CBD,also known as cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp. It does not contain THC and is said to have several benefits, including that it helps combat sleep disorders. Thanks to its relaxing effect, CBD is said to provide longer-lasting and more restful sleep. Most of the time, oils are chosen, which should taken in the correct dose in order to take advantage of the effects while avoiding the risk of overdose. So, how many drops of CBD should be taken to fall asleep? The answer to this question can be found in this article for learning about the ideal dose of CBD oil!
What are the alleged effects of CBD on sleep?
Cannabidiol is thought to interact with receptors in the brain that are linked to the feeling of pain, anxiety, and distress. Through this interaction, CBD is thought to provide a calming effect, making it easier to fall asleep. This calming action could also be effective for other disorders, with potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. By relieving stress and pain, CBD could therefore be very beneficial when it comes to sleep: it could help people fall asleep more easily and quickly. However, these benefits have yet to be scientifically proven, although the WHO’s research is encouraging: their World Health Organization report from 2018 mentions thatCBD oil can be used for its "neuroprotective (...), anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, and even anti-tumour properties".
CBD dosage and sleep: how does it work?
Choosing the right dosage
How many drops of CBD should be taken to fall asleep? It is essential to know how to answer this question and what dosage of CBD to take: even if there is no THC (less than 0.2%) or psychotropic effects, taking cannabidiol will still have an impact on your body. With the right dosage of CBD for sleep, you will maintain a healthy and well-balanced body. If you take too much, you may disrupt this balance, and if the dose is too low, the potential benefits will not be felt. There is no universal dosage that works for everyone. You must adapt it according to:
● the concentration of the CBD oil used;
● your weight and percentage of body fat;
● the intensity of your sleep disorder;
● the dosage indicated on your bottle of oil.
Calculating the amount of CBD in a drop of oil
The first step is to determine the amount of CBD in a single drop of oil. Depending on the variety and brand, the oils contain a different quantity, with varying percentages of cannabidiol. Thus, the number of drops of CBD required to fall asleep will vary depending on the concentration in a single drop. To determine the amount, there is a very simple calculation: divide the total amount of CBD by the number of drops in the bottle (a 10ml bottle with 5% CBD contains 500 mg of CBD and provides about 200 drops, which gives 2.5 mg of CBD per drop). Based on the percentages, the following results are obtained:
● 5% CBD oil: 2.5 mg per drop.
● 10% CBD oil: 5 mg per drop.
● 15% CBD oil: 7.5 mg per drop.
● 25% CBD oil: 12.5 mg per drop.
Adapt the dosage for your weight
Another factor that comes into play when looking at how many drops of CBD to take to fall asleep is your weight. Generally, between 1 mg and 6 mg of CBD per 5kg of body weight is recommended. However, for people with a large body mass, greater quantities can be used. On average, the dosage of CBD required to fall asleep is:
● 5 mg to 15 mg for an individual weighing 45 to 70 kg;
● 15 mg to 25 mg for an individual weighing 70 to 90 kg;
● 20 mg-33 mg for an individual weighing 90kg or more.
Thus, consuming CBD oil to fall asleep is unique for everyone and should be tailored to individual needs. Two people of the same weight will not react to hemp in the same way.
Be patient and listen to your body
Start with a weak oil, take just a few drops, and observe your body’s reaction. If necessary, you can gradually increase the amount and monitor the results until the desired effect is achieved. Some people may feel the first effects of CBD quickly, while others may have to wait up to 7 days. Therefore, you should always monitor the impact of taking CBD on your body over a period of several days (ideally a week), before establishing and setting your final dosage.
Each sleep disorder has its own CBD dosage
Before you find the right amount of CBD to improve the quality of your sleep, you first need to define the origin of your issues and insomnia. The recommended dose of CBD will depend partly on your symptoms. Cannabidiol could help relieve physical pain, relax muscles and reduce headaches, etc. There are many little things that can negatively affect the quality of your sleep! Anxiety, also a source of insomnia, is said to be reduced. For example, for mild stress, 2.5 mg of CBD per day is often recommended, whereas 50 mg is recommended for more serious conditions such as recurrent insomnia.
How many drops of CBD should be taken to achieve a good nights’ sleep: 3 solutions
To determine how many drops of CBD should be taken to fall asleep, you have 3 options (please note that the indications are for a 60 kg person and must therefore be adapted according to the factors mentioned above):
● Microdosing: These small doses are suitable for mild needs, such as relief for nausea, headaches or stress, and for first-time use. They alleviate sleep and mood disorders. Generally 0.5 to 20 mg of CBD should be taken per day depending on your weight, using oils with a 5 or 10% concentration. The quantity is 12 drops for 5% oils or 6 drops for 10% oils.
● Standard doses: these standard doses relieve pain, inflammation, and anxiety. For average CBD requirements, oils with a 15 or 25% concentration can be consumed and up to 8 drops per day can be taken.
● Macrodosing: for the most acute conditions, such as severe pain or health concerns, this great need for CBD means consuming between 200 mg and 800 mg per day, which is up to 9 drops of 20% oil.
You must obtain a doctor’s recommendation before starting macrodosing. As a general rule, consulting a healthcare professional before consuming CBD products is strongly recommended. You are thus supported in the best possible way, depending on your needs. Please bear in mind that CBD is neither a medicine or a treatment for diseases.
How to administer CBD oil in drops
How to use CBD to achieve better sleep ? If you are unsure about the method of administration, don’t worry. It’s actually quite simple: to benefit from CBD oil’s alleged properties, all you need to do is take the right number of drops sublingually, under the tongue. The mucous membrane in this area allows CBD to act more quickly and penetrate the body effectively. The effects should be felt after 2 to 4 hours. It is perfectly acceptable to take it several times a day, all without risk. The CBD will then be expelled naturally from the body via the urine.
CBD to achieve better sleep: overdose risks and precautions
The quality of the oil
Now that you know how many CBD drops you should take to fall asleep, there is one more thing to consider: the quality of the oil you consume. You can choose between full spectrum and broad spectrum oils. They contain cannabidiol, but also other cannabinoids in order to enhance the effect of CBD (this is called the CBD entourage effect). The difference is this:
● Full spectrum CBD oil: contains all the soluble compounds in hemp. The compounds include CBD, terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids. Traces of THC (maximum 0.2%) may be present, in accordance with the law.
● Broad spectrum CBD oil: contains a large quantity of hemp compounds (with no trace of THC) to maximise the effects of CBD.
Risks of overdose
In 2017 and 2018, the WHO studies (cited earlier in this article) determined that CBD is safe for the body and health. Cannabidiol is a safe product for the body, as this hemp extract does not contain THC. The limit for CBD consumption per day is 150 mg. A risk for the body only occurs from 1,500 mg, which is a very high dosage of CBD. An overdose could result in adverse effects such as headaches or muscle stiffness. But if you follow the recommended doses, the risk is minimal and you can simply enjoy better quality sleep and feel rested when you wake up!
