Given that millions of Americans suffer from sleep-related problems, there is no shortage of sleep aids in the market these days. Some continue to rely on prescription sleeping pills, while others believe that a white noise machine or weighted blanket would do the trick. Those who believe in the powers of natural remedies, however, have turned to CBD products that are specifically designed to promote healthier sleeping habits.
How can CBD enhance your sleep? Why do more and more people switch to this cannabis-based health remedy? And more importantly, will CBD be the right sleep solution for you, too?
These questions will all be answered in this article, along with some other essential points that you need to know about what makes CBD an effective sleep aid for many.
CBD for Sleep
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the active compounds found in the cannabis plant. The way it works as a natural remedy stem from its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system. When taken at the right dosage and optimal frequency, CBD can help maintain the body’s homeostasis—or the process in which our internal systems adjust to the changes in our environment and other external conditions.
Because of this and the recent legalization of hemp products in the US, several wellness brands have started using CBD as a primary ingredient for various wellness products, including sleep-inducers.
Though the research on CBD is still limited compared to other natural remedies, anecdotal evidence provides support for the findings of the studies indicating that this cannabinoid can help enhance the quality of sleep. These CBD users reported that they can fall asleep faster whenever they take a dose before bedtime, while others highlight the fewer side effects of CBD compared to sleeping pills, especially when used for a longer period.
Research studies, on the other hand, suggest that CBD may help us fall and stay asleep longer in various ways. Let’s take a look at some of the most promising results obtained by experts over the recent years:
CBD and the Circadian Rhythm
A 2020 review of the role that CBD plays in our sleep suggests that taking CBD regularly may assist us in training our bodies and minds to follow our natural circadian rhythm. Through this, we can adopt healthier sleep-wake patterns that will not only lessen the negative effects of sleep deprivation but also boost our energy levels for the following day.
CBD and Insomnia
In 2012, Zhornitsky and Potvin reviewed some experimental studies involving CBD and nitrazepam—a drug used to treat insomnia. They noted that when compared to a placebo, a 160-mg dose of CBD has helped lengthen the sleep of the participants. This observation is comparable with the increase in sleep duration caused by 5 mg of nitrazepam. Given their similar effects, we believe that CBD may be a safer alternative to this insomnia drug because of its known adverse effects.
CBD and Stress
One of the leading causes of sleep problems is an elevated amount of cortisol—the stress hormone—in our systems. A 2019 analysis reveals that by taking 300 to 600 mg of CBD, some participants have significantly lessened the cortisol levels in the bloodstream. While lower dosages can address feelings of anxiety, the higher CBD dosage has been observed to be more effective in helping people fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep interruptions.
CBD and Anxiety
Another 2019 research on CBD shows that around 80% of the 72 participants who had taken a 25-mg CBD capsule each day reported less anxiety, while almost 66% of the same group experienced better sleep within the same period. Given how excessive anxiety could prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep, this significant correlation shows how lowering your anxiety levels through CBD could lead to longer and higher quality of sleep.
CBD and Pain
Chronic pain is also a big sleep deterrent for a lot of people. CBD may be used to manage pain, as detailed in the 2018 review by a group of researchers from the Frontiers in Pharmacology. They have noted that the current supporting evidence on the soothing properties of CBD may help reduce the number of people who can’t sleep or stay asleep due to chronic pain.
As you can see, CBD does not work exactly like the traditional sleeping pill or insomnia medication. Instead, most of the sleep-enhancing effects that can be enjoyed by taking this cannabinoid can be traced to its ability to address the underlying causes of our sleep problems. More research should be done on CBD to fully answer the how’s and why’s, but what we know as of now can be taken as a positive indicator that CBD is an effective sleep aid.
Should You Take CBD as a Sleep Aid?
While many people have praised CBD for being a natural sleep aid, we can’t fully guarantee that it would also work well for you. However, as we have discussed earlier, there’s a good chance that CBD may improve your sleeping patterns and address the factors that prevent you from sleeping. Given this likelihood and the fact that the WHO (World Health Organization) considers CBD as safe for human consumption, we highly recommend CBD as an effective sleep solution that has minimal side effects.
If you’re still not sure if taking CBD would be the best way to end your sleepless nights, here are some other positive points that you should know while you are exploring your options
- Wide variety of CBD sleep aid products
Other than the usual CBD oil, brands have developed and released new product forms that cater to the different needs and preferences of the market. Nowadays, you can find CBD sleep-inducing edibles, drinks, and bath bombs—just to name a few.
- Top CBD brands rely on independent and reliable laboratories
Since the FDA has not approved any other CBD product, manufacturers have tapped credible and ISO-certified laboratories to verify the potency and safety of their respective products. As such, consumers would have a way to gain peace of mind while shopping for their CBD sleep aids.
- CBD does not cause life-threatening consequences
Unlike sleeping pills, taking an extra dosage of CBD will not lead to serious health risks—or even death.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness may be avoided through CBD
Aside from helping you sleep better at night, CBD can help you stay awake and alert during the day, provided that you are getting the right dose. So, given what you have learned in this article, do you agree with us that CBD is an effective sleep aid? In case you do, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our other posts about CBD products for sleep. You’d find more ideas on which brands and products to try, and we can help you stay updated on the best new releases from our favorite brands.
