If you鈥檙e one of the many people in the UK who lie awake at night, you鈥檙e not alone. Insomnia affects roughly one in three adults, and for those tired of turning to sleeping pills or lying awake for hours, CBD has become an increasingly popular alternative. But is it actually effective 鈥 and how should it be used?
Mike Rollins, COO of hemp wellness brand Olofly, believes that most people don鈥檛 get the full benefits of CBD because they鈥檙e using it incorrectly. His team has developed a five-step method that thousands of customers now follow 鈥 one that could make the difference between another restless night and genuinely restorative sleep.
Here鈥檚 what you need to know before trying CBD as part of your nighttime wind-down.
Timing matters more than you think
Start with a CBD oil dose around one hour before bedtime. 鈥淧lace it under your tongue and hold for at least 30 seconds before swallowing,鈥 Rollins says. 鈥淪wallowing too soon means your body loses half the benefits, as stomach acids break it down before it can be absorbed.鈥
Broad-spectrum beats basic
Many beginners reach for CBD isolates, but Rollins recommends broad-spectrum versions for sleep. These retain the full array of calming compounds from the hemp plant 鈥 minus THC 鈥 and work together more effectively through what鈥檚 known as the 鈥榚ntourage effect鈥. If you鈥檙e browsing options, look for oils or capsules that clearly state 鈥榖road-spectrum鈥 and provide lab reports confirming non-detectable THC levels.
To find high-quality broad-spectrum oils and gummies, shop the full range at Olofly here 鈥 all third-party tested and legal in the UK.
A little every day is better than a lot now and then
When it comes to CBD, consistency beats quantity. 鈥淪maller daily doses build up to better results,鈥 he explains. Most people find relief with 25鈥50mg per night, but Rollins suggests starting with just 10mg and increasing gradually every few days until you find your sweet spot.
Create the right conditions
CBD works best as part of a healthy wind-down routine 鈥 not as a magic fix. Avoid screens in bed, keep your room cool, and aim for a regular bedtime. 鈥淚t complements your body鈥檚 natural sleep cycles, instead of knocking you out cold like a sleeping tablet,鈥 Rollins says.
Talk to your doctor if you take prescription medication
This is non-negotiable. CBD can interfere with how your body processes certain medicines, including antidepressants, blood thinners, and some heart medications. If in doubt, check with your GP or pharmacist before starting.
Look for lab reports 鈥 and don鈥檛 settle for vague labels
Good brands will always provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab. This shows exact levels of CBD, confirms legal THC content, and checks for contaminants. Rollins recommends only buying from brands where you can access this report easily 鈥 either via a product page, QR code, or customer service request.
Olofly makes these COAs available for all its products and backs its range with strict testing standards. You can browse their latest broad-spectrum CBD oils and gummies directly here.
What does the science say?
Studies into CBD鈥檚 effect on sleep are ongoing, but early results are encouraging. A trial by GW Pharmaceuticals found that sleepiness was one of the most common effects reported by patients taking CBD for epilepsy 鈥 a promising sign that the compound could offer gentle support for sleeplessness, too.
More research is needed, but anecdotal evidence 鈥 and a growing community of UK users 鈥 suggests CBD could be a smart addition to your bedtime routine, especially when used the right way.
Explore trusted CBD products
To find high-quality broad-spectrum oils and gummies, shop the full range at Olofly here 鈥 all third-party tested and legal in the UK.
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