Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of more than a hundred compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a psychoactive “high.” Its popularity has surged due to its perceived ability to soothe anxiety and address various sleep disturbances, such as insomnia. The question of whether CBD affects the content of our sleep—specifically our dreams—is closely tied to how it influences the brain’s sleep cycles. Understanding CBD’s impact requires examining its influence on the body’s general sleep regulation before considering its specific effect on the dream stage.
How CBD Interacts with Sleep Regulation
CBD’s influence on sleep begins with its complex interaction with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a vast network of receptors and signaling molecules responsible for maintaining biological balance across numerous functions, including mood, pain, and the sleep-wake cycle.
This modulation helps stabilize the body’s internal environment, which is often the source of sleep problems. For instance, CBD has been shown to possess anxiolytic properties. By promoting overall calmness, CBD can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the continuity of sleep, primarily by addressing underlying causes like anxiety.
CBD may interact with non-ECS receptors, such as those involved in the brain’s serotonin pathway. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a part in regulating mood and sleep. This interaction contributes to the compound’s calming effects.
Specific Effects on REM Sleep and Dreaming
The sleep stage most closely associated with vivid dreams is Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, a time when brain activity increases and memory consolidation occurs. The core question of dream suppression hinges on whether CBD alters the duration or timing of this particular stage. Unlike THC, which is often shown to suppress REM sleep, CBD’s direct impact on the REM stage is generally considered neutral or, in some cases, beneficial.
Some studies suggest that CBD may help to regulate REM sleep. For individuals suffering from anxiety or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), nightmares are a significant problem that severely compromises sleep quality. In these cases, CBD’s powerful anxiety-reducing effects may help to reduce the frequency or intensity of disturbing dreams.
This reduction in nightmare severity is not necessarily a suppression of the REM stage itself, but rather a modulation of the emotional content of the dreams, driven by CBD’s calming influence on the central nervous system. Research on high-dose CBD has also shown promise in treating REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition where individuals physically act out their dreams. This suggests that CBD can help stabilize the physiological processes that govern the REM stage.
Current Scientific Findings and Dosage Considerations
Scientific research on CBD for sleep and dreams, while promising, is still in its early phases and often limited by small sample sizes. A key finding is that CBD appears to have a dose-dependent effect. For example, some studies suggest that lower doses of CBD may have a more alerting effect, while higher doses tend to be more sedating and anxiolytic.
Clinical case series have shown that doses ranging from 25 milligrams (mg) to 175 mg per day can improve anxiety and sleep outcomes in some patients. Therapeutic benefits, particularly for anxiety, often become more pronounced at higher doses, sometimes in the 300 mg to 600 mg range.
It is advisable to start with a low dose, such as 25 mg, taken consistently about an hour before bedtime, and gradually increase it only as needed, monitoring the effects carefully. A strong caution is necessary because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved non-prescription CBD products for the treatment of sleep disorders or dream suppression. Currently, the FDA has approved only one CBD-derived drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of specific seizure disorders, meaning the safety and efficacy of most available CBD products are not guaranteed.