Getting a good night’s sleep has never been harder, even with all the sleep aid we have at our disposal. The hectic day-to-day life seems to take a toll on our sleep and to keep our health, we surely need to do something about it. With numbers showing that 10% of American adults experience insomnia at least three times a week, it is time to make a change.
And, we believe the change can only come from nature. CBD oil seems to be a solution to this modern problem, and in the following paragraphs, we’ll tell you all about it. So, if you’re interested in finding out what CBD oil is and where you can get it, then keep on reading!
CBD Oil For Sleep: 7 FAQs
What Is CBD Oil?
If you’re not familiar with this, CBD oil is a product derived from hemp or marijuana plants. CBD, alongside THC, is a compound found in these plants and is deemed extremely beneficial for our health, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
CBD on its own is cannabidiol that is derived from hemp and doesn’t cause a psychoactive effect; cannabis cannot result in a psychoactive effect of being ‘high’ without THC. This means that CBD oil is completely legal, and even if it does contain THC, it is up to 0.3%, which is also very legal.
What Types Of CBD Oil Are There?
There are currently several types of CBD oil for sale. The companies have to emphasize the type of CBD oil they’re selling, where it comes from, whether it contains legal amounts of THC, and whether it is third-party tested.
If any of the aforementioned information isn’t available with the product, the oil is not good, and you should not buy it. But, here is what types of CBD oil exist and you should buy;
- CBD isolate – this means that the manufacturer has isolated CBD from the other hemp compounds. So, a CBD isolate oil contains pure cannabidiol that is free from other cannabinoids, so it is THC-free.
- Full-spectrum CBD – this means that the oil contains high amounts of CBD. However, alongside CBD, it also contains lower amounts of other compounds found in the plant. So, alongside CBD, the oil can also contain flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes. The manufacturers often label full-spectrum CBD oils as whole-plant CBD oils.
- Broad-spectrum CBD – this means that the oil contains high amounts of CBD, as well as smaller amounts of other plant compounds. However, what makes broad-spectrum CBD different from full-spectrum CBD is that the broad-spectrum one may have some cannabinoids left out. For example, a broad-spectrum CBD may not have THC at all, not even the legal 0.3%.
What Are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids, or phytonutrients, are found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. There are over 6,000 of them, and they are responsible for the plants’ pigmentation, alongside filtering out UV rays, preventing plant diseases, and attracting pollinators.
There are approximately 20 flavonoids in cannabis, and they are known as cannaflavins. Here are some of the most common flavonoids you’ll hear about when it comes to CBD oil discussion;
- Apigenin – flavonoid that is responsible for the anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effect. This flavonoid is also found in parsley, celery, and chamomile.
- Cannaflavin – this flavonoid is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Some say it can act as a natural replacement for medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Quercetin – this flavonoid is generally found in green tea, but also some berries and even red wine. It has anti-viral and antioxidant effects.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are chemicals that are usually produced by plants (which gives them fragrance), but some insects might produce them as well. These chemicals vary from strain to strain, and there at least 100 produced by the cannabis plant alone. Because of the strong fragrance, terpenes allow plants like cannabis, and some insects too, to protect themselves from other insects and animals.
Because of terpenes, some cannabis strains tend to smell sweeter, while others can have a more acidic odor. Either way, terpenes give plants and strains particular and distinct smell, flavor, and color, which can affect the CBD oil if it contains terpenes. Here are some of the most common terpenes found in plants, and herbs too;
- Linalool – found in flowers, spices, and plants like cannabis; it is known for its relaxing, stress-relieving, and anti-depressant effects. Linalool may also have anti-inflammatory effects and is known to boost the immune system too.
- Terpinolene – found in herbs like rosemary and sage, known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and sedative effects.
- Curcumin – found in turmeric plant (a plant used as a spice in Indian cuisine, known for its distinct flavor and incredible, deep yellow color); curcumin has incredible anti-inflammatory effects.
- Limonene – found in citrus plants, like lemons or oranges; it is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects, as well as the ability to help elevate mood and relieve stress.
How Do I Read The CBD Product Labels?
When buying CBD oil, it is essential to know to read the product labels, because only then you can ensure that the product is high-quality. Here are the things you need to look out for;
- Types of oils the CBD products contain – CBD oil can contain oils like olive oil, MCT oil (oil found in coconut oil or butter), hempseed oil, etc. Every CBD oil product label should specify which type of oil it contains; some even state the percentage of each oil.
- Flavoring – there are CBD oils on the market that have a natural flavor, and there are ones with added flavors, like berries, chocolate, or orange flavors. The product label should specify the ingredients responsible for each of the flavors.
- THC content – some CBD oils are not CBD isolate oils, meaning they can contain legal amounts of THC. That is why a product label needs to point out whether there is THC in the oil, and how much. If the number exceedes 0.3%, then it contains illegal amounts of THC and the oil is not good and it could have impairing effects.
- Origin – the manufacturer of the CBD oil needs to point out the origin of the oil on the very product label. Some labels specify the origin of the oil by naming a city, while others state whether the oil has a local or foreign origin. This doesn’t have to imply the quality of the oil, but the majority of times it does (the US originating oil is what you should be looking for).
- Other ingredients – some CBD products tend to have ingredients other than CBD; for example, if you come across CBD-infused tea or CBD-infused gummies, then the rest of the ingredients should be specified on the product label.
- Dosage – not every CBD oil product comes with a recommended dosage, but there needs to be a number of how much CBD the product contains, whether it is pure oil, or another product, like gummies, capsules, or tea.
What Does Third-Party Testing Mean?
Third-party testing means that a CBD oil manufacturer will send a sample of their product to a separate or independent testing company. That company will run its own tests of the product and provide results.
What this does is increase the trust of the manufacturer and the lab tests in an industry where reputation and accurate testing play a major role. This also helps customers be aware of scam companies that sell CBD oils that do not provide lab tests and have no CBD in the oils as well.
Here’s what a proper lab test report should look like, so you can avoid buying CBD oil from scam companies;
- CBD content – the lab test result should provide info on how much CBD there is in the product. There should be info on how much there is CBD in the whole bottle/product, or how much CBD there is in milliliters of the product.
- Cannabinoids content – if the product is a full- or broad-spectrum CBD oil, the lab test report should show the presence and sometimes even the amount of other cannabinoids in the product.
- Flavonoids and terpenes presence – the lab test report should show the presence of flavonoids and terpenes in the product if the product has them.
- Extraction process and residual solvent analysis – the lab test result should imply the extraction process used to create the product, as well as whether the extraction process created residual solvents. This information can help you to not buy a product where heavy chemicals were used to create a CBD isolate.
- Harmful toxins – high-quality CBD products are free of harmful toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, and mold, and lab test reports usually show this. Low-quality manufacturers don’t usually test for harmful toxins, so their lab test results don’t mention this.
CBD Oil And Sleep, Does it Work？
Studies show that CBD oil can effectively improve sleep quality and manage anxiety symptoms in sleep-deprived individuals. It is proven to be effective in patients with already existing health disorders (Parkinson’s disease, Restless Legs Syndrome, dementia patients, etc.) who also experience sleep deprivation and insomnia.
CBD oil helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, decreases depression, anxiety, restlessness and reduces nightmares. Here are some further examples of how CBD oil improves sleep;
- CBD oil reduces and manages mood disorders – anxiety and depression are some of the leading causes of sleep deprivation and insomnia in adults. CBD oil regulates cortisol, or the stress hormone, which directly affects the non-REM sleep cycles. When cortisol is regulated, there is a significant improvement in mood-related sleep disorders.
- CBD oil promotes calmness and sleepiness – by lowering the stress levels, CBD oil promotes relaxation, calmness, and makes you more sleepy. Its calming effects are extremely effective and don’t carry any possibility of making you feel groggy, drowsy, or slow in the morning or after consumption, like sleeping pills do.
- CBD oil reduces nightmares – studies show people who experience frequent awakenings due to nightmares are more likely to sleep better after using CBD oil. The oil reduces nightmares, as shown in PTSD patients who experienced sleep deprivation due to stress and terrible nightmares.
- CBD Oil For Sleep And Insomnia: Does It Work As Expected?
- What to Do After a Nightmare: Know The Root Causes
5 Best CBD Oil Products On The Market
1. NuLeaf Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
- Full-spectrum plant CBD oil that contains cannabinoids and terpenes
- The oil is 100% organic, vegan and non-GMO
- The oil originates from licensed Colorado farms
- NuLeaf oil is produced using the subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction method
- The CO2 extraction method ensures the product is potent and that it preserves the terpenes, cannabinoids, essential oils, and minerals
- NuLeaf CBD oil has no additives and is third-party tested
- NuLeaf CBD oil comes in strengths from 300mg of CBD to 6000mg of CBD
- NuLeaf company is a member of the National Hemp Association and the Hemo Industries Association
2. SPRUCE Lab Grade CBD Oil
- Full-spectrum plant CBD oil
- Contains 0.3% THC (manufacturer warns that you may be tested positive for marijuana after consuming this oil)
- SPRUCE oil is made in the USA (a family business in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Colorado)
- The oil is third-party tested for purity and potency, with lab test results available on the company’s official website
- The oil is lab grade and is 100% natural, vegan and gluten-free
- SPRUCE oil doesn’t have additives, flavorings, preservatives, or sweeteners
- Lab test reports show that SPRUCE CBD oil is free from pesticide, heavy metals, and biotoxins
- The oil is highly potent and comes in strengths from 750mg to 2,400mg of CBD
3. KANIBI Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- Full-spectrum plant CBD oil that contains cannabinoids and terpenes
- The oil is 100% organic, USA grown and made from hemp
- The oil contains less than 0.3% of THC
- KANIBI oil is double laboratory tested for safety and potency
- The oil is prepared to the highest nutraceutical standards, for a reliably concentrated full-spectrum CBD oil
- The KANIBI oil is made using the CO2 extraction method
- The oil is made in an FDA inspected and approved facility
- The KANIBI oil contains MCT oil derived from coconut, natural flavors, hemp-derived CBD extract, and natural sweeteners (MCT oil and stevia)
- The oil is third-party tested, and the lab test reports are available on the company’s official website
- The oil comes in strengths of 750mg and 1,500mg of CBD
4. FAB Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Full-spectrum CBD oil that contains cannabinoids and terpenes
- The oil is made from organically grown American hemp extract, with flavoring from natural sources
- The oil contains MCT oil, terpenes, and THC (less than 0.3%, which could show positive results on a marijuana test)
- The oil comes in different flavors, including citrus, mint, berry, and vanilla, but is also available in natural flavor
- The FAB CBD oil is third-party tested, and the company also specifies the laboratories that did the testing (Pro Verde Laboratories)
- The oil is vegan, organic, non-GMO, and completely free from pesticides, heavy metals, and biotoxins
- The oil comes in strengths from 300mg to 2,400mg of CBD
5. HealthWorx CBD Oil
- Full-spectrum CBD oil that is terpene enhanced
- The oil is made using the CO2 extraction method
- HWX makes their oil using 100% organic hemp, that is non-GMO and pesticide-free
- The oil is made from hemp grown on Colorado farms, where CBD use is officially legalized
- The oil contains organic MCT coconut oil as carrying oil
- HWX CBD oils are third-party lab tested, using the newest technology; the lab test reports are available for download from the company’s official website
- The company also offers oil that doesn’t contain THC at all, or it is CBD isolate oil
- The oil is available in strengths from 200mg to 5000mg of CBD
- HWX CBD oil is excellent for first-time users
Final Thoughts
Choosing to take CBD oil for sleep is a huge step from the standard sleeping aid. That is why we recommend you discuss this decision with your doctor and see whether CBD oil is suitable for your particular circumstances. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and warn you about potential side effects. Also, we hope that our detailed overview of CBD oil was useful and that it will help you learn more and choose the best oil for yourself.
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