Medically reviewed by Dr. Jen Palmer, ND -  Naturopathic Doctor

It’s deep into the night, the minute’s tick by on the clock, and the late-night talk shows have now become infomercials. But no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get to sleep. We’ve all been there, and it’s never fun.

A sleepless night can make the next day feel never-ending while lowering your cognitive function and weakening your immune system. If you occasionally struggle with getting to sleep or staying asleep, and conventional methods aren’t quite cutting it, then it might be time to try adding CBD to your daily routine.

Read more to learn how CBD oil and gummies for occasional sleeplessness can benefit you:

What Can Cause Occasional Sleeplessness?

Before we tackle ways to support healthy restful sleep every night, it's important to understand some of the most common causes of sleeplessness. Some you might find obvious, but others might surprise you.

Stress

One reason why many people have trouble falling asleep is their amount of stress. While it’s clear to most that stress has emotional repercussions and an effect on our mood, stress also has physiological consequences that are often overlooked. When a person is under pressure or in stressful situations, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that triggers the fight-or-flight response. Cortisol can give the body a burst of energy when needed, but too much cortisol can have a negative effect on sleep cycles. 

Caffeine 

A common factor in sleeplessness for most adults is caffeine use. While caffeine certainly has its merits as a mood enhancer and energy inducer, too much caffeine can cause sleeplessness and restlessness. Caffeine suppresses melatonin, an essential chemical in a person's sleep-wake cycle, and typically persists in the bloodstream for five to six hours. It’s best to limit caffeine consumption in the afternoon or evening because it will almost certainly have a detrimental effect on a person's sleep.

Inconsistent Waking and Sleeping Hours

Another factor that can contribute to sleeplessness, and one that is often overlooked, is inconsistent sleeping and waking times. The body and mind prefer routine, and sleep is no exception. When a person falls asleep at an inconsistent time, sleeplessness is a common result.

This is because the hormones that induce sleep are controlled by a person's circadian rhythm. If a person doesn’t keep their circadian rhythm consistent, then the hormones that induce sleep are released at inopportune times, which can make it hard to fall asleep when you want to. For this reason, it’s important to be consistent about when you fall asleep, wake up, and take your CBD.

Please take a look at the infographic below or read our article on sleep routines with CBD to learn more about the importance of creating and sticking to a CBD routine.

Occasional Anxiety 

Anxiety causes your mind to race with distressing thoughts during unoccupied periods of time.  In order to get restful and productive sleep, it’s best if the mind is clear and calm in the evening hours. If a person suffers from occasional anxiety that makes it difficult to sleep, Charlotte’s Web CBD oils can help to relax the mind and relieve stress so you can go to bed in peace.

Read our article on CBD for occasional anxiety to learn more about the relaxing and stress relieving benefits of CBD.

How Does CBD Help with Occasional Sleeplessness?

Now that we’ve identified some of the root causes of sleeplessness, it's time to examine how CBD and sleep go hand-in-hand. Research suggests that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the human body plays a role in regulating sleep cycles. CBD binds to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle and manage normal everyday stresses.*

In a study of 72 adults presenting with primary concerns of occasional anxiety or poor sleep, almost 80% of participants taking CBD had decreased anxiety scores in the first month. During that same time period, more than 65% of participants had improved sleep scores. This suggests regular consumption of CBD can help decrease stress and anxiety levels so that you can drift off to a blissful night’s sleep. 

What Are the Best CBD Options for Occasional Sleeplessness? 

If you’re ready to try CBD to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle*, then you may wonder which delivery methods or goods are the best choices. Both CBD gummies and CBD oils are a favorite amongst those seeking a sound night of shut-eye.

CBD Gummies for Sleep

Easy to consume, tasty, and with the added benefits of melatonin, our CBD sleep gummies are a top choice for those seeking deeper and more refreshing sleep. Consuming a few CBD gummies in the hours leading up to your preferred bedtime can ease you into the later evening before bed.

CBD Oil for Sleep

If you’re new to CBD, CBD oils range in potency and are a perfect way to find out what works best for your evening routine. Those familiar with CBD also find CBD oils useful since they can also provide some of the highest milligrams-per-dose of CBD delivery mechanisms. No matter your level of experience or personal preference, there is likely a CBD oil that’s right for you. Additionally, adding CBD oils to your wellness routine can support healthy sleep cycles — regardless of what the day throws at you.  

How Much CBD Should You Take for Sleep?

When determining if CBD can help you sleep, remember your body is unique, and one size definitely does not fit all — you need to understand how much CBD is right for you. We recommend you start with the serving size labeled on the CBD product of your choice and then gradually increase the amount you take after 4 weeks if you are not feeling the effects you’re looking for. We all exist at different states of wellbeing, so for someone whose ECS needs a little more support than someone else’s, it may take a while longer to see change. Learn more by reading our article on how long it takes for CBD to work.

Charlotte’s Web for Occasional Sleeplessness

The occasional sleepless night affects us all but understanding the root causes of sleeplessness and management of these causes can keep them to a minimum. If a holistic and safe approach to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is important to you, then consider adding Charlotte’s Web CBD to your evening routine.  To learn more about CBD, take a look at our line of CBD sleep gummies with melatonin, read our CBD 101 blog post, or drop us a line. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.