Studies suggest that CBD help you sleep and is an effective treatment for insomnia
The Covid-19 pandemic created a new level of uncertainty for many people, increasing stress levels and taking a toll on a good night’s sleep.
From loneliness to economic difficulties to managing work and homeschooling, there are multiple factors that have cause stress and loss of sleep, which over time have a negative impact on overall health, increasing risks of hypertension, depression, diabetes, and obesity.
CBD is a natural, therapeutic alternative to beat a variety of common issues, including seizures, anxiety, stress and chronic pain. For those suffering from insomnia, some studies and anecdotal experience suggest that CBD may also be a sleep aid.
If you are considering taking CBD to get a little extra help to get a good night’s sleep, here is what you need to know.
What is CBD?
Short for Cannabidiol, CBD is one of the main natural chemical compounds found in cannabis. The other well-known (and most prevalent compound of the plant) is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
It should be noted that CBD and THC affect the brain differently. While THC is the compound that makes a person high, CBD is non-impairing and also has been shown to reduce the mind-altering effects of THC.
CBD interacts with the brain and the body in order to maintain a state of balance and stability, known as homeostasis, regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility.
Is CBD safe?
As mentioned before, CBD alone is not intoxicating and does not lead to euphoric sensations as THC does. CBD-based products are usually well-tolerated and have mild side effects. Some CBD users experienced dry mouth, reduce appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Keep in mind that CBD may interact with other medications. It can undermine the effectiveness of some drugs and increase the risks of others, especially at high doses.
Also, be extra cautious if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even tough CBD products are associated with mild side effects, there is still a lot of uncertainty about how cannabis affects a baby’s health and developing brain. Further research is needed to determine CBD’s safety regarding pregnant and nursing women.
For all those reasons, your doctor should be kept informed of all the drugs and supplements you take, including CBD, in order to best manage your overall health. It is in your best interest to let your healthcare provider know you have started using CBD.
CBD Instead of Sleep Medication
Many doctors assign patients strong medication for anxiety issues that are extremely useful for falling asleep.
Sleeping pills like benzodiazepines may be effective at ending your sleep problems but in long-term they are potentially addictive, pose a risk of overdose and can cause problems with memory and attention.
On the other hand, CBD is a safe, non-habit forming and a natural alternative to help calm anxious thoughts that often delay or interrupt sleep.
Keep in mind that sleep problems have many different causes. Medical problems like sleep apnea or the medications you already take might be contributing as well. For those reasons, even though CBD may help, the best advice (again!) is to see a qualified professional that can help you get to the root of the problem.
Which CBD-Based Product Is Better for Insomnia?
If you are considering using CBD, be aware that there are a lot of products in the market, but none of them are designed specifically for insomnia. So, there is no type of CBD better than another to help you sleep well.
However, certain highlights indicate the advantages of a CBD product. Some added ingredients can provide extra benefits. For instance, traditional sleep aids such as GABA or melatonin can make the product more effective to help you get to sleep and stay sleep.
CBD comes in many forms: capsules, tinctures and sprays, gummies, creams, and lotions. They all affect the body differently. For instance, oils and edibles might help you sleep longer, because they release the CBD more slowly.
However, the right product depends on your needs, your lifestyle, and the way your body responds to CBD. The best advice is to start with a low dose to make sure that there are no negative side effects and also track how the product affects you.
