Thanks to a growing body of research into the health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids, a picture is beginning to emerge of the numerous biological processes that are influenced by these incredible compounds. Additionally, scientists are starting to realize that many of these processes follow daily cycles, which means that using cannabinoids at different times of the day or night can have a major impact on their efficiency. Accordingly, new research shows that taking CBD just before bed significantly increases its capacity to lower blood pressure and treat hypertension.

Harnessing The Body Clock

At the cutting edge of medicine is a relatively new and incredibly exciting modality called chronotherapy, which takes into account the body’s natural rhythms in order to ensure that medications are administered at the most appropriate time of the day. Also known as the circadian rhythm, the body’s daily ebb and flow is produced by the temporary activation of many different genes at various times of day, and controls everything from the sleep-wake cycle to blood pressure.

High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – is one of the most pressing health issues in Western societies, and is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. Numerous studies have found CBD to be effective at lowering blood pressure when taken in the morning, although a newly published PhD thesis by Aidan Murray from the University of Guelph indicates that taking CBD at night is considerably more beneficial.

In Murray’s study, mice were given CBD at different times of the day, with results showing that those who received the cannabinoid just before going to sleep experienced the biggest reductions in blood pressure. In fact, when taken at night, CBD was found to lower blood pressure to the same degree as common pharmaceutical drugs for hypertension.

Please read the study by American Society of Clinical Investigation: A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.