CBD is not regulated in the UK but continues to soar in popularity, with millions of products sold online and in stores. Classed as a food supplement, reported benefits include reducing inflammation, symptoms of anxiety, struggles with chronic pain and insomnia.
However, with this wide range of reasons people add CBD to their routine, the question is often asked when the best time is to take CBD. Should you take it first thing in the morning, just before bed or does it even matter?
This guide will explore the interesting question, by looking at its impact on the body, the best method to take CBD and the all-important matter of whether CBD will help or hinder your sleep.
How Should You Take CBD?
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you are considering taking CBD for the first time and want to learn more about maximising its potential benefits.
Well, to start with CBD oil may be one of the easiest methods to take CBD. It can be done at any time during the day by simply placing a couple of drops directly under the tongue, holding for up to a minute and then moving around the cheeks. You can also add it to drinks or food to spice things up.
Alternatively, you could try a CBD vape, which is one of the fastest methods, but not the longest lasting. Other methods include tinctures, gummies, balms and creams applied to the muscles.
Some methods are slow-acting, such as with CBD oils, taking anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour to kick in. Vaping can be instant but doesn’t stay in the system for more than a few hours.
Is There a Best Time of the Day to Take CBD?
CBD can affect all of us differently. The makeup of the body varies between individuals and therefore CBD should be approached carefully by starting with a low dosage of no more than 10mg daily and building up the tolerance.
Although it is a food supplement and relatively harmless, more medical research over a longer period is required to understand its benefits and weaknesses as a product.
For this reason, the time you take CBD, especially if it’s a new concept added to your routine, should be approached with care. For instance, some have reported mild side effects such as drowsiness or stomach issues if they take too much CBD.
Factors such as your diet, amount of sleep or genetical markers can influence its impact. Therefore, if you take too much during the day, the side effects can kick in. Below we will list a few reasons you may take CBD and the best time to take it:
Best Time for CBD Oil Under the Tongue?
This all depends on your reasons for taking CBD and remaining as safe as possible when taking it. As we briefly mentioned earlier, CBD is sublingually administered under the tongue to absorb CBD oil into the cheeks and around the mouth.
It is one of the fastest ways to get CBD working into the bloodstream, especially when absorbed into the cheeks. But for some, it can cause mild side effects or allergic reactions. For the latter, it may be safer to take during the day so you can react to any complications.
It also matters when you have time to do this that fits around your routines and schedule.
For some CBD oil works best at night and the sore joints can be mildly relieved after a long day. Because CBD oil has a higher bioavailability, it also means you can save money as you need to take less in comparison to a method like vaping CBD e-liquids.
The level of efficiency with CBD oil and steady absorption in your system over a period of 3-5 days means better value, working well throughout the day or during your sleep.
Best Time to Take CBD for Pain?
Suffering with pain, whether chronic or short-term instant pain is always a challenge. And cannabidiol in research indicates an ability to help with pain symptoms. With a calming effect and natural ingredients, a Harvard study suggests that CBD oil modulates the endocannabinoid system, managing mood, immune response and pain sensation.
Therefore, the best time to take CBD for pain will depend on the severity of the feeling of the pain and how CBD may reduce the feeling. Full-spectrum CBD is considered the best type of CBD for pain relief because of the ‘entourage effect’ it can give. To give you a sense of calm before a long day ahead, we suggest a couple of drops or puffs in the morning will ease you into the start.
But if you want to relax in the evening or manage sleep issues, which we cover in greater detail below, CBD just before bed might do the trick to reduce pain symptoms.
Best Time to Take CBD for Sleep?
If you are after a good night’s sleep, UK CBD is recognised as a product that can facilitate, but not guarantee. After all, it is not a medicine but rather a natural food supplement. What time you take CBD depends on how it works for you on your genetic markup. And even then, that does not mean results but support alongside other conditions such as anxiety or inflammation.
Research shows it can help through the REM stage of the sleep cycle, but there are still years of medical studies needed to know its full impact beyond doubt.
Because the effect of CBD is not always instant, whether you take CBD orally, through vaping or gummies, taking it in the evening between 6-8pm is the best time to allow it to work into your system slowly ready for when you settle for bed and a good rest. To begin with, start on a low quantity of between 200-500mg and then work your way up to the desired effect.
Best Time to Take CBD for Anxiety?
As we have discovered from research and what you are learning from reading this blog, CBD has the potential to help lots of different people. Those who suffer from anxiety are another example, as studies show it can support people with anxiety, although not currently available as a product prescribed through the NHS.
Described as a feeling of dread, unease or fear, millions suffer from anxiety. Supplements like CBD, which for many offer a sense of calm, are the type of product that can kickstart your day or relax after a stressful period. However you like to take it, the best time again depends on personal preference and symptoms.
The first thing when you wake up before getting out of bed is a good start to any day. However, tread carefully as the mild side effects could increase anxiety levels. Many take CBD towards the end of the day to unwind, while relaxing at home.
Best Time to Give CBD to Your Pets?
Our pets play an important role in our lives and naturally, we would like them to feel as comfortable and happy as possible. Whether they are struggling with an illness, not falling sleep as usual or anxious about a trip to the park, CBD can help. The same sort of rules applies as they would with humans.
Allow a bit of time for the CBD treat or CBD oil to work (thirty minutes is considered enough). Start with a low dosage and see how it impacts your dog or cat. Add a couple of drops to their food and mix in, or add a couple into the mouth directly for the best results.