CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that has been found to offer many health benefits. One of these benefits is its ability to improve sleep quality. CBD helps to regulate the body’s internal clock, promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety and stress levels. This can lead to better sleep quality and duration. Here we explore the evidence-based benefits of CBD for sleep and look at how it can help to address common sleep problems.
• CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep.
• CBD is also known to reduce anxiety and stress levels, both of which can be major contributors to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Overall, the research suggests that CBD can be an effective natural treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• CBD products come in the form of capsules, pills, tinctures, or topical products.
• CBD is generally well tolerated and considered to be safe. However, some people may experience side effects, such as fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
CBD: A brief overview
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxicating effect. Instead, it has been shown to offer a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles.
When taken in small doses during the day, CBD can help to promote alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness. This can help maintain daytime alertness and for ensuring the strength and consistency of the sleep-wake cycle. CBD has also been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the duration of nighttime awakenings.
As such, it may be an effective treatment for conditions like insomnia. A single dose of CBD (25-100 mg) before bedtime may help to promote deeper and longer sleep.
CBD and the Sleep-Wake Cycle
The human body has an internal biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. This cycle is determined by exposure to light and darkness and is controlled by the release of hormones like melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy and promotes relaxation. The body’s production of melatonin increases in the evening as darkness falls, making you feel tired and promoting sleep. levels of melatonin begin to decrease in the morning as light exposure increases, making you feel more alert and awake.
CBD has been shown to increase levels of melatonin in the body, which can help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promote deeper and longer sleep.
CBD and Relaxation
CBD has also been shown to promote relaxation by reducing anxiety and stress levels. Anxiety and stress can interfere with sleep by causing racing thoughts, hyperarousal, and difficulty falling asleep. CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety and stress levels, which can in turn improve sleep quality. A single dose of CBD (25-100 mg) before bedtime may help to promote relaxation and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
One of the ways it does this is by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates many important functions in the body, including mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation. The ECS also plays a role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
CBD has been shown to increase levels of natural endocannabinoids, which can help to restore balance in the ECS and promote better sleep. CBD is also known to reduce anxiety and stress levels, both of which can be major contributors to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
In one study, CBD was shown to reduce anxiety levels in people with a social anxiety disorder (SAD). Participants who took CBD before giving a public speech reported feeling more relaxed and less anxious than those who took a placebo.
Another study looked at the effects of CBD on sleep in people with chronic pain. The participants were given either CBD or a placebo before bedtime. The study found that those who took CBD slept better than those who took the placebo. They also reported reduced pain levels and improved daytime functioning.
In a small study of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), CBD was shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve sleep quality.
Overall, the research suggests that CBD can be an effective natural treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
How to use CBD for sleep
There are a few different ways that you can use CBD to improve sleep quality. The most popular methods are oral supplements, tinctures, and topical products.
Oral supplements: CBD supplements come in the form of capsules, pills, or gummies. They are a convenient option if you don’t like the taste of CBD oil. However, it can take longer for the effects to kick in as they have to be digested by the body first.
Tinctures: CBD tinctures are designed to be taken under the tongue. They are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, so they start working more quickly than oral supplements.
Topical products: CBD topical products include creams, lotions, and balms. They can be applied directly to the skin and are absorbed through the hair follicles. Topicals are a good option if you have trouble sleeping due to muscle pain or soreness.
When choosing a CBD product, it’s important to look for one that is high quality and made from organic, non-GMO hemp. You should also check the label to make sure that it contains no more than 0.3% THC. This is the legal limit in the United States and ensures that the product will not produce any psychoactive effects.
It’s also important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. This will help you to find the dose that works best for you without causing any unwanted side effects.
Side effects of CBD
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered to be safe. However, some people may experience side effects, such as fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
If you’re concerned about any potential side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking CBD. They can help you to determine whether it’s safe for you to use and advise you on the best dosage.
Anti-inflammatory
CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This can be helpful for those who suffer from conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects can also help to reduce muscle soreness and tension. As a result, it can be beneficial for those who have trouble sleeping due to muscle pain.
CBD has also been shown to be effective in treating other sleep disorders such as insomnia. It can help to increase the amount of time spent in deep sleep, and reduce the number of times awakenings during the night. This can lead to improved sleep quality and duration.
Our Conclusions
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to offer a range of potential health benefits, including improved sleep quality. CBD helps to regulate the body’s internal clock, promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety and stress levels. This can lead to better sleep quality and duration.
