2020 has been one for the history books, which means many are finding themselves struggling to find the good sleep that used to come naturally. There are many reasons a person might experience insomnia, but the result is always the same: reduced performance in daily activities and an overall reduction in healthy bodily functions.
During a time when maintaining healthy habits is especially important, you should be getting the most and best sleep possible in order to keep your body and immune system functioning perfectly. One way to help ensure restful sleep is by adding CBD products to your nighttime routine. In this article, we’ll discuss how taking CBD can help you fight insomnia.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
In order to understand how CBD products can help with insomnia, you’ll first need to understand the basics of how CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions in our bodies as a way to maintain homeostasis and stabilize the body when trauma or dangerous processes are introduced.
If some sort of disruption is introduced in the body, the ECS will activate and control the situation to make sure all systems it controls remain at an optimal level. This is a fundamental function of human physiology because all the internal systems need to be in a state of equilibrium to work effectively.
There are three primary elements that make up the endocannabinoid system:
- Endocannabinoids. Compounds that are produced by the body, but are very similar to the chemical compounds in cannabis, like CBD.
- Cannabinoid Receptors. Receptors found on the surface of cells throughout the body. Any endocannabinoids or ingested cannabinoids will bind to these receptors. The action of binding allows them to communicate with different systems in the body, helping the ECS maintain an equilibrium in each of the specific systems.
- Enzymes. After endocannabinoids attach themselves to the cannabinoid receptors and the ECS has maintained stabilization, enzymes break down the endocannabinoids to prevent overcorrection. Each type of endocannabinoid has a specific enzyme that works at breaking it down effectively.
In the same way that it maintains the equilibrium of the immune, digestive, and nervous systems, the ECS is also responsible for homeostasis in sleep processes like the sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. Because cannabinoids can so easily interact with the ECS, they are able to have an effect on sleep disorders, including insomnia.
CAUSES OF INSOMNIA
Some of the most common triggers for insomnia include:
- Stress. Life brings us new concerns on what seems like a daily basis. Whether it’s work, school, money, or the health of ourselves or our loved ones, it can seem like we’re always worrying about something every moment of the day. That includes the time when we’re meant to be asleep. When the stress of life elevates, the chance of restful and routine sleep lowers and often, people will experience insomnia.
- Schedule. Circadian rhythms are at their core, just like an internal clock, handling the cycle in which you sleep and wake as well as your metabolism and body temperature. When that rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to insomnia. Sometimes our work or travel schedules are responsible for this disruption, so it’s important to get a handle on them as quickly as possible so a new routine can be instituted.
- Poor sleep habits. Maintaining proper sleep habits is difficult, especially in a world filled with screens and distractions. Poor habits can also include irregular bedtimes, daytime naps, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, or even watching TV from bed. This, of course, includes using a computer or phone in bed, or playing video games.
- Eating too late. A light snack is fine, but eating a large meal immediately before bed can make you feel physically uncomfortable, especially when lying down. This can sometimes lead to heartburn or acid reflux which can also keep you awake.
- Mental health disorders. There are many different issues that can cause sleep disruption, but some of the most common are anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
- Medications. It’s fairly common knowledge that prescription medication can come with a slew of side effects. Medication for depression, asthma, or even blood pressure often end up leaving users feeling restless at night and suffering from insomnia. Even over-the-counter medication can cause sleeplessness because of the included caffeine in the product.
- Medical conditions. Our own health can also cause sleep disturbances. Conditions like chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, acid reflux, thyroid disease, and Parkinson’s disease can cause a patient to lose sleep.
- Sleep-related disorders. A very common sleep disorder is sleep apnea, which causes a person to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. Another common sleep condition that leads to insomnia is restless leg syndrome which causes unpleasant sensations in the legs and a strong desire to move them. Both of these conditions can cause a person to have difficulty sleeping.
- Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and should be avoided later in the day to ensure they don’t cause you to stay up late or sleep restlessly. Alcohol can be confusing because while it can help you fall asleep, it actually prevents the deeper stages of sleep and often causes frequent awakenings during the night.
- Age. Unfortunately, insomnia becomes much more common as we age. As people get older, they may find themselves changing their sleep patterns. Older people often get tired earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning. Aging also means that a person may be less physically or socially active, which could lead to a more restless sleep at night. Additional changes in health and added medications in older generations are both situations that could lead to insomnia.
STUDIES
A recent study found that cannabinoids could be used as an effective treatment for those suffering from insomnia. The study included 72 adults who suffered from anxiety and insomnia. The participants of this study were given CBD in the form of 25 mg capsules, most of them being consumed before bed. After one month of this treatment, participants reported a 66% increase in the quality of their sleep [1].
Another study saw participants use an entire cannabis flower that included a variety of cannabinoids, including CBD. This study asked the participants to use a number of different ingestion methods, including vaping, pipes, and joints.
When the study began, the participants were asked to rate their symptoms. That score was 6.6 on average. By the time the study had concluded, the participants ranked their symptoms at 2.2, showing a reduction of 4.5 from what they experienced before using cannabinoids to help their sleep [2].
A smaller scale study that involved just one participant experiencing insomnia due to PTSD showed that a 25 mg capsule of CBD consumed before bed helped her conditions improve over the 5 months the study took place [3].
TREATMENT
If you’re interested in adding CBD to your routine in order to help with any sleep conditions you might be suffering from, the first step is to consult your doctor. It’s important to make sure adding CBD products to your daily schedule will not interfere with any current medications or health plan you are currently on. A quick check with your primary physician will ensure you’re on the right track.
There are several ways to try CBD products, and which you select will depend completely on your own needs and health. Some of the most popular ways to consume CBD include:
- Edibles. These are often found in the form of gummies but are also made into cakes and cookies. They are made with CBD oil and will usually list the concentration of CBD in milligrams on the packaging. Consuming a CBD edible is one of the easiest ways to get all the benefits CBD has to offer.
- Vaporizing. When CBD oil is made into a special extract, it can be used in vaporizers or vape pens and inhaled. Just like any other substance that is inhaled into the lungs, this may cause some health concerns, so make sure to check with your doctor before selecting this plan of action.
- CBD Oil. This method is pure CBD oil. It will often come in a bottle with a dropper, and the CBD oil can be applied directly into the mouth or into drinks or food. The oil does have a distinct smell and flavor, so the best way for you to consume it will depend on what works best for you and your senses.
- Smoking. Hemp flowers will provide a high and pure dose of cannabinoids, including CBD. You can buy the flower and smoke it in pipes or grind it up into rolled joints. For an even easier way to consume, you can also purchase pre-rolled hemp smokes made with premium and CBD-rich hemp.
Insomnia doesn’t have to be a lifelong sentence. With CBD showing its potential for so many therapeutic benefits, taking a chance to try it for something as aggravating and unhealthy as insomnia is something anyone suffering should consider.
CBD OIL FOR SLEEP FAQs
Can CBD Products Improve Sleep Quality?
CBD is often turned to as a sleep aid by those looking to improve their sleep quality. Many people use CBD oil for sleep and have reported that they fall asleep faster and gain some relief from a wide variety of other sleep issues.
What Different Types of CBD Oil Are There?
The three main types of CBD oil are full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolate.
Is CBD a Natural Sleep Aid?
CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, which has been among the known natural sleep aids for thousands of years. Many people who have trouble falling asleep but do not want to turn to chemical aids have had very positive experiences with CBD.
What About the Safety and Side Effects of CBD?
If you want to try CBD to help with your trouble sleeping, you might be wondering about its safety and if there could be any unwanted side effects.
The clinical data shows that CBD products are generally well tolerated and safe to consume. That doesn’t mean you can’t experience any side effects at all, though. A small number of users have reported experiencing diarrhea, a loss of appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue when consuming CBD.
Another thing to watch out for is combining CBD with other medications. CBD can sometimes amplify the effects of other medications, so you should always consult with your doctor before trying it out.
How Much CBD Should I Take for Sleep?
CBD products have been shown to offer sleep benefits in many studies, and more research is currently being done to determine what the optimal dosages for various sleep disorders may be.
When trying CBD for sleep, it’s always best to start small and slowly increase your dosage as needed. Check out our in-depth dosage guide here for more information.
Can I Take Melatonin and CBD Together?
Melatonin is naturally produced in your body throughout the day and is present in everyone, all the time. This means that you can’t avoid taking melatonin and CBD together! If using a melatonin supplement, CBD may amplify its relaxing effects, so be sure to always start with a small dosage.
It’s always a good idea to discuss CBD with your doctor if you plan to combine it with other medications or supplements, including melatonin.
How Long Does It Take for CBD to Work in Your System?
How long it takes for CBD to get to work depends on the form that you consume it in. Vaping or smoking CBD will mean that it becomes effective in your system a lot more quickly than if you swallow an edible form.
When taking edible forms of CBD, most users start to feel the effects within 30 minutes to an hour. With vaped or smoked forms, it can be as quick as 15 minutes.
Disclaimer
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.
