Can CBD give you bad dreams?

Many people take Cannabidiol (CBD) for its potential therapeutic effects in relation to sleep and anxiety. Sleep and anxiety are certainly the top 2 reasons our customers turn to CBD – to improve their sleep quality, alleviate insomnia and reduce stress. However, we have had some reports over the years of users experiencing an unexpected ‘side effect’: bad dreams or nightmares.

This is paradoxical so let’s explore why this might happen by first looking at CBD’s effects on the sleep cycle, specifically its role in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, where most dreaming occurs.
Sleep consists of several stages, typically divided into two categories: Non-REM (NREM) sleep and REM sleep. NREM sleep has three stages, with the third being the deepest, where the body repairs itself and immune function is boosted.

REM sleep, on the other hand, is where dreaming predominantly occurs, and it plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, emotional processing, and brain function.

REM typically starts 90 minutes after falling asleep, with REM periods becoming longer throughout the night and then again before we wake. For people who suffer from insomnia or poor sleep quality, the body often spends less time in the REM phase. They may sleep lightly, wake up frequently, and fail to achieve restorative sleep.

This brings us to a possible explanation for bad dreams after taking CBD. People who previously struggled to reach or remain in deep sleep may, after using CBD, begin to sleep more soundly and for longer durations. This extended sleep may allow the brain to enter REM sleep more frequently and for longer periods.

Because REM is the stage where most vivid and emotionally charged dreams occur, these individuals may experience dreams more intensely than before. So it may well be something they just haven’t had the chance to experience before, as they never slept deeply or for long enough to reach that ‘dream state’ of REM.

Research on CBD’s impact on REM sleep is still evolving, but a study published in the journal Sleep in 2014 found that CBD can suppress REM sleep. This reduction in REM sleep could explain why CBD is useful for conditions like PTSD, where nightmares are a prominent symptom. It’s about getting the right dosage and product to get that person into the deeper realms of sleep, beyond REM.

Possible solutions: adjusting CBD dosage and timing:

For those experiencing bad dreams while using CBD, one potential solution could be to temporarily increase their CBD dosage, as counterintuitive as this may sound. The theory here is that a higher dose of CBD might further suppress REM sleep, leading to fewer dreams overall. There is some scientific evidence suggesting that higher doses of CBD (300 mg or more) may have a stronger impact on REM sleep suppression than lower doses. A temporary increase could help mitigate the dream-related side effects, with a view to taper the dosage back down to 10-50mg once sleep patterns normalise.
Another possible solution involves adjusting the timing of CBD consumption.

Taking CBD earlier in the evening rather than right before bed may allow the compound to help with overall relaxation without impacting REM sleep during the later parts of the night. This way, users might benefit from CBD’s calming effects, while avoiding an increase in REM sleep activity just before waking, when dreams are most commonly recalled.

If waking during the night continues to be an issue, take another dose at that moment to encourage a more swift return to sleep.

As research continues to evolve in this area, understanding the nuanced effects of CBD on sleep and dreaming will become clearer, helping users navigate potential side effects and maximise the benefits of CBD for sleep and overall well-being.

But in the meantime, the team at The Tonic are available for free CBD consultations or on email, to help guide you through the available product choices and recommended dosage to achieve the CBD effect you need.