In short: The best time to take CBD depends on why you're using it. For sleep, take it 30-60 minutes before bed. For daytime calm, morning or early afternoon works well. For exercise recovery, after your workout. Consistency matters more than timing โ taking CBD at the same time each day helps your body build a steady baseline.
CBD oil is well-known for its potential health benefits, like reducing anxiety and improving sleep. But figuring out the best time of day to take it can be tricky. This guide breaks down the best times to use CBD products, tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and health goals.
When to Take CBD Oil: Key Considerations
Best Time to Take CBD on Personal Lifestyle and Needs
CBD for Daytime Calm and Nighttime Relaxation
CBD can be taken during the day or at night, depending on your needs. During the day, it may help with calmness and anxiety, while at night, itโs often used for relaxation and better sleep quality [5]. Research suggests taking CBD oil 30 minutes to an hour before bed can improve both sleep onset and quality [6]. Another review found that consistent nighttime use of CBD may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep [7].
For anxiety, take CBD in the morning. For sleep, in the evening.
For daytime benefits like reduced anxiety or improved focus, a lower dose in the morning may work best. If youโre managing chronic pain, splitting your dose throughout the day can help maintain steady CBD levels [4]. Taking CBD with meals can also improve absorption and extend its effects, making it flexible to fit your specific goals [8].
Potential Effects on Sleep and Cortisol Levels
Research suggests CBD may help lower cortisol levels, which can help improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime awakenings [8]. One of the key benefits of CBD is its ability to align with your bodyโs natural rhythms, with evening use supporting better sleep and relaxation [8]. If youโre new to CBD, starting with a low dose in the evening is a good way to see how it works for you [7].
Studies, including those by Hurd et al. (2019), highlight the benefits of CBD in reducing anxiety and improving sleep. In a clinical trial with patients experiencing anxiety-related disorders, CBD significantly lowered cortisol levels and increased sleep duration when taken consistently before bed [8]. Another study on CBDโs anti-anxiety effects found it reduced cortisol spikes linked to stress, which often disrupt sleep [8]. These findings reinforce that timing plays a key role in maximizing the benefits of CBD for managing stress and enhancing sleep quality.
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Understanding Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Origins
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it wonโt get you high but may offer a range of therapeutic benefits.
Learn more about what is CBD here.
The Cannabis Plant: Source of Over 500 Compounds
The cannabis plant contains over 500 natural compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all working together to create its effects. CBD is one of these cannabinoids and is derived from hemp.
CBD's Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System
CBD works with your bodyโs endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite, and immune function. By interacting with the systemโs receptors, CBD supports balance and overall wellbeing.
Read more in our article "Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Its Role and Functions".
Timing matters
Medical Uses of CBD
FDA-Approved Epidiolex for Seizure Disorders
Epidiolex, an FDA-approved medication, is used to treat rare types of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Its success in reducing seizures marks a major breakthrough in CBD research. Clinical trials have shown that Epidiolex can significantly lower seizure frequency, offering new hope for patients where other treatments havenโt worked [1, 2, 3].
Treating Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
These conditions can be incredibly tough to manage, but Epidiolex has brought new hope to patients and their families by significantly reducing seizure frequency. Research suggests that CBDโs anticonvulsant properties work by modulating receptors involved in neural signaling, which plays a key role in controlling seizures in these hard-to-treat cases [1, 2, 3].
CBD isnโt just being explored for epilepsyโitโs also being studied for its potential in treating anxiety, sleep disorders, and inflammation. Research indicates that CBD may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, particularly during stressful situations like social events or moments of heightened worry [4, 5]. Its properties are also being explored for general comfort and wellbeing, offering relief without the psychoactive effects of THC [6].
For sleep disorders, CBD has demonstrated potential benefits. Studies suggest that taking CBD before bed can ease insomnia symptoms and improve overall sleep quality [5, 6]. Similarly, research into anxiety disorders has found that CBD effectively reduces both general and situational anxiety [4, 5, 6].
Consumer Guidance and Safety Precautions
Choosing the Right Type of CBD Products
When choosing CBD productsโwhether itโs oil, CBD gummies, CBD capsules, or something elseโitโs important to go for ones that are third-party lab-tested to guarantee purity and potency. Quality products should clearly state the type of CBD they useโwhether itโs full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.
Understanding Labelling and Quality Concerns
CBD labeling can be confusing, so itโs worth checking how many mg of CBD are in the overall product and the dose of CBD youโll be taking. We make this crystal clear on our packaging and include a graduated pipette, so you can easily measure out your exact dose. Plus, we provide lab tests right on our site, so you can see exactly whatโs in our products. Trustworthy brands will always back up their claims with transparency and Certificates of Analysis (COA).
Consulting Healthcare Professionals Before Use
Before starting your CBD journey, itโs always best to chat with a healthcare providerโespecially if youโre taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. They can help you figure out the right dose and the best time to take CBD based on your needs.
References
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Blessing, E. M., et al. "Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders." Neurotherapeutics (2015). Link
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Devinsky, O., et al. "Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome." New England Journal of Medicine (2017). Link
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Millar, S. A., et al. "A Systematic Review of Cannabidiol Dosing in Clinical Populations." British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2019). Link
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Shannon, S., et al. "The Use of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety." The Journal of Clinical Psychology (2019). Link
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McCallum, S., et al. "Effects of Cannabidiol on Sleep: A Systematic Review." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2020). Link
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Suraev, A., et al. "Cannabinoid Therapies in the Management of Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies." Sleep Medicine Reviews (2020). Link
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Gerivani, Z., et al. "Optimization of Extraction and Pre-Concentration of Rizatriptan in Biological Samples Using Solvent Bar and Chemometrics Design." Current Pharmaceutical Analysis (2018). Link
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Hurd, J. M., et al. "Cannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety in Drug-Abstinent Individuals With Heroin Use Disorder: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial." American Journal of Psychiatry (2019). Link