CBD appears to be everywhere, being used for anxiety, chronic pain, acne, and even being incorporated in certain foods and drinks. It’s available over-the-counter in a variety of dosages and formats.
It’s normal to be curious about what this enigmatic compound is and what it does in the body. CBD, like THC, can help you relax, and some individuals are wondering if it would help them finally get some rest.
So can CBD help you sleep? However, several studies imply that taking CBD as a sleep aid may have some benefits, so it’s worth looking into. For example, there is evidence that CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety. If someone’s anxiety is causing them to have trouble sleeping, a CBD product may help.
What Does The Research Say?
Growing public interest in cannabis advantages, particularly CBD, has prompted academics to investigate its effects during the last decade. High doses of CBD may help with sleep.
A CBD dosage of 160 milligrams (mg) was observed to enhance sleep duration when compared to a placebo. The researchers also found that the placebo, 5 mg of the insomnia medicine nitrazepam, and 40, 80, and 160 mg of CBD helped people fall asleep.
Cortisol, or the stress hormone, usually peaks in the morning, although insomniacs may have elevated cortisol levels at night. In addition to sleeplessness, having high cortisol levels at night is connected with an increased number of overnight awakenings.
Researchers discovered that taking 300 or 600 mg of CBD oil reduced cortisol levels more dramatically in one investigation on the benefits of CBD. These findings show that CBD inhibits cortisol release, perhaps functioning as a sedative.
A more recent CBD and sleep study included 103 people who were anxious or slept poorly. The effects of CBD in combination with the effects of other prescription drugs were researched by the researchers.
How Can CBD Help With Sleep Disorders?
The benefits of CBD on sleep disturbances are still in the early stages of research. Some people who take CBD for chronic pain say they sleep better as a result of it. It is currently unknown whether these people sleep better as a result of the pain treatment or because CBD directly influences their sleep.
Other preliminary research on CBD and sleep issues has yielded promising results. However, not everyone benefits from CBD usage in the same way, and various dosages may have different effects.
Low amounts of CBD are energizing, whereas large levels of CBD are sedating, according to research. The technique and dose of CBD administration can also account for differences in experience.
More study is needed to have a better understanding of CBD as a sleep problem treatment.
Anxiety and CBD
Anxiety can lead to poor sleep quality, inadequate sleep, and sleep disorders, even if it is not a sleep problem in and of itself. CBD can be used to treat anxiety-related diseases, according to preliminary studies.
CBD soothes the neurological system. According to one research, over 80% of people who took CBD to treat anxiety felt better after a month. Moreover, 65 percent of individuals reported increased sleep at first, although the outcomes were inconsistent.
Insomnia and CBD
People who suffer from insomnia have trouble getting asleep and staying asleep at night. This condition impairs daytime wakefulness, concentration, and mood. People who have a history of poor sleep may have anxiety about obtaining enough sleep, which can lead to further restlessness at night.
Given the possible benefits of CBD in the reduction of anxiety, it’s thought that CBD might also aid with insomnia-related anxiety. A second pilot trial of CBD and THC usage in individuals with insomnia indicated by a physician is also ongoing. The study’s findings will provide further information about CBD’s impact on insomnia.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and CBD
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder talk and make violent motions during their rapid eye movement (REM) period of sleep. The condition is particularly frequent in older adults with neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder and CBD
Daytime sleepiness problem makes it difficult to stay awake during the day. CBD might be one answer for getting up on time and staying awake. CBD acts as a wake-inducing medication, according to a preliminary animal study.
However, other research suggests that CBD acts as a sedative. More study is needed to discover how CBD consumption affects alertness and drowsiness at different levels and in different ways.
The Endocannabinoid System and Sleep
Researchers revealed that the endocannabinoid system has a role in sustaining various biological processes such as mood, hunger, sleep, and regulating circadian rhythms. In the brain and central nervous system, the endocannabinoid system has a network of cannabinoid receptors.
CB1 and CB2 are the two major receptors found. Cannabinoids connect to these cells and have a variety of effects. In terms of how they could affect sleep, some study suggests that the cannabinoid CBD interacts with certain receptors, which might affect the sleep/wake cycle.
CBD may also help with anxiety and discomfort, both of which can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. It’s also conceivable that by minimizing some symptoms, sleep will improve.
How to Use CBD for Sleep
The optimum time of day to consume CBD depends on the format if you’re seeking a natural sleep aid. We recommend consuming 0.5-1 ml of CBD for 20-40 minutes before going to bed.
So it will be best if you take top-quality CBD oil for your sleep disorder. Because CBD’s effectiveness to enhance sleep diminishes with time, you may not want to use it on a daily or long-term basis.
CBD Safety and Side Effects
THC, the second well-known Phytocannabinoids, has a substantially distinct side effect profile than CBD. THC’s psychoactive characteristics can create adverse effects such as hallucinations, anxiety, and hunger, but CBD has no psychoactive chemicals.
So CBD won’t get you a high feeling. Certain CBD-based drugs were shown to have a higher prevalence of unfavorable side effects among users compared to those who didn’t. The following negative impacts were discovered:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Loss of appetite
Some of these side effects might be dose-dependent, meaning they’re more likely to happen with greater dosages and variation of immune systems.
Final Thoughts
Insomnia is a frequent ailment for which doctors often prescribe behavioral adjustments, often in conjunction with prescription medications. Some people use CBD to treat their sleeping difficulties. CBD appears to be generally harmless, while research into its effects, especially over time, is lacking.
Doctors aren’t sure if CBD helps people sleep, although some data suggest it could. More research is needed to determine the most effective manner to consume CBD and the appropriate dosage to help sleep.