Is CBD a stimulant or sleep aid? Whether you’re waking up in the morning scrambling to race out the door and prepare your brain for the hectic day ahead or attempting to fall asleep without a running checklist of things to do in your head, taking CBD in the morning or at night can have different effects. Ahead, we explain when and why you should take CBD in the morning and at night, and what type of CBD to take to deliver benefits.
When to Take CBD in the Morning
Do you often wake up early to hit the snooze button? Don’t worry. We’re guilty too. Mornings can be rough. And sometimes coffee leaves you running low on energy later in the afternoon. That’s where CBD can help.
CBD Enhances Wakefulness
The Behavioral Neuroscience Journal researchers published a study where they delivered CBD to certain parts of the brain. They discovered that CBD activated neurons in the brain accountable for waking us up. That same study continued to show that CBD actually decreased REM sleep during the day, making it easier to maintain sleep-wake cycles. Another study also found that CBD activated neurons in the brain that manage alertness. Therefore, CBD can help you get through that morning fog phase to ignite a healthy state of balance and focus in the mind.
CBD Helps You Cope with Stress
CBD is a natural stress reducer. Researchers tested CBD in the areas of the brain that impact our relaxation. CBD influences the GABA receptors to reduce hyperactivity. Taking CBD in the morning before a big presentation or meeting can help you deal with the stress of your day-to-day life.
CBD Helps Speed Up Workout Recovery
If you’ve got a morning workout routine, CBD can help speed up your workout recovery. According to a 2018 review published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD has some tremendously soothing properties that may help with physical discomfort, restoring balance, and helping you get back to your workouts.
Type of CBD Product to Take in the Morning
When choosing a CBD product to take in the morning, think about the type of product you’re choosing. For instance, a CBD capsule will take longer for your body to absorb. That’s why we recommend taking our Liposomal CBD+ Good Morning capsules or the CBD Gummies Stay Alert. By taking an edible or capsule, you can see sustained effects throughout the day.
When to Take CBD in the Evening
Between crazy work schedules, full weekend calendars, and everything happening around us, getting a full night’s sleep isn’t easy. If you’ve had trouble sleeping and already tried every natural remedy on the shelves, taking CBD in the evening may prove to be beneficial. Here’s why.
CBD Stops Your Mind from Making Mental To-Do Lists
Can’t sleep because your mind is running through the day’s to-do’s that you forgot? The stress from the day that causes you to create these mental checklists makes it challenging to shut down your brain before bed. In a study by Permanente Journal, 72 adults were given 25 mg of CBD in a capsule form. Within the first month, 79% of participants saw a decrease in their stress levels at night, improving their sleep by 66%.
CBD Relaxes Your Mind & Body Before Bed
If you’re getting home from work feeling stressed or uncomfortable about your day, CBD can help keep your mind and body relaxed before bed. In the 2018 review published in Frontiers in Neurology mentioned above, researchers discovered that taking higher doses before bed can produce a calming effect on your body that may help if you have difficulty falling asleep.
CBD Improves Your Sleep Hygiene
Do you have trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. About 35% of adults in the U.S. get less than seven hours of sleep per 24-hour period. Poor sleep, or sleep hygiene, as we call it now, has been on the rise for the last few years. In a survey by Project CBD, researchers examined 1,521 people who used CBD for sleep. It uncovered that CBD reduced the average time to fall asleep from 62 to 20 minutes. Participants also shared that they woke up less throughout the night, from four times on average to just once after taking CBD. This allows your body to regulate your wake-sleep cycles.
CBD Works Double Duty to Help You At in the Morning & Night
All in all, CBD is an overachiever. It works double duty to help you stay awake and focused in the AM and create a calm, relaxing effect ideal for sleep. In short, it’s a no-brainer to take CBD in the morning and at night to obtain all the benefits CBD has to offer.