Sleeping problems are common, and anyone can be a victim of sleep disorders. About 70 percent of both children and adults cannot sleep the recommended hours in a day. Even though significant causes of sleep deprivation are hectic schedules and stress, medical and mental health problems may deprive you of a good night of sleep. Lack of enough sleep may negatively impact your overall health, cause poor concentration, mood changes, and lack of motivation.
It is crucial to consult or seek medical help when you suspect you have a sleeping disorder. Even though some medications may help you get a quick and lengthy nap, natural treatment options are always a good choice. CBD is one of these natural regimens that could help you have a restful and relaxed night of sleep.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is one of the major cannabinoids in the cannabis plant – Hemp. CBD targets your endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing homeostatic processes. The ECS is responsible for regulating and balancing various body processes, including immune responses, cell communication, appetite and metabolism, memory and many other responses as well.
Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have a “high” effect on its users. However, it has several beneficial health benefits that have taken over the medical world by storm. Research shows CBD can be an effective remedy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Besides, it can also help in alleviating pain and reduce inflammation. Further research and anecdotal evidence also show that CBD is useful in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Does CBD help sleep better?
To understand how CBD improves sleep, we must first understand what leads to poor sleeping habits. Common causes of insomnia include:
- Lack of a conducive environment for sleep, such as loud neighborhoods, uncomfortable bedding, or intrusive lighting among other factors as well.
- Physical conditions that cause discomfort or chronic pain, e.g., restless muscles, body injury, headaches, and many more issues that may exist.
- Caffeine consumption at night.
- Medication that interrupts the sleep cycle
- Mental health disorders; these could include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis.
CBD research is still in its preliminary stages and a lot is yet to be understood on how CBD works. Anxiety is the root cause of many sleep disorders. The mind simply cannot be calm enough to allow the sleep process to take over.
In 2019, research was conducted to analyze the benefits of CBD vape oil on sleep and anxiety reduction. 72 subjects took 25mg of CBD per day and 79.2% of them reported lower anxiety levels, while 66.7% claimed they slept better after taking the medication. This serves as hard evidence that CBD can be useful in treating sleep disorders.
Can CBD help alleviate pain?
CBD also shows potential for alleviation of pain. Evidence indicates that CBD soothes pain, which in the long run serves to improve sleeping patterns. We all know or have experienced the discomfort pain can cause and the effects on your sleeping patterns. CBD has analgesic properties that are known to help alleviate pain. Some people with sleeping disorders, especially those with Schizophrenia, may experience nightmares, forcing them to stay awake. CBD can help them sleep better by improving REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a sleep disorder whereby the patient acts out their dreams.
Taken in various doses, CBD can display sedative properties. This is important when treating insomnia as it can help to calm the mind, thus inducing sleep. Such interaction enables the patient to develop a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
How does CBD work to help with sleep?
As discussed earlier, CBD influences the functions of the ECS. CBD is known to reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is also known as “the stress hormone.” Furthermore, CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Once consumed, it can calm the user by reducing cortisol levels and inhibiting the metabolism of anandamide. High anandamide levels in the body result in higher psychosis tendencies in schizophrenic patients. If you are experiencing night-time awakening, especially when suffering from schizophrenia, CBD can offer a sedative effect and this can help you sleep better for longer hours.
CBD Dosage for Sleep
There is no specific rule when it comes to CBD dosage. However, small doses of CBD have stimulating effects, while a higher dose can have sedative effects. You should choose the amount of CBD depending on the severity of your sleeping problems. A general rule for taking cannabidiol is starting with a lower dose and increasing the amount gradually. As a result, you will understand how your body tolerates varying amounts of CBD doses.
Consequently, insomnia also disrupts the sleep-wake cycle. When a user consumes CBD in relatively higher doses, it can induce a sedative effect. This is helpful as CBD helps induce sleep. However, experts say that 40mg-80mg is a proper dosage to treat sleep disorders. Some doctors prescribe a dosage as high as 300mg per day.
Conclusion
Insomnia is a common ailment facing almost half of the general population at some point in their lives. You have to admit that you have experienced sleepless nights now and then. Many people are now trying out CBD for their sleeping problems. It is generally safe and improves sleep duration, and balances out the sleep-wake cycle. Over time, people have established CBD usage for various reasons, including reducing seizures, anxiety, and pain. Sleep treatment is now a relative discovery that is dominating the medical scene. Proper and clear-cut dosage levels are yet to be established since research is still underway. However, lower doses induce stimulant effect
