Both animal and human scientific research indicate that THC is an excellent sleep aid in patients with pain, PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea, but that’s not the case for CBD.

However, if you have not experienced how CBDA is different from CBD (and most people haven’t because CBDA is not included in most products that are manufactured with heat), this guide will explain what we are now learning about this powerful acidic cannabinoid and how it can work together with CBD or in place of CBD to address and prevent symptoms.

Here’s what you need to know about CBD and CBDA for sleep:

Does CBD help with sleep?

Many people are surprised to find out that CBD itself is not sedating. In fact, it is usually the opposite – alerting. However, other phytoconstituents found in CBD products, such as the terpene myrcene, can be sedating. Furthermore, CBD can relieve symptoms that often interfere with sleep, like anxiety and pain. This may be why many people successfully use CBD and CBDA before bed and even in the middle of the night.

In his clinical practice, Dr. Dustin Sulak has known patients who find that taking an evening dose of CBD makes them feel awake, but when they lie down and close their eyes, they sleep deeper and longer than they do without the CBD. Other patients simply report that their CBD use in the morning or early afternoon helps them to relax and sleep more at night.

CBD may disturb sleep in a small number of people when it’s taken in the evening before bed. Dr. Sulak has not heard this report from people using CBDA.

Based on patient and customer feedback, CBDA may be even more helpful for promoting restorative sleep than CBD. Few CBD products contain significant levels of CBDA, CBD’s precursor, and hemp-derived terpenes – both will likely improve the effectiveness of the product. CBDA acts similarly to CBD at many of its targets in our body but has been shown to be better absorbed and more potent in several experiments.

READ MORE: HOW TO USE CANNABIS FOR INSOMNIA

First, try CBD or CBDA during the morning and middle of the day for 3–5 days before trying it right before bedtime. If you find CBD or CBDA energizing and want to try it at bedtime, you may find that increasing your usage amount by 2x–4x may help with relaxation and sleep.

Be sure to check in with your body and mind before and 1 hour after taking the product so you can track its effectiveness.

How to take CBD Oil:

Administering CBD or CBDA oil sublingually ensures faster, more efficient absorption. CBD and CBDA oils are even better absorbed — resulting in a stronger effect– when taken after a meal containing some healthy fat or oil.

If you’re a beginner (have never used CBD, CBDA or have used it occasionally):

1. Shake the bottle to make sure the cannabinoids and other beneficial plant compounds are well distributed for an even and consistent dose.
2. Start with 5 mg placed under your tongue. Looking in a mirror can help you count the drops or administer by first placing drops on a spoon or in an oral syringe.
3. Hold the drops in your mouth for as long as you can (1-5 minutes) before swallowing to allow maximum absorption.
4. Increase your daily usage by 5 mg every 2 days. When you start feeling results, stop increasing and keep the same number of drops peruse.
5. If you notice that the effects wear off too early in the day after taking an amount that works well for you, it’s beneficial to add more uses per day. Many people do well taking CBD for pain 2-3 times daily.

How to take CBD capsules for sleep:

To get started using CBD or CBDA capsules is simple:

• Day 1 & 2:
  • Take 1  capsule by mouth 1-3 hours before bedtime
• After Day 2:
  • Increase by 1 capsule each night until you experience satisfactory benefits.
  • If you notice unwanted effects or fewer benefits, reduce the amount by 1 capsule each night until you find your optimal response.
  • If 1 capsule is too strong or if you experience inconsistent results, switch to CBD or CBDA oil taken sublingually.

How to Choose the best CBD for sleep

CBD and CBDA products vary widely in their potency, purity, and safety. Unfortunately, several scientific studies and investigative reports have found inaccurate labeling and contamination with pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins in ~50% of the products tested. Furthermore, even many of the good quality products have confusing labels that make it hard to know how much CBD and CBDA are in each serving.

Based on patient and customer feedback, CBDA may be even more helpful for promoting restorative sleep than CBD. Few CBD products contain significant levels of CBDA, CBD’s precursor, and hemp-derived terpenes – both will likely improve the effectiveness of the product. CBDA acts similarly to CBD at many of its targets in our body but has been shown to be better absorbed and more potent in several experiments.

Before purchasing a CBD product you intend to use for sleep, be sure to look at the certificate of analysis (COA), a test result from a third party laboratory that details the content of CBD and other cannabinoids (like CBDA), and terpenes, and freedom from contamination with heavy metals and pesticides. Be sure the COA has a date and batch number that matches the product for sale. Look at the label of the product and make sure it’s easy to understand the number of mg of CBD per drop or capsule and be wary of labels that only describe the amount of “hemp oil” or “hemp extract” – the CBD content could vary widely.

LEARN MORE: CBD VS CBDA: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE & WHAT IS BEST FOR ME

CBD and CBDA products that include legally allowed trace amounts of THC are likely best for evening use, as are those with higher levels of myrcene and other sedating terpenes. However, one can’t always tell if a product will be more or less sedating based on the terpene profile. Some trial and error may be needed to find the right CBD products for nighttime use.

Always insist on viewing a product’s third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). Many products advertise themselves as “broad spectrum” or “full-spectrum” (often meaning they include a range of plant compounds and up to the legally allowed trace amount of .3% THC). But, if you can find their analytic results you’ll note that most contain just CBD and THC, with little or no acidic and minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable phytonutrients.

It’s also common for hemp plants, even those organically grown, to contain various contaminants like mold, yeast, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals from the growing, harvesting, and drying process. Most extraction processes either concentrate these contaminants or remove them while also stripping the plant’s other valuable compounds. Truly ‘clean’ products report verified elimination of contaminants.