Do you often find yourself tossing and turning on your bed until the wee hours of the morning? Unfortunately, you are not alone. In fact, 10% to 30% of people worldwide suffer from a sleeping disorder.
Since sleep is essential for the heart, brain, and immune system, more and more people are looking for effective yet natural sleep aids. One that has recently gained traction is CBD for sleep, which interacts with the brain receptors to promote a more restful slumber.
What is CBD?
CBD, which is a type of cannabinoid, acts as a chemical messenger in the body. When taken, it binds itself to the receptors of the nervous system.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the user’s high, CBD does not have psychoactive effects. Because of this, CBD may be better in managing pain, anxiety, and of course, insomnia.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD, which is a type of oil, comes from the cannabis plant. Usual sources include either marijuana or hemp.
Hemp uses the plant’s seeds and stalks. Studies show that it contains fewer amounts of high-inducing THC, making it a better sleep aid compared to marijuana.
How Does CBD Affect the Body?
While there is continuous CBD research being done, experts have yet to fully understand the substance’s modes of action. Initial studies, however, suggest that CBD and other cannabinoids interact with brain cells and proteins.
Early research has also uncovered the endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain certain body functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and the ‘body clock’.
Embedded in this endocannabinoid system are two receptors, namely B1 and B2. They are found in the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
CBD works by attaching to these receptors, bringing about a variety of effects on the body. In terms of sleep, CBD may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
CBD may also help reduce pain and anxiety, which can also get in the way of a restful sleep.
What Does Research Say About CBD and Sleep?
Although many CBD studies are still underway, initial trials have shown that it may be useful in promoting sleep.
One such study, which ran from 2016 to 2018, featured 409 participants diagnosed with insomnia. These individuals had an average insomnia score of 6.6 out of 10.
The researchers gave these patients cannabis with a CBD potency averaging 5.7%. Following regular use, the participants’ insomnia score decreased to a mere 2.2.
There’s also a study that made use of a 25 mg CBD capsule, which the participants took right before they went to sleep. As expected, regular use helped decrease sleep problems by as much as 66%.
How Do You Use CBD as a Sleep Aid?
Given CBD’s promising effects on sleep, you’ll be glad to know that you can use it in a variety of ways:
- As a tincture to add to your drinks
- As vape, where you add CBD extract to a vaporizer and inhale it
- As edibles or food to eat, such as cookies, cakes, and gummy bears
Since CBD concentrations vary according to the product – and because most scientific studies are still taking place – the right dose for insomnia remains unknown.
That being said, you may need to do some experimenting with the dose. Make sure to start small and build your way up until you find the amount that helps you go to sleep.
As mentioned, several published trials show that CBD may be effective in promoting sleep. So if you’re looking for a natural way to doze off, CBD is something you ought to try.