How to Use CBD Oil for Sleep: Your Go-To Guide For a Restful Night

Alan Cruz|December 03, 2024

CBD oil won't leave you groggy, unlike many nighttime supplements like melatonin. It supports your body's natural sleep cycle, helping you drift off without heavy side effects.

A good night's sleep is critical to our health and well-being, yet getting a full 8-hours is a struggle for so many of us. If you’re looking for a natural way to catch more Z’s, CBD oil might be the perfect addition to your nighttime routine.

image of VIIAs CBD Night Drops for sleeping

How Does CBD Oil Support Sleep?

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. When ingested, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and transmitter chemicals that help maintain homeostasis (balance) for systems that regulate sleep, mood, hunger, pain perception, and the immune system.

When taken in the evening, CBD has been known to help ease tension and promote relaxation, making falling and staying asleep easier.

Many formulas combine CBD oil with other cannabinoids, like THC and CBN, and with plant-based ingredients, like passionflower and L-theanine. This combination creates a powerful effect, promoting further relaxation through a theory known as the entourage effect.

Unlike sedative medications, CBD doesn’t directly cause sleepiness. Instead, it encourages a natural state of relaxation that supports your body’s sleep-wake cycles, making it a more holistic approach to better sleep.

Dosing CBD Oil for Sleep: Start Low, Go Slow

image of VIIAs night drops with visible measurement amounts on the tincture ampoule

Finding the ideal CBD oil dose depends on your body weight, metabolism, and individual response.

We recommend starting with a 25 mg “loading dose” of CBD oil, an initial, higher dose taken to elevate CBD levels in the body quickly. From there, you can adjust your dosage as needed, gradually in 5-10 mg increments, until you find your sweet spot.

How and When To Take CBD Oil For Sleep

VIIA infographic detailing how, when, and what to do when taking CBD drops for sleep aid.

Timing and consistency are key to maximizing CBD’s benefits for sleep. Adding CBD oil to your nightly routine may help support relaxation and prepare your body for rest. Here are some tips to get started:

What is the Optimal Time to Take CBD Oil?

We recommend taking oils, drops, and tinctures 30 minutes to an hour before bed. This gives your body enough time to absorb and process the cannabinoid, allowing it to work its magic by the time you’re ready to close your eyes.

What is the Most Effective Method of Taking CBD Oil for Sleep?

The most common method of taking CBD oil is through the sublingual method, which is when you place the dose under your tongue. This allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly, offering faster effects versus when you swallow it directly.

If you don’t like the taste or sensation of the sublingual method, another popular option is to add CBD drops to non-caffeinated tea as a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual. Or, if you prefer edibles, CBD gummies are another effective option, though keep in mind they tend to take longer to work.

Creating a Sleep-Enhancing Routine With CBD Oil

CBD works best when incorporated into a broader sleep routine. Here are some tips for how to create the ideal environment for deep sleep:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep.
Morning sunlight: Exposure to sunlight first thing in the morning is a great way to regulate your sleep cycle. It signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up, promoting alertness during the day and making it easier to fall asleep at night.
Limit screen time: Avoid phones, laptops, and other electronics at least 30-60 minutes before bed. Blue light emitted from screens has been known to disrupt your sleep cycle.
Create a calming environment: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and remove distractions. A cool, quiet room signals to your body that it’s time to rest.
Enhance relaxation with other techniques: Pair CBD with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or a warm bath to help you wind down from a busy day.

By combining healthy evening habits with CBD oil, you’re setting yourself up for rejuvenating sleep and a productive day.

Top VIIA Products for Sleep and Relaxation

infographic for VIIAs THC-Free and THC Microdose night drops for sleep aid

If you’re looking for CBD oil tailored for sleep, VIIA’s Night Drops are a great option. Choose from either broad-spectrum CBD or microdose THC drops:

Night Drops - Microdose THC + CBN: Formulated with a powerful dose of CBD, CBN, and a gentle 1mg of THC — Ideal for those who want to benefit from a microdose of cannabis as part of their evening routine.
Night Drops - Broad Spectrum CBD + CBN: Each serving contains 33mg of Broad Spectrum CBD, 33mg of CBN, floral terpenes, and MCT oil — A great THC-free option for those seeking a calming effect.
Microdose THC Drops Bundle: Get the best of both worlds with the microdose tincture drop bundle, perfect for daily and nightly use. This bundle features 1mg THC drops per serving, offering precise dosing in the morning and evening.

For optimal results with CBD oil, place a full dropper of oil under your tongue and hold it there for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the oil to absorb much more quickly.

VIIAs best selling sleep aid products, going from left to right in increasing THC strengths from 0-100 mg THC.

If you prefer edibles, VIIA also has a range of award-winning sleep gummies, ranging from THC-free CBD gummies to a powerful 100mg dose of THC. Best-sellers include:

Zen CBD Sleep Gummies - THC-Free: These melatonin-free gummies are crafted with powerful natural sleep-promoting ingredients and a THC-free minor cannabinoid blend designed to support a restful night’s sleep.
Dreams Sleep Gummies (2mg, 5mg, 10mg): This top-selling line of gummies is formulated with CBN, CBD, passionflower to support sleep, L-theanine to calm the mind, and either 2mg, 5mg, or 10mg of THC.
Day Drift Indica Gummies - 100mg THC: Each gummy contains 20mg of Delta 9 THC and 80mg of HHC, infused with Indica live resin extracts. Crafted for seasoned THC connoisseurs, these gummies deliver a powerful wave of calming effects.

Potential Side Effects of Using CBD Oil for Sleep

While most people tolerate CBD oil well, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, especially at higher doses. These can include dry mouth, drowsiness, digestive issues, changes in appetite, and low blood pressure.

CBD may also interact with certain medications, so we encourage you to consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if you're taking other prescriptions or have existing health conditions.

If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to test it out when you don’t have morning obligations to monitor any reactions or side effects.

The Takeaway: Using CBD Oil For Sleep

CBD oil can be a great addition to your sleep-support toolkit, but finding the correct dose and routine is key. By pairing CBD oil with a good bedtime routine, you can unlock better sleep without relying on strong medications.