We get a lot of CBD-related questions here at The Greenest. And one of the most common is “when should I take CBD oil?” Are you a morning person or a night owl? Does that even matter? And the answer is — as usual with CBD — complicated. For starters, it’s usually best to use CBD every day. Much like a multivitamin, CBD seems to work better when you use it frequently. But what is the best time of day to use CBD oil: morning or night?
The short answer is that you can take CBD oil in the morning or at night—or both—depending on your needs and symptoms. Although some people find that CBD makes them feel tired, others take it in the morning without any problem.
When Should You Take CBD Oil: CBD for sleep
CBD is frequently used for sleep issues.
It seems to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety, all of which can keep you from getting some shut-eye. As such, CBD might be able to help you sleep better, and it’s often used as a sleep aid.
One study gave CBD to people who struggled with anxiety and insomnia. The study ultimately found that CBD seemed to reduce anxiety levels and sleeplessness. However, more research needs to be conducted before we fully understand how CBD affects sleep.
Since many people take CBD for sleep issues like insomnia, you might assume that CBD makes you sleepy. While some people find that it makes them sleepy, others don’t: sleepiness is a side effect of CBD, but not one that everybody experiences.
The general consensus from doctors is that, if you’re using CBD for sleep, it’s a good idea to use it in the evenings.
Also Read: What does CBD feel like?
CBD for wakefulness
Ironically, although CBD might help you sleep better, it also might help you stay awake and alert during the day.
When should you take CBD Oil? Some people believe that CBD improves your focus and concentration. One 2014 research review concluded that CBD might promote daytime wakefulness for some people, which means it might be able to prevent grogginess.
Another 2017 review found that CBD could help with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a common disorder among those with Parkinson’s disease, in which a person acts out their dreams. This review also found that CBD shows potential for treating excessive daytime sleepiness. However, this needs to be studied further.
Because CBD seems to reduce anxiety and pain—both of which can make it difficult to concentrate—it makes sense that some people would feel more focused and productive after using it. And naturally, if CBD is improving your quality of sleep, you’ll feel more rested and alert during the day, which means that you’ll be able to think clearly.
For this reason, many people use CBD to boost their productivity in a natural, healthy way.
Also Read: Chlorella vs Spirulina — which one is healthier?
When Should You Take CBD Oil: Can I use CBD during the day?
Many people take an extra dose of CBD as needed. For example, if they feel a migraine coming in, they might take a drop of CBD oil or a CBD capsule. You might also take an extra dose of CBD if you’re feeling very anxious—and you’d like to benefit from CBD’s anxiety-reducing effects.
Unfortunately, some people might feel tired if they have an extra dosage of CBD during the day. Although this doesn’t happen to everyone, it is one of the side effects of CBD.
If you’d like to take CBD during the day but you find that it makes you sleepy, consider reducing your dosage. It’s always advisable to speak to a CBD-friendly doctor if you’re experiencing any side effects.
Also Read: How long does a dose of CBD last?
When Should You Take CBD Oil: Will CBD keep me awake at night?
So far, there’s no evidence that CBD shouldn’t be taken at night: it doesn’t seem to keep people awake.
In general, the research seems to suggest that CBD can improve sleep at night and wakefulness during the day. However, because there’s a lot we still don’t know about CBD, it’s a good idea to monitor your symptoms and take note of any side effects.
Does it matter what time of day I use CBD?
Unless it makes you super sleepy, then no—it doesn’t really matter if you use CBD in the morning or at night.
What does matter is how you use CBD. In order to reap the full benefits of CBD, you should:
- Make sure you are using it correctly (many people don’t know how to use CBD oil correctly)
- Always take the prescribed dosage
- Use it consistently (that is, every day)
- Always use high-quality CBD products
Those factors seem to be far more important than whether you take it during the day or at night.
Also Read: Lazarus Naturals vs Pachamama CBD Capsules – Which One is Better?
In Conclusion
The best way to figure out when to take CBD is to experiment. If it makes you sleepy, it might be a great nightcap. If you prefer to take it during breakfast, that’s also okay. Ultimately, no two bodies are exactly the same—so use CBD at whatever time works for you.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa and she has written for publications such as Healthline, Greatist, and Psych Central to name a few.
