- Snoring may be caused by several factors, including allergies, alcohol usage, or prolonged nasal congestion(1).
- A study conducted on the effects of CBD on alertness and sleep showed that the compound may help decrease the rapid eye movement during sleep(2). Individuals who sleep during slow-wave or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are more prone to snoring(3).
- There are no direct studies demonstrating a relationship between CBD oil and snoring. Individuals may consult a physician before taking CBD to manage sleep issues like snoring.
See the Best CBD Oil for Snoring in 2022
CBD Oil for Snoring
CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant by extracting cannabidiol. CBD is then combined with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil. The compound CBD (cannabidiol) has been the subject of several studies in recent years because of its potential benefits on sleep(4).
CBD is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant.
CBD is recognized as one of the principal components in marijuana, besides THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC produces the euphoric effect or “high” that marijuana users experience(5).
The cause of snoring may be attributed to various conditions such as allergies, alcohol use, or persistent nasal congestion(6).
Other contributing factors of snoring include being overweight and having a low, thick, soft palate that narrows the airway(7). Snoring may also be caused by a medical ailment or a sleep issue(8).
There are no direct studies linking CBD oil and snoring. However, individuals should consult a physician before taking CBD to address snoring or other medical conditions.
Research About CBD Oil for Snoring
A few studies have examined how CBD may assist in promoting better sleep(9).
A recent study noted in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2018 investigated how CBD may help with sleep in individuals experiencing chronic pain and discomfort(10).
According to one research published in the journal FEBS Letters, CBD has the potential to promote alertness while simultaneously decreasing rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep(11).
Another study stated that individuals snore more during slow-wave and REM sleep, affecting nocturnal sleep and daily functioning(12).
In addition, an early study noted that if individuals suffer from a sleep disorder that causes them to snore, cannabinoids may provide them with the comfort they need(13). The animal research conducted at Illinois University analyzed the breathing habits of sleeping mice.
The study examined the effects of oleamide and THC on sleeping habits. The study showed that the more these cannabinoids were given to the mice, the more stable their sleep breathing was(14).
Oleamide is a naturally occurring primary amide of fatty acids that accumulate in the cerebrospinal fluid during sleep deprivation and produces physiological sleep(15).
Meanwhile, another study was conducted on humans using dronabinol, a synthetic cannabis extract(16).
The study noted that individuals who received a larger dose of the medicine experienced alleviation of the sleep apnea symptoms and sleep aid(17).
Snoring is often related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder(18).
However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine believes that medicinal marijuana should not be utilized to treat OSA(19).
More study is needed to validate the long-term impact of synthetic cannabis extracts on treating OSA.
Benefits of CBD for Snoring
The chemical compound CBD found in the plant is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties(20) and its ability to provide pain relief(21).
There have not been any studies on how CBD may help with snoring.
Due to the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders, CBD and THC, which are the main components of the cannabis plant, have been considered a potential therapy for sleep disorders(22).
Snoring can be mild, infrequent, and unremarkable, or it can be a symptom of a more severe underlying sleep-related respiratory issue(23).
Accumulating research suggests that the health benefits of CBD compounds may be associated with the compound’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)(24).
This biological system may regulate natural processes such as sleep(25) and anti-inflammation(26).
CBD is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant. THC is another well-known compound of cannabis.
While THC is psychoactive and may affect behavior, perception, and mood(27), CBD does not have similar mind-altering properties(28).
CBD and THC are both cannabinoids that have been proven to interact with two distinct kinds of cell membrane receptors involved in the body and brain’s endocannabinoid systems(29). These receptors are CB1 and CB2.
THC primarily operates on CB1 receptors, which are prevalent in the brain and may affect sensory perception, emotion, and cognition. Meanwhile, CBD interacts mainly with CB2 receptors(30), primarily present in the peripheral nervous system and organs.
Greater THC concentrations are associated with the “high” linked to marijuana use. Meanwhile, the presence of CBD may help reduce some of THC‘s psychoactive characteristics(31).
Moreover, Harvard University advised first-time cannabis users to use CBD extracted from hemp(32).
The 2018 Farm Bill indicates that CBD is lawful if it is derived from hemp and not if it is derived from cannabis (marijuana)(33).
High doses of CBD may help boost alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness. CBD may also manage sleep disorders such as REM sleep behavior disorder(34).
Therefore, when it comes to sleep, CBD shows excellent improvement with sleep problems(35).
How CBD Oil Compares to Alternative Treatments for Snoring
When managing snoring, health professionals often urge wellness and lifestyle changes.
Managing one’s weight(36), getting adequate sleep(37), and lowering or eliminating alcohol(38) intake may all assist in reducing or eliminating snoring when sleeping.
On the other hand, physicians may treat snoring associated with sleep apnea with oral equipment such as dental mouthpieces and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)(39). These oral equipment aid in improving the posture of the jaw, tongue, and soft palate to maintain an open-air route when sleeping.
Airway blockage in sleep apnea can affect breathing and cause heart rhythm problems. During an episode, the muscles in the chest and diaphragm work harder to open the airway(40).
CPAP is primarily used to treat snoring caused by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may induce side effects like congestion, runny nose, and dry mouth(41).
Moreover, the CPAP masks can potentially irritate the skin and cause pressure sores, so it is essential that individuals wear the equipment properly(42).
Meanwhile, consumers may use CBD oil with melatonin for sleep.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that controls the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle)(43).
For individuals who have trouble falling asleep, using CBD oil may assist them in falling asleep more quickly.
CBD oil with melatonin may be less harmful than sleeping pills. These pills may have side effects such as a change in appetite, mental impairment, uncontrollable shaking, and physical dependence(44).
Furthermore, since CBD may minimize the sleepy sensation, the compound may help individuals stay more alert throughout the day(45).
According to a study, cannabidiol activates the neurons in the hypothalamus, which controls the hormone system. The dorsal raphe nucleus, which is in charge of physiological control, functions to trigger alertness. CBD may also increase dopamine levels in the blood. This finding supports the use of this drug for managing sleep disorders(46).
Usage and Dosage
If CBD users opt to take CBD in managing snoring, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all dose recommendation.
Some data suggest that CBD works best when paired with THC, as users may experience the full health benefits of the entourage effect(47).
The entourage effect refers to the positive contribution that the addition of terpenes, or the compounds that produce the aroma of plants, makes to the effects of cannabinoids(48).
Meanwhile, it is advisable to begin with the smallest prescribed dose of CBD to acclimate to the substance and CBD’s effects(49).
According to the findings of one study, after completing their first monthly assessment on the use of CBD, 79.2% of patients experienced an overall improvement in sleep and anxiety. However, 15.3% and 25% experienced worsening of symptoms(50).
The researchers chose lower dosages of 25–175 milligram per dose (mg/d) than several clinical studies (300–600 mg/d). The researchers have found that smaller dosages seem to produce an appropriate clinical response. Second, the present retail price of CBD makes 600 mg/d unaffordable(51).
However, before visiting retail shops or dispensaries, it is crucial to understand that the appropriate CBD dosage for each person is dependent on a variety of variables(52). Before purchasing the compound, individuals should think about their weight, medical issues, and how much CBD is in the product.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not issued any recommendations or established any rigorous restrictions for CBD users(53).
Thus, meeting with a doctor and seeking medical advice may assist in determining the appropriate CBD dosage to minimize any possible adverse effects.
Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD
There is no significant evidence of any adverse effects on public health associated with pure CBD(54). However, it is critical to understand how CBD may interact with specific health problems.
Note that the use of CBD products may cause minor to severe side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, and headaches(55). CBD may help snoring and other associated medical conditions.
The FDA does not regulate CBD, so a product may be more or less potent than stated and may include trace quantities of THC(56).
When buying CBD products, it is prudent to search for third-party quality assurance seals or certifications of analysis(COA)(57).
Avoid CBD brands, which promise the ability of their CBD oil products to heal medical conditions. The sole FDA-approved medicine now available is Epidiolex, which was authorized in 2018 and is used to treat specific kinds of epilepsy(58).
Always visit a physician or healthcare professional before experimenting with new drugs or treatments for addressing sleep issues, like snoring.
Safety of Using CBD
This writing has no evidence to support a direct relationship between CBD consumption and snoring.
There have only been a few studies done on how the cannabis compound may be used to manage sleep disorders with snoring as a symptom(59).
The effects of CBD on deep sleep are still being investigated. However, more conclusive findings may benefit individuals whose deep sleep pattern is disturbed throughout the night.
Individuals interested in using CBD to alleviate snoring and other sleep disorders should consult with a doctor first to learn about the CBD’s possible side effects and how it may interact with other drugs and medical conditions.
Legality
CBD has been legalized since the 2018 Farm Bill when hemp-derived products were removed from the Controlled Substances Act(60).
On the other hand, CBD regulation varies by state in the United States. It is mainly determined by the quantity of THC. A less than 0.5% amount of THC concentration is considered legal in the United States(61).
Certain jurisdictions limit the sorts of products that may include CBD (e.g., food and drinks), while others control the labeling of CBD-containing products(62).
CBD legality varies by state(63). Thus, it is important for users to know how CBD is regulated in their state prior to using CBD products.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is a cannabinoid produced from the Cannabis sativa plant and one of over 80 recognized cannabinoids.
Because CBD does not contain THC, this cannabinoid does not induce the psychoactive “high” associated with marijuana plants(64).
Cannabis-derived CBD sold as “hemp oil” is federally legal in the United States so long as the products are manufactured from hemp and have less than 0.3 % THC(65).
Meanwhile, consumers may find different types of CBD in the market.
CBD isolates contain only CBD, while broad-spectrum and full-spectrum contain other cannabinoids. A full-spectrum CBD oil includes compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and CBD.
The “entourage effect” of full-spectrum CBD oil is hypothesized to contain qualities present throughout the whole plant and interact together to produce a compounding effect(66).
Consumers may also use other products like CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, and vapes.
The quality and concentration of CBD may differ. Hence, consumers should research before purchasing CBD oil and double-check the CBD label for the suggested dose before proceeding.
Causes of Snoring and Its Serious Effects
Factors contributing to snoring include mouth and sinus structure, alcohol intake, allergies, a cold, and weight(67).
Snoring occurs when muscles in the soft palate, tongue, and throat relax as an individual goes off to a deep slumber. Throat tissues might loosen and vibrate, partly blocking the airway.
The airflow grows stronger as the airway narrows and generates more tissue vibration and louder snoring.
The following conditions may induce snoring(68):
- Mouth anatomy: A low, thick, soft palate might restrict airflow. Obese individuals may have additional throat tissue that narrows their airways. Extending the triangular soft palate (uvula) may also restrict airflow and enhance the vibration.
- Alcoholism: Drinking too much alcohol before night might cause snoring. Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and reduces natural airway defenses.
- Nasal issues: Chronic nasal congestion or a deviated nasal septum may cause snoring.
- Insomnia: Insufficient sleep might cause throat relaxation.
- Sleep position: When individuals lie down, the impact of gravity on the throat narrows the airway, causing snoring.
Light snoring is not harmful to one’s health. The problems that cause individuals to snore, on the other hand, might lead to major consequences.
Snoring is one cause of a medical condition known as sleep apnea(69). This condition may also cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue, frequent headaches, dry mouth, and difficulty breathing throughout the night, among other symptoms(70).
A lack of treatment for sleep apnea with the symptoms of snoring may result in major health concerns such as heart disease, tiredness throughout the day, and diabetes if the health conditions are not addressed(71).
More clinical research, on the other hand, is necessary in order to fully grasp the effectiveness of CBD extract. Future research should also look at the possible adverse effects and safety of using CBD for an extended period of time.
Types Of Sleep Apnea
Snoring is one of the other symptoms of sleep apnea, in which breathing is interrupted or even stopped altogether during a good night’s sleep. An individual may gasp, produce distressing choking noises, or even regain consciousness(72).
Sleep apnea disturbs the sleep cycle, impairing the restorative biological processes during sleep(73).
Often, individuals are unaware they snore at all, unaware of how much their sleep cycle is disrupted.
Sleep apnea is classified as central sleep apnea(74) and obstructive sleep apnea(75).
Central sleep apnea is a condition when breathing stops and regularly begins throughout sleep(76).
Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to communicate properly with the muscles that regulate breathing and is different from obstructive sleep apnea(77).
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which an individual cannot breathe properly due to a blockage of the upper airway. Sleep apnea in the central nervous system is less prevalent than obstructive sleep apnea(78).
- Snoring
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/snoring/symptoms-causes/syc-20377694 - Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16844117/ - Sleep Architecture in Patients With Primary Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6026090/ - Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16844117/ - Handout: Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use
https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/TrainingPackage/MOD2/PhysicalandPsychEffectsSubstanceUse.pdf - Snoring
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/snoring/symptoms-causes/syc-20377694 - Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16844117/ - Ibid.
- Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16844117/ - Sleep Architecture in Patients With Primary Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6026090/ - Functional role for cannabinoids in respiratory stability during sleep
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12071539/ - Ibid.
- Oleamide: an endogenous sleep-inducing lipid and prototypical member of a new class of biological signaling molecules
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10197045/ - Medical Cannabis and the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5886446/ - Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- The endocannabinoid system in pain and inflammation: Its relevance to rheumatic disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685274/ - A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/ - Cannabinoid therapies in the management of sleep disorders: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079220300824 - Snoring and Sleep
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/snoring - Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2020.00125/full - Ibid.
- The endocannabinoid system in pain and inflammation: Its relevance to rheumatic disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685274/ - Handout: Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/TrainingPackage/MOD2/PhysicalandPsychEffectsSubstanceUse.pdf
- The endocannabinoid system in pain and inflammation: Its relevance to rheumatic disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685274/ - Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/ - Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694 - Handout: Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use
https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/TrainingPackage/MOD2/PhysicalandPsychEffectsSubstanceUse.pdf - Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 - Ibid.
- Using Marijuana As A Sleep Aid
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/natural-sleep-aids/marijuana-for-sleep - Cannabinoid therapies in the management of sleep disorders: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079220300824 - Treatment for snoring. Combined weight loss, sleeping on side, and nasal spray
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7750319/ - Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/getting-enough-sleep.html - Why Do I Snore When I Drink Alcohol?
https://www.tmjsleepapnea.com/blog/why-do-i-snore-when-i-drink-alcohol/ - Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21129-oral-appliance-therapy-for-sleep-apnea - Ibid.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482178/ - Ibid.
- Melatonin and Sleep
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin - Side Effects of Sleep Medication
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-medications/side-effects - CBD as a Sleep Aid
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/cbd-for-sleep - Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014579306008155 - The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/ - Ibid.
- CBD Dosing
https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing - Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/ - Ibid.
- Healing With CBD page 214
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - 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 - Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 - 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 - 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 - What is a CBD Certificate of Analysis and How to Read One?
https://www.frontierlabel.com/blog/what-is-a-cbd-certificate-of-analysis-and-how-to-read-one - 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 - Functional role for cannabinoids in respiratory stability during sleep
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12071539/ - The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/ - Ibid.
- 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 - CBD Legal States 2022
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cbd-legal-states - Handout: Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use
https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/TrainingPackage/MOD2/PhysicalandPsychEffectsSubstanceUse.pdf - 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 - The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/ - Snoring
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/snoring/symptoms-causes/syc-20377694 - Ibid.
- Sleep Apnea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631# - Obstructive sleep apnea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090 - Ibid.
- Sleep Apnea
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea - Circadian Biology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8231795/ - Central Sleep Apnea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/central-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352109 - Obstructive sleep apnea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090 - Central Sleep Apnea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/central-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352109 - Ibid.
- Ibid.