Posted On:
August 8, 2023
Can CBD Cream Make You Tired? Exploring the Effects and Benefits
CBD skin creams are exceptionally popular topical products. Many manufacturers claim that these products can ease pain, induce relaxation, and minimize inflammation. Besides, they also help with dry skin and increase hydration in the skin. This is why a lot of CBD users prefer topical CBD creams. However, apart from its benefits, questions about its potential side effects, including tiredness, have appeared. If you’re seeking skin-friendly as well as pain-related benefits from CBD creams for the first time, you might also wonder whether CBD cream makes you tired or not.
So, today in this article, we will help you by explaining this matter in more detail. First, let's start with some basics about CBD cream, like how it's made and what ingredients are in it that contribute to its effects.
What Is CBD Cream Made Out of?
CBD cream typically contains a few main ingredients.
Firstly, there is cannabidiol extract. It’s the core ingredient that is derived from cannabis plants. CBD cream made with full-spectrum CBD type can carry all the components of cannabis including phytocannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD), terpenes, and flavonoids. When applied topically, it provides an entourage effect.
Apart from cannabidiol, topical CBD cream can contain THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well. It’s a non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive compound that is prevalent in recreational marijuana. However, in creams, THC can be used not more than 0.3%, which is too low to cause anyone a “euphoric” sensation.
Cannabis cream also possesses other skin-friendly ingredients such as carrier oils like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. The CBD is mixed with these oils, which helps the CBD absorb better into the skin. These elements also moisturize and nourish your skin. Besides, many manufacturers formulate CBD with essential oils or herbal extracts, such as lavender or eucalyptus. These elements have soothing and calming properties.
Can CBD Cream Make You Tired?
Fatigue is the most common side effect of CBD. But is it also true for topical CBD cream? There is no straightforward answer when it comes to whether CBD cream can make you tired or not.
Generally, CBD cream isn’t supposed to make you feel tired or fatigued. Because it’s formulated in a way that can only be applied topically for localized pain relief.
Plus, when applied to a targeted area, topical CBD creams cannot penetrate too deeply into the skin. In other words, phytocannabinoids present in cannabis cream work with the cannabinoid receptors in the skin and nearby tissues without entering the bloodstream. Thus, it provides the desired effects, helping users feel more relaxed and reducing pain.
However, some people might experience relaxation and mild sedation. This can be interpreted as a feeling of tiredness or fatigue. Again, some might feel sleepy or drowsy as well due to its calming properties.
It’s important to note that CBD affects everyone differently. So, the impact of CBD on energy levels varies from person to person. Besides, factors like dosage, tolerance level, presence of certain ingredients, and interaction with medications may contribute to feelings of tiredness.
Related Article: Side Effects of CBD Cream
Why CBD Cream Might Make You Feel Tired?
As we said, CBD creams aren’t supposed to make you tired. Yes, we understand that before going for workouts, or big projects, fatigue is the last thing you want to feel. Be assured that high-quality topical CBD whether it’s creams, body rubs, lotions, or salves, typically does not cause tiredness. Note that the most common adverse effects of topical CBD cream are skin dryness and skin rash.
Nevertheless, some factors may indirectly influence you to feel tired. These are:
- Dosage
- CBD Concentration
- Tolerance Level
- Additional Ingredients
- Time of Use
- Underlying Health Conditions
- Interactions with Medications
Dosage
The dosage of CBD cream used can significantly impact its effect on energy levels. Higher doses may have severe sedative effects. This can potentially lead to feelings of tiredness or drowsiness. Contrary to this, lower doses may be less likely to induce tiredness.
CBD Concentration
The concentration of CBD in the cream can also influence its effects on energy levels. Products with higher concentrations of CBD may have a more potent sedative effect. This can potentially increase the possibility of feeling tired.
Tolerance Level
How much CBD a person can handle varies. People with lower tolerance levels may be more likely to feel tired after using CBD, especially when they take higher amounts. This could be caused by factors like body weight, metabolism, and sensitivity to cannabinoids.
Additional Ingredients
Apart from cannabidiol, CBD creams often contain other ingredients such as carrier oils, herbal extracts, and essential oils. These extra ingredients can interact with CBD and affect its overall impact on the body. For instance, certain essential oils like lavender or chamomile are known for their calming properties and may improve the sedative effects of CBD.
Method of Application
The method of application can also play a role in how CBD cream affects energy levels. When applied topically, CBD cream is absorbed through the skin and may have a more localized effect compared to other forms of CBD consumption. However, if a large amount of CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream, it could perhaps lead to systemic effects, including tiredness.
Time of Use
The time of day when CBD cream is applied may also influence its effects on energy levels. Using CBD cream before bedtime may be more likely to induce feelings of tiredness, as it coincides with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Conversely, if you use CBD cream during the day, it may have less pronounced sedative effects. Therefore, this will allow users to remain alert and focused.
Underlying Health Conditions
If you’ve certain underlying health conditions, you may be more prone to experiencing tiredness after using CBD cream. Conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia may affect energy levels and CBD’s calming effects could worsen feelings of fatigue.
Interaction with Medications
CBD can interact with certain medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects such as tiredness. Though there is not much possibility of medication interactions with topical CBD cream, you should still be cautious of it. For instance, if you take medications that have sedative properties, you should exercise caution when using CBD cream.
How to Overcome Tiredness While Using CBD Cream
To overcome tiredness while using CBD cream, consider the following tips:
- Adjust Dosage: Start with a smaller dosage of CBD cream and gradually increase it until you find the right balance between its therapeutic benefits and potential side effects.
- Time of Use: Use CBD cream during the day rather than before bedtime. This will minimize its sedative effects and promote alertness.
- Choose Products Wisely: Choose CBD creams that have less CBD and fewer ingredients that make you feel sleepy, like lavender or chamomile.
- Combine with Stimulants: Pair CBD cream with natural stimulants like caffeine, taurine, or vitamins B3/B12 to counteract tiredness.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated as dehydration can worsen the feelings of fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some relevant questions and answers related to “Can CBD cream make you tired?”.
Is It Common for CBD Cream to Cause Tiredness?
Ans: CBD cream rarely makes people tired. However, the severity of this effect varies from person to person. Besides, the side effects of CBD cream can be influenced by many factors such as dosage, tolerance level, and product composition.
How Can I Tell If CBD Cream Is Making Me Tired?
Ans: When you use CBD cream, pay attention to how your body reacts. If you're tired, you might feel sleepy, sluggish, or have trouble staying awake. If you notice these symptoms after using CBD cream, consult a healthcare provider.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of CBD Cream?
Ans: The most common side effects of CBD cream that you may experience are skin irritation, rash, skin flaming, redness, and dryness or peeling. Note that tiredness is not a common side effect of CBD-infused cream.
The Bottom Line
CBD cream actually promotes calmness, relaxation and helps to minimize various physical pains including muscle pain, joint pain, and so on. However, this relaxation may indirectly cause tiredness. Factors like dosage, individual tolerance, and product composition influence its impact. Higher doses or strains with higher THC concentrations are more likely to cause tiredness. Adjusting dosage, choosing products wisely, and healthy lifestyle can help manage tiredness.
