The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 70 million Americans suffer from inadequate sleep- are you one of them? These sufferers live with chronic sleep issues that can make them susceptible to illness, moody and forever fatigued. Have you considered taking CBD for sleep?
The beauty of taking CBD to address sleep problems is that it does not possess the side-effects of other medications, nor does it have the propensity for dependency or abuse. CBD is a viable alternative to the many products on the market that can become habit-forming, plus it is affordable and available without a prescription- though it is always suggested that you inform your doctor of any changes that you make to your daily routine, including taking CBD, for continuity of care.
So, CBD for sleep? Consider the benefits, risks, and more:
CBD for Sleep
Active elements of the cannabis plant act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. Since this system is responsible for regulating functions like emotions, pain, and sleep- it makes sense that CBD products can help you in your quest to get a good night’s rest.
Furthermore, your brain’s hypothalamus contains cannabinoid receptors that help to manage and govern an individual’s sleep cycles. For this reason, CBD is an effective sleep aid and effective means of regulating sleep for optimal rest. When your ECS is functioning optimally, you will find that you go to sleep much easier, sleep more soundly, and wake more rested.
Benefits of CBD for Sleep
So, let’s look a bit closer at exactly how CBD helps you to sleep better- and what the ECS has to do with it. Know first that CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant, but it does not cause the euphoric high or intoxication that THC- another compound in cannabis- causes.
What it does do is help with sleep, alleviate pain, and prevent certain types of illnesses- without impairing or intoxicating the user. CBD has shown great efficacy at treating specific pain, like arthritis or restless leg syndrome (RLS), so that the individual can naturally fall asleep and rest better. By relieving pain and/or anxiety, many people are able to relax much easier, enhancing overall sleep hygiene.
How else does CBD aid in sleep?
Insomnia
CBD helps reduce overacting hormones that interfere with your sleep cycle. CBD acts on the hypothalamus, which syncs your sleep. Of all the compounds and elements found in cannabis, CBD is the most effective at decreasing insomnia symptoms.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
CBD helps you to better align your internal clock and set up your Circadian rhythm, which dictates sleep. CBD helps you move through the many phases of sleep without interruptions or disruptions, so you awaken feeling rested and restored. Many individuals, like healthcare workers, that work odd or late hours find CBD to help them with sleep.
Anxiety
Did you know that CBD can help alleviate stress and anxiety? It’s true; when anxiety decreases, your sleep may improve significantly, too. Plus, CBD doesn’t make you tired, droopy, or lethargic like other anti-anxiety medications can, so you can take it safely and without worry. CBD restores hormonal balance, which contributes to better sleep overall.
Restless Leg Syndrome
If you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, you know how it can interfere and prevent sleep. CBD may help alleviate the symptoms and treat restless leg syndrome for those living with this condition. RLS is neurological and it is very uncomfortable to experience. Many describe the sensation as an urge to move the legs or that something is ‘crawling’ under the skin. It may also be accompanied by tingling or twitching. CBD can help.
Chronic Pain
It is going to be difficult to sleep if you are in pain- CBD helps alleviate certain types of pain, which may lead to improved sleep. CBD has been shown to be effective at treating pain that is associated with inflammation, edema, or swelling- like arthritis or joint pain.
CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may bring relief for your pain. It helps that you can try CBD without fear of significant side-effects as a means of augmenting your current pain protocol.
Read: Ranking Top-Rated CBD Oil Products
Risks of CBD for Sleep
So, what about risks? It seems that everything has some sort of side-effects, so you will be happy to learn that CBD is a low-risk way to enhance and potentially improve sleep when taken regularly and as directed. It is always advised that you discuss such interventions and changes in your routine with your health care provider to ensure no drug interactions with anything that you currently take.
Since interactions and sensitivities are rare, CBD products make sense for a lot of people, but here are some medications that could interact or cause issues with CBD:
- Statins
- Anti-inflammatory meds, like ibuprofen and naproxen
- Some antihypertensive medications
- Blood thinners
What other issues or risks are associated with CBD? Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering adding CBD to your routine:
- Check the label regarding THC levels of some CBD products. THC can actually interfere with sleep, even in trace amounts.
- There remains some ambiguity regarding the legality of some CBD products. Check the laws of your state before buying and using these items.
- Buyers should know that CBD products are not regulated by the FDA for sleep. The FDA does not control the quality and claims of over-the-counter CBD products.
- Make sure that the products you buy are independently tested by a third-party lab. This will ensure purity and quality standards. This should be on the label, or you can find out specific results by contacting the manufacturer directly.
Prospective buyers need to weigh out the risks and benefits when determining if CBD products are right for them. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
More about CBD for Sleep
As always, discuss changes to your routine- like taking CBD products- with your health care provider. CBD is a plant-based option that offers consumers a viable alternative to traditional medications and treatments that have not been successful at improving your sleep.
CBD offers a safe solution to sleep problems that does not possess the risks and side-effects of prescription sleep medications, and CBD is less toxic and non-habit forming so it is a sensible approach to improving your sleep hours. Sleep is vital. It is when your body restores and repairs itself. Make sure that you are getting proper and adequate sleep, and if not, consider solutions like CBD products.
Frequently Asked Questions About CBD for Sleep (FAQs)
Does taking CBD for sleep really work?
It has been studied and shown that CBD is effective at many things that could contribute to insomnia, like anxiety and pain. When you alleviate these symptoms with CBD products, it can help relieve your sleep problems so you wake feeling better rested and ready to face the day. Depending on the cause of your sleeplessness, CBD can be an effective and viable solution.
How does cannabis affect the stages of sleep?
Cannabis has sedating qualities that can shorten certain sleep phases, like latency, so you can fall asleep faster and it does the opposite to REM sleep phase by lengthening it, so you sleep longer. Some people feel stimulated by THC, however, so CBD is a much more effective compound of the cannabis plant when looking to improve sleep cycles.
Does marijuana affect how you sleep?
Speaking of cannabis, marijuana can interfere with sleep- and smoking anything can be stimulating, so it could keep you up. Make sure that you are aware of the laws in your state related to use of CBD and THC, just to avoid potential problems later.
What CBD products can help with sleep?
Buyers have a lot of options when it comes to buying CBD products for sleep. You could choose things like CBD gummies, capsules, tinctures, oils, and candy- but make sure to read the labels for distinct dosing information and recommendations. Also, choose products that come highly rated by consumers ad that offer some sort of a guarantee of satisfaction, when available. Since the FDA does not regulate CBD for sleep, you may need to do some research to find quality products from reputable brands that are worth the cost. Always buy CBD that is made in the USA, whenever possible.
For sleep, a fast acting CBD product is most likely the best solution so choose a quick and easy to take tincture. You may also plan ahead and take a capsule about a half hour prior to when you plan to go to bed; that way, it will begin to work when your head hits the pillow!
Does CBD for sleep sound right for you? Visit online retailers to find CBD products, like tinctures, gummies, and capsules, to improve your sleep quality. Look for products that come highly rated by buyers, and that are made in the US for best results and satisfaction. Talk to your provider, physician, or practitioner to find out more about integrating high-quality CBD into your daily regimen!
Read: What Are CBD Gummies?
