CBD Trial Reports Less Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue in Patients with Hypertension
A recent clinical trial conducted by researchers in Croatia has examined whether cannabidiol (CBD) affects daytime sleepiness, fatigue and psychological well-being in patients with primary hypertension.
This study adds to the growing body of research surrounding CBD's effects, offering intriguing insights into daytime sleepiness and fatigue, although in a specific patient group.
Understanding Daytime Fatigue and CBD's Role
Fatigue during the day is a common issue faced by many, particularly those suffering from health conditions. For many people, a so-called "afternoon slump" is also common, especially around mid-afternoon.
While a variety of products claim to combat this fatigue, many contain excessive amounts of sugar and additives, raising concerns over long-term health impacts.
The Croatian research team did not compare CBD with these energy-boosting products. Its aim was to establish whether chronic CBD supplementation improves self-reported outcomes related to quality of life. The findings, published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, reported less daytime sleepiness and fatigue during CBD supplementation, but they come from people with primary hypertension and cannot be generalised to everyone seeking more vitality during the day.
Key Findings of the Croatian Clinical Trial
In this randomised crossover trial, 64 patients with primary hypertension received CBD for five weeks and a placebo for five weeks, in random order, with a two-week washout in between. The study assessed self-reported sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, quality of life (including fatigue/vitality), memory complaints and anxiety, using several well-known questionnaires such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
The researchers reported that daytime sleepiness (ESS) scores improved during the CBD period but not during the placebo period. Self-reported fatigue/vitality and psychological well-being scores also improved during the CBD period, but the abstract reports these as changes within that period rather than as direct comparisons with placebo.
Key results from the study include:
- Lower daytime sleepiness (ESS) and fatigue scores during the CBD period
- Improved psychological well-being scores reported by participants during the CBD period
- No significant changes in self-reported sleep quality, memory complaints, anxiety or overall quality of life, despite decreased sleepiness during the day
These findings suggest that CBD may reduce daytime sleepiness and fatigue in people with primary hypertension, but they do not establish it as an option for people struggling with energy levels in general. While daytime sleepiness scores improved, the trial found no significant improvement in self-reported sleep quality or overall quality of life, highlighting the nuanced effects of cannabidiol.
Expanding Research on CBD and Fatigue
Previous studies have also delved into CBD’s effects on sleep: a randomised trial in adults with sleep disturbance reported improvements with CBD products over four weeks, although these did not exceed those seen with melatonin. This Croatian study, however, shifts focus to daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
This adds a new layer to research on CBD, although the trial did not measure circadian rhythms or energy metabolism directly. For many, the appeal of CBD lies in its perceived natural benefits, but this trial did not compare its safety with that of conventional energy-boosting products.
As research continues, it should become clearer whether CBD has a role not only in sleep disturbances but also in daytime fatigue and psychological well-being.
Personal Perspective
As someone who has closely followed CBD research, the findings from this Croatian clinical trial are certainly intriguing. While much attention has been focused on CBD's role in improving sleep quality, this study offers a fresh perspective on its potential to address daytime fatigue.
Given the increasing interest in natural supplements, these findings could encourage more exploration into whether CBD affects overall energy levels. Personally, I find the results interesting, although a trial in people with primary hypertension does not show that CBD is a natural alternative for the common "afternoon slump".
Further research, including larger trials in other groups of people, is necessary before conclusions can be drawn about CBD and vitality during the day, or about its long-term effects.
