Does CBD Make You Tired?

When you consider that many people have sleep issues or concerns, it’s easy to understand why many are curious about whether or not CBD oil makes you sleepy. Those who struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up refreshed, or untimely drowsiness may wonder whether CBD would support healthier sleep cycles, make them feel fatigued, or do the opposite.

According to a Consumer Reports survey, around 10% of people who try CBD say they do so to help them get a better sleep and improve sleep quality. More and more people are turning to CBD to get more restful sleep, but does CBD make you tired? Some people say it actually makes them feel more energetic, so what gives? Can both things really be true? And if so, how is that even possible?

Let’s take a deeper look at how CBD works to gain a better understanding of CBD oil and see if it actually makes you feel sleepier.

CBD and Sleepiness: Does CBD Make You Tired? 

Some swear by CBD as a natural way to help them sleep, while others aren’t so sure. When it comes down to it, expert opinions vary. Unlike THC, CBD is not a sleep aid and does not work the same way as conventional sleep aids or other popular sleep-supporting supplements like magnesium or melatonin. Some sleep aids or supplements are intended to induce drowsiness; pure CBD should not cause drowsiness but may make some people feel a deeper sense of calm and relaxation than others.

Keep in mind that CBD affects everyone differently, and the way it makes a person feel is largely individual. CBD could make one person feel calm and relaxed, and it could make another person feel a boost of mental clarity or energy. Varying serving sizes or types of CBD products (such as full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate), along with the unique physical makeup of each person, can mean that what affects one person a certain way may affect another an entirely different way based on how their body responds. 

To understand how CBD may or may not make a person feel tired, it’s important to have a better understanding of how CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. 

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System 

Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant (and specifically the hemp plant for legal CBD products) have been used by many people for thousands of years, with many claiming benefits of overall health and wellness—including healthy sleep cycles. How and why? It all comes down to the way cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. 

Let’s look at a few endocannabinoid system basics to get a better idea of how CBD might be connected to sleep.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for several different functions in the human body, including supporting the immune system and immune response. (Fun fact: animals also have an ECS and can benefit from pet-specific CBD products!) What makes the endocannabinoid system so special? 

The primary purpose of the ECS is to help maintain the homeostasis of several different functions, including mood, digestion, appetite, sleep, reproductive function, and more. Homeostasis refers to the ability to keep a balanced internal state that functions optimally regardless of external conditions. All living things—including people, animals, and plants—rely on this internal balance to maintain sound health and wellness. The breakdown of homeostasis in one system of the body can disrupt homeostasis in other systems, which can ultimately lead to negative health consequences. That’s why using CBD and homeostasis go hand in hand. 

While extremely complex, there are three basic parts of the ECS: 

• Endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG, mainly): Our body’s natural endocannabinoids act like a thermostat that keeps our body regulated. They play a role in every facet of a healthy lifestyle. 
• Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2): Cannabinoid receptors remain in constant communication with other cells throughout the endocannabinoid system. They report any abnormalities that may disrupt homeostasis.
• Enzymes: These enzymes are integral in metabolizing the endocannabinoids. 

The ECS and Sleep

Here’s what’s known so far about how the ECS affects our sleep based on clinical data:

The endocannabinoid system and our own circadian rhythms are believed to be closely connected. This is evidenced by sleep-wake cycle changes in the body’s endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG. In addition, there is a powerful connection between our sleep-wake cycles and the enzymes that break down our natural endocannabinoids. 

At night, levels of anandamide increase in the brain. This naturally-occurring endocannabinoid works with various neurotransmitters in the brain (including gamma aminobutyric acid) to cause a person to fall and stay asleep. Levels of 2-AG, on the other hand, are higher during the day. This has led researchers to propose that this endocannabinoid is involved in promoting wakefulness and may help promote alertness.

Anandamide and 2-AG are known to activate CB1 receptors, including in areas of the brain that are associated with sleep regulation. The activation of CB1 receptors is thought to be a vital factor in regulating sleep homeostasis.

CB1 Receptors and Sleep

A 2011 review suggests that activation of the CB1 receptor leads to an induction of sleep. This suggestion has led experts to speculate on the neurobiological role of the ECS on functions such as sleep modulation. 

It’s believed that because anandamide facilitates the activity of several neurotransmitter systems, the activation of this endocannabinoid (which is associated with CB1 receptors) could induce sleep. 

CBD doesn’t bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors, but it does indirectly influence other receptors. CBD has shown to activate TRPV1 receptors (vanilloid receptor 1 or capsaicin receptors) and inhibits FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), which could promote higher levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide.

Research has also found that the sleep/wake cycle variations in the ECS include fluctuations of the CB1 receptor, suggesting that the expression of the CB1 receptor is closely connected to the sleep/wake cycle. 

The combination of this data suggests that the CB1 receptor has an influence on the modulation of sleep homeostasis. 

Our bodies are so nuanced. Even more so is the endocannabinoid system living inside of us! While CB1 and CB2 receptors tend to take up residence in different areas of the body, they also have a unique amount of these receptors in said areas. The cluster of receptors within a specific area is known as their “expression.”

Receptor expression is as individualistic as a snowflake. Each person’s reaction to CBD will depend on the number of cannabinoids in their system and the expression of these receptors within the targeted area. This means that CBD may affect each person differently in terms of sleep support. While CBD oil may make one person tired due to their unique receptors, it might make another person feel differently due to their differing expression of receptors.

All that being said, CBD appears to have an indirect relationship with sleep through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, but does it make you sleepy? 

Will Taking CBD Make You Feel Fatigued? 

Consider this.

A majority of people who take CBD first thing in the morning go about their day without feeling drowsy at all. Instead, many contend that it gives them that extra edge and helps to increase focus. Others take CBD for an afternoon boost of productivity, taking advantage of CBD’s potential to offer mental clarity.

There are also people who take CBD in the evenings and swear that it helps them get better sleep quality. Some use CBD as part of their bedtime routine, helping them to wind down and achieve a relaxed state after a busy or stressful day. Others report being more relaxed and calm after taking CBD no matter the time of day.

So, who’s right? 

Both are, actually. 

We know that CBD helps promote homeostasis throughout the body—a balance of your biological functions. If you need more balance during the day, it stands to reason that CBD could help work with your endocannabinoid system to promote mental clarity. If you’re taking CBD at night, it may help bring balance to your sleep/wake cycles by helping the ECS to promote sleep.

We know that some people take 100mg of CBD each morning and feel ready to take on the day. The way CBD makes a person feel all comes down to the individual and the way CBD interacts with their own endocannabinoid system. CBD affects different people in different ways depending on numerous other factors as well—including body composition, what time of day you take it, serving size, whether you’re taking it on an empty or full stomach, etc. 

Experts and users of CBD generally agree, however, that taking CBD alone shouldn’t make you feel worn out, just possibly more deeply chilled out.

Safety and Side Effects

While CBD offers many potential benefits and is generally well-tolerated, it's important to be aware of possible side effects. Some users report minor issues such as dry mouth, digestive changes, or fatigue. These effects vary based on CBD serving size and individual tolerance.

If you're taking other medications, consult with a healthcare professional before combining CBD with your current regimen, as CBD can interact with certain medications. This is especially important for individuals managing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or irregular sleep patterns.

CBD consumption should be approached thoughtfully. Look for reputable CBD companies that conduct third-party testing to ensure product quality and purity. Whether you choose spectrum CBD products, CBD topicals, or other formats, starting with a proper CBD regimen under professional guidance can help you achieve the best results.

Final Thoughts 

While it might make you feel more relaxed, there’s no evidence to prove that CBD makes you tired. It might help you balance your sleep cycle because it influences the endocannabinoid system and promotes homeostasis, but not because it knocks you out. 

If you’re concerned that CBD will make you feel sluggish, it’s advisable to start with lower serving sizes to see how it affects you. Start low and go slow, waiting several hours before taking more. If anything, CBD oil should make you feel calm and relaxed, not drowsy. It’s not advisable to drive or operate other machinery while taking CBD until you know how it affects you. It’s important to pay close attention to how you feel when taking CBD products, especially as a newbie. More experienced CBD customers will have a better idea of their ideal serving size and how they feel and function while taking it.

It’s important to note that CBD oil or any relative product is not a sleep aid. CBD has naturally calming properties and can help your body to relax—which supports a healthier sleep cycle, but does not cause you to fall asleep. That said, if you are turning to CBD to help you potentially get a better night’s rest and support your body’s natural circadian rhythm, there are several products available to do just that. 

Our CBD Softgels with Melatonin are one of these products. Melatonin has long been used to help get a good night’s sleep and, when combined with CBD, it can offer serious support for encouraging feelings of increased relaxation and sound sleep all night long. Adding an ingredient such as melatonin can boost CBD’s natural sleep-supporting properties that may help you to get a better night’s rest, while allowing you to wake up without the grogginess or “hangover” caused by sleep aids or other products. CBD simply supports a healthy natural sleep/wake cycle without interrupting your body’s intended rhythm or balance. While CBD alone might not make you tired, it can be a big help when combined with other natural compounds known to promote sleep. 

The bottom line is that CBD shouldn’t make you particularly drowsy. It might help promote feelings of relaxation, however, which could have a positive influence on sleep. And, as we said earlier, there’s no right or wrong answer to how CBD makes you feel. If it makes you feel relaxed, ready for sleep, or calm—great! If it makes you feel focused, energetic, or mentally sharp—great! 

Do you find that CBD makes you feel tired? We’d love to hear your experience in the comments below. 

If you have any questions about Joy Organics products, or CBD in general, please contact us. Our customer service team is knowledgeable about all things CBD and would be happy to assist you. If you have specific questions about CBD and your own body, or how CBD use may interact with any specific medications you take or health issues you have, please discuss with your physician or trained medical professional.

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