If you’re new to CBD, you probably have a lot of questions, especially how it impacts your body. We find that many customers are hesitant about trying CBD, especially because of how you get CBD. Below, you’ll find a solid explanation about how CBD can potentially impact your body, as well as getting an answer to the question “does CBD make you tired?” Let’s get started!

Does CBD Make You Tired?

The short answer is “it depends.” CBD has a lot of really cool properties (like being a natural anti-inflammatory and a pain treatment option), but that doesn’t mean it’s without side-effects. According to Harvard Health Publishing, possible side-effects of CBD nausea, irritability, and fatigue.¹ It's definitely a possibility that taking CBD can make you tired. For many, that’s its intended use, as CBD is commonly used as a sleep-aid.

The positive functions of CBD can also give a feeling of tiredness or sleepiness. CBD is commonly used to treat anxiety and gives many users a “calming” feeling. If you have a lot of pent-up stress and CBD gives you quick relief, you’re definitely going to feel sleepy or tired!

CBD can also give a feeling of tiredness or sleepiness. CBD is commonly used to treat anxiety and gives many users a “calming” feeling. 

How Will I Know How CBD Affects Me?

Just like prescription medication, exactly how CBD will affect you is going to vary from person to person.  Since there’s so much variability in how it may affect you, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don’t get too sleepy too fast or are otherwise overwhelmed by the effect of CBD.

Start Your Doses Low

If you have never used CBD oils or infused products, you should start with low doses. Unlike traditional over the counter medication, there isn’t an official CBD dosing guide that the general populace can follow. We always recommend starting with a small dosage of whatever CBD product you are using and working your way up to an amount that is physically comfortable for you to handle while still offering the benefits that you are seeking.

Use CBD at Night

Especially when you’re just getting started out, dosing your CBD at night is a great tactic to make sure you don’t have to struggle through an entire day of drowsiness. If you happen to take a dose that does cause you to feel tired, you can just go to bed!

Do I Need to Worry About Side-Effects if I’m Using Topical CBD Products?

Yes, but not as much! Topical CBD products like pain creams and hair products aren’t going to interact with your body nearly as much as ingesting CBD oils or gummies would. However, there are endocannabinoid receptors all over your body, so while the effects may be weaker, it is still possible to feel some fatigue or tiredness (especially if you are using a large amount at once). It’s still in your best interest to start out small and work your way up to comfortably find your ideal dosage!

Talk to Your Doctor

Even though CBD is an over the counter medication, it can still interact with other prescription drugs that you are taking. How exactly CBD can interact with medication is still in early research, but studies suggest that it can interact with certain antidepressants. Always make sure your touch base with your doctor and they are aware you are taking CBD products.

References

1. Publishing, Harvard Health. “CBD Products Are Everywhere. But Do They Work?” Harvard Health, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work. Accessed 9 July 2020.