Why does CBG oil make me sleepy?

With its growing popularity, more people are trying CBG oil for its health and wellness benefits. But a common side effect is feeling sleepy or sedated after taking CBG oil.

Why does CBG oil cause drowsiness in some users? And is there anything you can do to enjoy CBG without excessive sleepiness? Let's break down the science and solutions around CBG oil and fatigue.

What is CBG Oil?

First, a quick primer on what CBG oil is. CBG stands for cannabigerol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid produced in low levels in hemp and cannabis plants.

CBG is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic properties. But since most strains are low in CBG, specialized cultivation is used to produce CBG-dominant flower. The material then gets extracted and refined into oils, capsules, and other products to take advantage of CBG's effects.

Early research suggests CBG may provide benefits including:

• Reduced anxiety and depression
• Neuroprotective qualities
• Lowered inflammation
• Improved digestive function
• Enhanced sleep quality
• Pain relief
• Antibacterial effects

Now that we understand what CBG oil is, let's look at why it can cause drowsiness for some users.

Why CBG Oil Causes Drowsiness and Sleepiness

There are several potential reasons why CBG oil may induce feelings of sedation, relaxation, and sleepiness in certain individuals:

Interactions With the Endocannabinoid System

Like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. This complex cell-signaling network plays a key role in regulating sleep/wake cycles and other processes.

Specifically, research suggests CBG may influence CB1 receptors which are involved in controlling sleep and arousal. This likely underlies some of CBG oil's sedative qualities.

Effects on Neurotransmitters

Studies also find CBG influences levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain like GABA and serotonin. It may also reduce excitatory glutamate.

Shifting this neurotransmitter balance towards the calming side is likely another contributor to the sleep-promoting qualities of CBG oil.

Muscle Relaxant Properties

Research indicates CBG displays muscle relaxant effects throughout the body including smooth muscle like the digestive tract. Relaxing muscles can lead to an overall calming sensation.

Anxiolytic Qualities

In addition to direct sedative mechanisms, CBG oil may simply relieve stress and restless thoughts that can interfere with sleep. By alleviating anxiety, CBG can have indirect sleep-promoting effects.

Through this blend of direct and indirect effects, CBG oil can make some users feel excessively relaxed, sedated, and sleepy. But there are ways to enjoy CBG without as much drowsiness.

Tips to Prevent CBG Oil from Making You Too Sleepy

If CBG oil makes you overly drowsy, try these tips to find the sweet spot between relaxation and excessive sedation:

Take Lower Doses

Excessive CBG doses can lead to intensified effects including sleepiness. Try reducing your dose to see if a lower amount provides benefits without as much sedation. Find the smallest effective dose.

Use Higher Concentration Products

Higher concentration CBG oils allow you to take a smaller volume for the same dose. This may help minimize sedation compared to larger volumes of lower concentration oils.

Avoid CBG in the Evening

Only use CBG oil in the mornings or early afternoons. Save the evenings for non-sedating supplements to avoid nighttime drowsiness.

Combine with Alertness-Promoting Supplements

Pairing CBG oil with ginger, lemon balm, ginseng, or ingredients providing energizing effects can counterbalance excessive sedation.

Stay Hydrated and Active

Ensure you drink enough water and exercise daily. This keeps energy levels high and minimizes drowsiness. Inactivity and dehydration worsen CBG oil fatigue.

Track Reactions

Keep notes on when CBG oil makes you most sleepy. Look for patterns around timing, doses, and circumstances to optimize your regimen.

Using CBG Oil for Improved Sleep

While excessive daytime sleepiness is undesirable, taking advantage of CBG oil’s sedative properties in the evening can actually benefit sleep. Consider these tips:

Time Doses Before Bed

Take CBG oil about 30-60 minutes before bedtime so you feel appropriately relaxed when getting into bed.

Pair with Other Sleep Supplements

Combine small doses of CBG oil with magnesium, glycine, chamomile, or other anti-anxiety sleep aids for compounded effects.

Use Alongside Sleep Hygiene Routines

Practice good sleep hygiene like limiting screens before bed and establishing an evening wind-down ritual. CBG oil can enhance these habits.

For Middle of the Night Awakenings

If you wake in the night, a small sublingual CBG oil dose may help you quickly fall back asleep.

So while you should avoid oversedation from CBG oil during your waking hours, you can strategically leverage its drowsiness effects to enhance sleep at night.

Considerations for Optimizing CBG Oil and Avoiding Drowsiness

While tips like reducing doses and timing use properly can help prevent an excessive sedative response to CBG oil, other factors also play a role in managing energy levels including:

• Age - Older adults may experience enhanced sedation. Start with very low CBG doses.
• Medications - CBG can increase the effects of sedative medicines. Talk to your doctor.
• Caffeine - Limit coffee and other stimulants when using CBG oil to avoid negating intended effects.
• Activities - Don't drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how CBG oil affects you.
• Diet - Eating high-fat meals may increase CBG oil absorption and associated sedation.
• Quality - Impure products are more likely to cause unwanted side effects like sleepiness. Use tested CBG from reputable brands.

Finding your personal tolerance and optimizing timing, doses, and lifestyle habits allows you to minimize excessive sedation from quality CBG oil.

Top Questions About CBG Oil and Sleepiness

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about CBG oil and drowsiness:

Does CBG oil make everyone sleepy?

No, not everyone experiences sedative side effects from CBG oil. Dose, product quality, and personal biology determine responses. But sleep-promoting effects are common. Use the tips above to manage drowsiness.

Is CBG oil just like CBD oil?

CBG oil and CBD oil share similarities but CBG appears more likely to cause drowsiness compared to CBD. Researchers believe CBG has greater activity at CB1 receptors involved in sedation. Starting with very low doses of CBG is recommended.

Can you build tolerance to CBG oil’s sedating effects?

You can build some tolerance to CBG oil over time which may decrease sedative effects with continued use. To avoid this, take periodic breaks from CBG oil for 1-2 weeks before resuming use. Adjust doses accordingly.

What is the best CBG oil dosage to improve sleep?

Most people report solid sleep-promoting effects from CBG oil in the range of 10-50mg taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Start low at 10mg and only increase the dose if needed for better sleep. Lower doses are usually sufficient.

Will CBG oil help with insomnia?

Early research and anecdotal reports suggest CBG oil can improve markers of sleep in those struggling with insomnia. CBG supports deeper REM and slow wave sleep while also providing anxiety relief. Follow dosing tips carefully for best results.

Why does CBG oil make me sleepy? Conclusion

CBG oil can cause excessive drowsiness in some users due to its interactions with sleep-regulating pathways and mechanisms like the endocannabinoid system. But with careful dosing, timing, and adjusting levels of activities, most people can minimize daytime sedation from CBG oil.

If sleepiness remains bothersome, lower your CBG dose further or avoid use altogether. However, allowing yourself to experience CBG oil's sedative effects in the evening may provide sleep-promoting benefits.

Finding the right balance comes down to monitoring your body's response closely and optimizing your regimen accordingly. With smart management of doses and timing, CBG oil can provide great relief and benefits for the majority of users.