The empty feeling of being up in the middle of the night can drive you crazy, watching the clock tick away as you try to fall asleep. I'm resisting the impulse to watch infomercials (hmm, perhaps I need this veggie chopper?). All this time, I've been cutting onions by hand!) or eagerly going through Instagram to see if there are any fresh posts. (Does anyone happen to be awake? Are there any new stories? (Isn't it?)
We all require sleep, but it is not always easy for some. CBD may be able to aid you after all other choices have been explored—and you've practically tired yourself in the process. CBD may be the solution to help you wind down and remain asleep (what a dream!), depending on the fundamental reason of your sleeping problems. Let's take a look at common sleep problems and see what the science says about CBD and sleep.
Why are some people unable to fall asleep?
Sleep may be escaping you for a variety of reasons, including stress, worry, sadness, or lifestyle issues like food and exercise, aside from external ones like a noisy neighbor playing piano duets with his cat until 3 a.m. Medications you're taking, as well as persistent physical ailments or disorders, can disrupt your sleep and rest.
What does the science say about CBD and sleep?
The endocannabinoid system (which is found throughout the body) has been identified to play a role in sustaining various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythm regulation. A network of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system make up the endocannabinoid system.1 CBD and other cannabinoids connect to these cells and have a variety of effects. Although more research is needed, recent studies have revealed that CBD can help enhance the length and quality of sleep, motivating more research based on the positive results.
What is the most recent research?
Here are some recent CBD and sleep studies:
- 1,521 persons reported taking CBD for sleep issues in 2021. CBD reportedly aided participants in falling asleep faster, cutting the average duration from an hour to 20 minutes. Perhaps more crucially, when using CBD for sleep, people reported waking up less frequently (about a third as many times).2
- In a 2019 study, 72 people were participated, 47 of whom had anxiety and 25 of whom had poor sleep. Every day, the participants were given 25mg of CBD in capsule form. Patients reported decreased anxiety levels and improved sleep in the first month, with 79.2 percent reporting lower anxiety and 66.7 percent reporting better sleep. 3
- By 2020, it was established that there is sufficient reason to pursue additional studies of cannabis therapy in people suffering from sleep apnea, insomnia, PTSD-related nightmares, restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and narcolepsy.4
- According to a national Consumer Reports poll from 2019, about 10% of Americans who tried CBD said it helped them sleep, and the majority of those people claimed it worked.5
- Researchers discovered in 2017 that CBD could help with REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness.6
- In 2016, a 10-year-old child with post-traumatic stress disorder and poor sleep was treated with CBD in a case study. A 25mg CBD supplement was given at bedtime as part of a study. Over the course of five months, both the quantity and quality of sleep improved.7
- Four patients with Parkinson's disease were studied in a 2014 study. CBD relieved the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a disorder in which a person plays out their dreams, according to the study.8
Is there a link between CBD, sleep, and anxiety?
CBD's anti-anxiety effects and ability to promote relaxation make it a good sleep aid.
Sleep problems are generally alleviated and sleep quality is enhanced as a result of reduced anxiety. Nervousness, restlessness, and worry can all be alleviated and a heightened condition can be calmed.9
What time of day should you take CBD to help you sleep?
It all depends on how CBD is processed by your body and how cannabinoid receptors are scattered throughout it.10
It may take some trial and error to figure out what the optimal time is to take CBD and sleep well. Because Hemp&U CBD oil is so quick acting, you can take them right before bed (they don't take long to break down in the body and the effects are usually noticed within 10 minutes). Even ingesting a CBD Oil may be enough to signal your body to begin calming down and transport your thoughts to a tranquil zone for sleep.
Why might CBD be a better sleep aid than sleeping pills?
CBD is a natural alternative to prescription and over-the-counter medicines for those who have trouble sleeping. Dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal troubles, persistent drowsiness, allergic responses, everyday performance problems, and more are all possible adverse effects of common sleep aids. Hemp&U CBD Oil, for example, is created with 100 percent pure hemp CBD oil, with no extra fillers or harsh compounds like those found in pharmaceutical sleep aids.
So, what's the bottom line here?
If you're having difficulties sleeping, the greatest thing you can do is ask your noisy neighbor and his cat to learn a Brahms Lullaby so you can at least listen to something soothing. The second step is to discuss your specific sleep issues with your doctor. CBD could be the key to getting some much-needed shut-eye for individuals looking for a solution to calm the mind and increase relaxation before bedtime.
REFERENCES
- American Sleep Association. (n.d). CBD: For Sleep and Insomnia. https://rb.gy/uwscu2
- Project CBD. (n.d.). CBD Survey Results: Cultivating Wellness. https://www.projectcbd.org/reports/cultivating-wellness/sleep
- Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
- The National Library of Medicine. (2020, May 16). Cannabinoid therapies in the management of sleep disorders: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32603954/
- Gill, L. L. (2019, February 5). Can CBD Help You Sleep? Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-cbd-help-you-sleep/
- Babson, K.A., Sottile, J. & Morabito, D. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep 19, 23 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
- Shannon, S., & Opila-Lehman, J. (2016). Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. The Permanente journal, 20(4), 16-005. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/16-005
- (n.d.). CBD for Insomnia: Benefits, Side Effects, and Treatment. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-insomnia#research)
- M. J. (2017 September 6). The Ultimate Guide to CBD and Sleep. Huffpost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-ultimate-guide-to-cbd-and-sleep_b_59b013e9e4b0c50640cd63a0)
- L. (2018 September 12). Can CBD Really Help You Sleep Better? Huffpost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cbd-sleep-insomnia_n_5b980bd7e4b0511db3e6c4f4
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