CBD For Sleep — What the Research Tells Us
In today's always-on society, sleeping problems are common, and many people are unaware of their debilitating effects on health and everyday life. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, you're not alone. Around 1 in 3 people have chronic insomnia, and experts believe the true figure is nearer to half.
Unfortunately, many people don't recognize the long-term impact of a lack of sleep and leave it unaddressed for too long. Besides reduced productivity, sleep deprivation can have far-reaching effects on your mental and physical well-being. You need sleep to keep your heart, mind, and body balanced. You need sleep to feel like yourself.
A lack of restful sleep leads to decreased cognitive performance throughout the day, impacting productivity. It also increases your stress levels leaving you feeling irritated and anxious which can affect relationships with friends, family members, and work colleagues. Long-term sleep deprivation has also been linked to an increased risk of developing major illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
If you regularly struggle with sleep, you've probably tried everything under the sun to get some rest, from chamomile tea to medications. But have you considered CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. It's nonintoxicating, safe, and works in harmony with your body's natural rhythm. As a result, this hemp-derived substance has been gaining increasing attention for its potential as a sleep aid.
Research shows that CBD has a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to restore balance, ease insomnia, and reduce sleep disruptions.
So, should you try full spectrum CBD for sleep? Continue reading to find out.
Why you need restful sleep
Sleep is a critical state of rest that allows your body and mind to recover from the physical and mental activities of the day. When your sleep, your brain consolidates memories and supports the body in cellular repair and maintenance. Therefore, you need around 8 hours of sleep for mental well-being and clarity.
Without enough sleep, you'll experience low mood, trouble concentrating, and be predisposed to making bad decisions and having memory problems. Experts also link sleep deprivation to serious and potentially life-threatening chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
What does the research say about CBD for sleep?
A growing number of studies have evaluated the potential of CBD for sleep and underpin its value. Additionally, a plethora of anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD can ease insomnia and help you get a better night's sleep.
An early 2012 study compared different doses of CBD with nitrazepam, a potent sleeping medication. Doctors often prescribe this drug for anxiety and insomnia relief as it has a powerful sedative effect.
The researchers found that 160 milligrams (mg) of CBD helped the 15 participants with insomnia increase their sleep duration.
CBD for sleep may work through effects on cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Typically, cortisol levels peak in the morning, but in people with insomnia, the levels are often higher at night, leading to increased awakenings during the night. Research shows that CBD can decrease plasma cortisol levels, leading to a sedative effect.
Sometimes, sleeping problems occur because of trauma and stress. A 2016 case study highlighted the experience of a 10-year-old girl with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her doctors have prescribed various pharmaceutical medications, but they were only partially helpful and did not provide a long-lasting solution for her insomnia. Furthermore, she experienced significant side effects, making them intolerable.
However, with an initial dose of 25 mg of CBD oil, the girl had fewer sleep disturbances, and her hair anxiety improved. During the five-month study period, has sleep and anxiety levels consistently and steadily improved, and, eventually, she could sleep through most nights in her own room.
CBD for sleep increases sleep quality and impacts the sleep cycle. The authors of a 2020 review noted that high doses of CBD increase total sleep in animal models and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency, meaning how quickly you fall asleep.
Should you try CBD for sleep and insomnia?
CBD is gaining traction as an effective natural remedy for those struggling with insomnia and sleep disturbances. As research continues to build a compelling case for the use of CBD for sleep, an increasing number of people are incorporating it into their daily routines and achieving better quality sleep and restful nights.
If you long for peaceful, restorative sleep, the ancient healing power of hemp oil may be the perfect solution.
