There are a lot of questions about the effect of CBD on insomnia. Here’s what we know about cannabidiols and sleep.
Research shows that several strategies can improve your quality of sleep, from spending less time exposed to blue light to drinking less alcohol and exercising more. But these days, more and more healthcare experts recommend a unique ingredient for a restful sleep. Used in countless ways, from producing massage oils to making tasty lattes, CBD is the most prominent chemical compound in the cannabis plant. Different individuals experience different effects, but studies show that cannabidiol has a calming and relaxing effect on most people.
The cannabis plant has been used since 4,000 B.C to improve several ailments, and over the years, people have developed multiple strains based on how they use the ingredient. Hemp, for example, is a cannabis plant rich in CBD and with a low level of THC, the chemical compound known for triggering the high effect associated with the cannabis plants. Marijuana, on the other side, has a high level of THC and a low level of THC, so it causes more psychoactive effects.
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What research revealed about the connection between CBD and sleep
Research shows that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, an essential system for maintaining homeostasis. Its goal is to restore balance in the human body, influencing almost all other systems. Cannabidiol supports the endocannabinoid system by helping it to improve imbalances in stress response, brain health, inflammation, pain, and the sleep-wake cycle.
CBD is a biphasic product; therefore, different doses cause different effects. The effects also vary from one individual to another. While melatonin triggers a calming state before sleep, melatonin can sometimes make you more alert. High doses of CBD are usually associated with improved sleep.
Using CBD for sleep has become a popular habit because it helps people fall asleep quickly, enables them to stay asleep during the night, and makes them feel more rested in the morning. However, it’s recommended to test different doses because, as mentioned before, for some people, CBD has a stimulating effect when used in a small dose. This effect is also related to the CBD product they use. The ideal amount depends on the individual’s needs. While some people need 10 milligrams to feel its calming effects, others need 100 milligrams. As stated before, CBD has the desired effect at the patient’s ideal dose. First-time users should start with a low dose and increase it slowly to track its effects. Most people start with 10 mg, which is effective for most users. Sometimes people experience CBD’s calming effects at less than 10 mg.
Does CBD help with sleep disorders?
Studies suggest that taking CBD before going to bed can enhance sleep quality in patients with insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. In one study, 80% of participants taking CBD to alleviate their anxiety symptoms reported improved symptoms within a month, and 65% of them stated they slept better. It’s essential to highlight that anxiety and insomnia are two health conditions that go hand in hand because anxiety affects sleep quality, and sleep deprivation can trigger anxiety. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that usually causes anxiety, and the patients who experience it and fail to fall asleep or rest during the night, often experience more intense anxiety symptoms. Usually, the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) peak in the morning, but the patients who have insomnia have heightened cortisol levels during the night, which can trigger anxiety, sleeplessness, and inadequate sleep.
Research shows that CBD is also effective in treating the REM sleep behaviour disorder often found in people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (they have symptoms like verbalizing and aggressive moments during sleep).
What forms of CBD can people use to improve their sleep?
There are several forms of CBD available.
– Ointments
– Gels
– Patches
– Topical creams
– Capsules
– Pills
– Edibles
– Vapes
– Tinctures
– Oils
– Oral sprays
– Oral solutions
Guidelines for taking CBD edibles
While CBD is one of the safest natural ingredients to improve your sleep patterns, there is still a risk of a bad experience if you don’t pick the products carefully. If you decide to take edibles to calm down and enter the slumber mode before sleep, here are some guidelines to have a great experience.
Understand dosing standards
You can purchase CBD drinks wholesale, but before stocking yourself, ensure you pick the products that have the right dose of cannabidiol for you. Check the amount of CBD and THC they contain because edibles range from 1 mg to 100 mg of THC. You have a different tolerance level to cannabinoids, so if this is the first time you take edibles, use products with a lower dose.
Take edibles on a full stomach
Simply Green, a well-known provider of CBD drinks, recommends taking edibles on a full stomach. Try to think of them as desserts; always use them after a meal. When you take CBD edibles on an empty stomach, you can easily overdose or over-consume them.
Use edibles in a relaxing environment
You take CBD to fall asleep easier and enjoy a restful night, so make sure you’re in a comfortable and relaxing environment when you use it. The setting also impacts the effect of CBD, and it’s paramount for it to be in a place that makes you feel cosy and relaxed.
Never mix CBD with alcohol or other substances
CBD and other substances are not complementary, and you shouldn’t use something else when you take edibles. If you plan to take edibles before bed, stay away from alcohol during the day to prevent any side effects. If you mix them, you might be unable to distinguish the CBD’s effect and alcohol.
Research how edibles work
Before taking edibles, search to find how eating CBD affects you and how long it takes for you to feel anything. Edibles usually peak from 30 to 60 minutes after ingesting them, so make sure to stick to your dose while waiting for the effects.
What is the bottom line on CBD for sleep?
If you want a natural alternative to your treatment for sleep, you can try CBD, as it’s well tolerated by most people and offers great health benefits.