in increased energy levels and wakefulness⁽²²⁾.

CBD may significantly contribute to a much easier time falling asleep. Research findings indicate CBD’s effects on sleep appear to be mostly dose-dependent⁽²³⁾. 

According to the study, low amounts of CBD may actually be arousing, whereas a high dose may induce deeper sleep, a requirement of REM sleep⁽²⁴⁾.

Survey findings indicated how CBD was effective for stress, sleep problems, and anxiety in those who used the drug for those conditions. According to this survey, CBD users took the compound to alleviate self-perceived worry, insomnia, tension, and other symptoms⁽²⁵⁾. 

In a large case study on CBD, anxiety, and sleep, the average age of patients with anxiety was 34 years, whereas patients with sleep difficulties averaged 36.5 years. 

At the start of CBD treatment, all patients completed sleep and anxiety assessments. For the majority of patients, anxiety and sleep improved on average, and these improvements were sustained over time⁽²⁶⁾. Sleep improvement is crucial to REM, the phase where dreams take place during the sleep cycle.

Indeed recent study has established that the type of cannabinoids (THC and CBD), their ratio, dosage, timing, and method of administration all have a vital influence on the outcome of research on the effects of CBD on the circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle⁽²⁷⁾.

Why Do Some Individuals Claim CBD Gives Them Nightmares?

There is currently minimal research that states CBD may cause nightmares.

CBD does not prevent dreams, nor is there evidence associating CBD usage with disturbing dreams, nightmares, or any other irregular dreaming event⁽²⁸⁾. 

Although most studies did not include a validated measure of sleep, most research indicated a significant and positive impact of cannabinoid administration on sleep⁽²⁹⁾.

Anecdotal reports suggested improved sleep, although this improvement was no longer significant at the end of the experiment in two studies. In contrast, one study did not report on sleep per se but showed a reduction in bad dreams⁽³⁰⁾.

Indeed, numerous research studies indicate that CBD may be beneficial for promoting healthy, quality sleep⁽³¹⁾.

A randomized trial determined that CBD “did not affect normal sleep architecture.” The placebo-controlled, double-blind study stated that CBD “did not appear to interfere with the sleep cycle of healthy individuals⁽³²⁾.

In a clinical trial, it was indicated that the majority of patients receiving a synthetic cannabinoid experienced either disappearance of nightmares or a considerable reduction in nightmare intensity. Some patients reported improvements in sleep time, sleep quality, and the reduction of daytime flashbacks and night sweats⁽³³⁾. 

• Lucid Dreams

The experience of reaching conscious awareness of dreaming while still asleep is known as lucid dreaming. Non-lucid dreams in REM sleep are regarded to be the source of lucid dreams⁽³⁴⁾

Published surveys indicate that approximately 55% of individuals have had at least one lucid dream during their lifetime, while 23% of people have lucid dreams at least once a month or more⁽³⁵⁾. 

Several studies argue that lucid dreams may be harmful to mental health because they disrupt sleep and cause dreamers to blur the line between reality and fantasy.

• Vivid Dreams

These are dreams that people may remember clearly because of their severe intensity. Occasionally, however, one may awaken with vivid memories of their unusual or weird dreams.

Vivid dreams can be fantastical, leaving an individual perplexed as to how the brain conjured such a strange scenario. Additionally, vivid dreams can be upsetting or disturbing and, in some cases, may interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.

• Nightmares

Nightmares refer to a disturbing dream associated with negative emotions, such as anxiety or fear, that causes a sleeping person to awaken. Although nightmares are more prevalent in children, they can occur at any age(36).

Nightmares typically begin in children between the ages of three and six and gradually diminish after ten. Specific individuals develop them as adults or throughout their lives⁽³⁷⁾.

Nightmare disorder, when frequent, causes distress, impairs daytime functioning, disrupts sleep, or instills fear of falling asleep⁽³⁸⁾.

CBD may not be suggested as a sleep aid. However, the current review examines the pharmacological properties of CBD with significant findings. This compound has raised potential pharmacological properties as a wake-inducing medication⁽³⁹⁾. 

In a study examining a group of patients in a clinical setting, the researchers used CBD to treat anxiety or sleep disturbances⁽⁴⁰⁾. CBD appears to reduce anxiety. CBD’s putative anxiolytic properties may help improve sleep quality⁽⁴¹⁾.

  There remains a substantial need for rigorous, extensive multi-center studies to assess the potential therapeutic benefit of cannabinoids on sleep issues⁽⁴²⁾.

Researchers who want to pursue further research regarding CBD and its effect on dreams may want to refer to anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies examining how this active ingredient of cannabis has allegedly helped individuals experience restful sleep. 

CBD Dosage and Effects

Using CBD oil with a chosen route of administration should be tailored to the individual’s pre-existing needs or medical conditions⁽⁴³⁾.

Sublingual CBD oil administration is accomplished by spraying or dropping CBD oil or tinctures beneath the tongue and on the cheeks⁽⁴⁴⁾.

This procedure is comparable to the topical application of CBD creams, oils, salves, balms, and sprays, as the onset occurs between 15 and 30 minutes⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Vaporization is the process of creating a cloud of visible vapor to inhale or vape cannabis extracts.

This mode of action necessitates using a vape to accelerate the onset of action by two to 15 minutes⁽⁴⁶⁾. Keep in mind that vaping increases the risk of developing respiratory symptoms resulting in lung damage⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Consuming CBD-infused edibles such as gummies or other CBD-infused foods and beverages results in a more gradual onset of action through the stomach and liver enzymes. The effects typically take 30 and 90 minutes to manifest⁽⁴⁸⁾.

Additionally, CBD is available in three distinct forms. A full-spectrum CBD extract contains every component found naturally in the cannabis plant, including the psychoactive THC⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil is comparable to full-spectrum CBD oil. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil has been purified of THC, whereas CBD isolate or pure CBD contains only cannabidiol⁽⁵⁰⁾.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has approved Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved medicine to contain a pure psychoactive ingredient derived from marijuana⁽⁵¹⁾.

Apart from Epidiolex, the legal status of CBD varies, and research into its pharmacology and health benefits continues⁽⁵²⁾.

In addition, the dosages used in research studies differ, and there is no agreement on the specific mg of CBD that should be used to induce sleep. Individuals considering using CBD should seek medical advice from healthcare professionals.

Side Effects and Risks

Some may experience fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weariness, drowsiness, and exhaustion when consuming CBD– all possible side effects of cannabidiol use⁽⁵³⁾.

Furthermore, CBD may interact with other medications⁽⁵⁴⁾. Drug-drug interactions between the CBD product and the individual’s currently prescribed medications may result in adverse side effects.

The FDA does not regulate CBD extracts and CBD products⁽⁵⁵⁾. Hence, if an individual wants to consume products infused with CBD, it is essential to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals to prevent adverse side effects.

Legality

CBD found in all cannabis plants is derived from either hemp or marijuana. However, CBD products are only federally legal if derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC^(56).

Moreover, the Farm Bill removed hemp, which includes low-THC derivatives of cannabis, from the definition of marijuana⁽⁵⁷⁾.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is examining CBD as a new drug. Considering that a wide range of CBD products is available in different parts of the United States, CBD’s legal status has remained uncertain⁽⁵⁸⁾.

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1. The effects of cannabinoid administration on sleep https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/The%20effects%20of%20cannabinoid%20administration%20on%20sleep-a%20systematic.pdf
2. Page 177 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
3. Ibid.
4. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
5. CBD Oil — Are the Benefits Claimed Too Good To Be True? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cbd-oil-benefits/
6. Healing with CBD page 20 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
7. The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62431
8. What are cannabinoids?
   https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cannabinoids/#
9. No Acute Effects of Cannabidiol on the Sleep-Wake Cycle of Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895650/
10. ibid
11. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/#:
12. Effect of cannabidiol on sleep disruption induced by the repeated combination tests consisting of open field and elevated plus-maze in rats https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21867717/#
13. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/#
14. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/#:
15. Page 177 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
16. No Acute Effects of Cannabidiol on the Sleep-Wake Cycle of Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895650/
17. REM sleep: A biological and psychological paradox https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3091378/
18. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/
19. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
20. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
21. The anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol in chronically stressed mice are mediated by the endocannabinoid system: Role of neurogenesis and dendritic remodeling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29510186/
22. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
23. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/s11920-017-0775-9.pdf
24. ibid
25. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
26. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
27. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/s11920-017-0775-9.pdf
28. No Acute Effects of Cannabidiol on the Sleep-Wake Cycle of Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895650/
29. The effects of cannabinoid administration on sleep https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/The%20effects%20of%20cannabinoid%20administration%20on%20sleep-a%20systematic.pdf
30. ibid
31. ibid
32. ibid
33. The Use of a Synthetic Cannabinoid in the Management of Treatment-Resistant Nightmares in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00071.x
34. Lucid Dreaming: A State of Consciousness with Features of Both Waking and Non-Lucid Dreaming https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2737577/
35. Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50 years of research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053810016301283
36. Nightmare disorder https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353515#
37. ibid
38. ibid
39. Potential Effects of Cannabidiol as a Wake-Promoting Agent https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023456/
40. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
41. ibid
42. Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8116407/
43. Healing with CBD page 185, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
44. ibid page 207
45. ibid page 193
46. ibid page 190
47. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
48. Healing with CBD page 204 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
49. Healing with CBD page 80 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
50. Ibid page 80
51. FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare#:
52. ibid
53. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
54. CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
55. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
56. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
57. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
58. FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process

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