CBD and Sleep – Roughly 64% of CBD consumers use it to help improve sleep, according to some estimates. But does CBD really help people sleep better? And if so, how much CBD should someone take to improve sleep?
Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about CBD and sleep then outline some things you can do to ensure the best possible cannabidiol experience.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
CBD interacts with the body via the Endocannabinoid System. To clarify, the EC System is a network of endogenous cannabinoids (internally produced), cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that help manage endocannabinoid production and metabolization.
The EC System kicks into gear when the body experiences stressors like physical injury or mental anguish to help regulate stress responses and minimize damage. In doing, the EC System may help manage things like pain and inflammation, mood disturbances, sexual health, hunger and metabolism, and sleep modulation.
Unfortunately, the EC System does not always function at top capacity. When that happens, people might experience things like chronic pain, mood problems, and insomnia. Notably, all these issues can contribute to poor sleep patterns and CBD may help relieve all of them, as well.
How CBD Affects Sleep
As mentioned, CBD’s ability to improve sleep is trifold. First, CBD may lessen pain to help one rest more comfortably. According to an article published by the Sleep Foundation, many people who consume CBD for pain also reported sleeping better. Notably, it’s unclear if CBD’s pain mitigation properties directly correlate to improved sleep. However, it stands to reason that one might rest easier without constant body aches.
Second, CBD likely minimizes feelings of stress and anxiety, which can help calm a worrying mind. In a sample of 72 adults claiming to suffer from either anxiety or insomnia, 79.2% reduced anxiety and 66.7% improved sleep within one month of CBD consumption. Importantly, anxiety scores remained low for months following the study while sleep scores fluctuated. Consequently, researchers suggest that CBD improves anxiety which may indirectly improve sleep.
And third, CBD seems to interact with specific cannabinoid receptors that regulate sleep cycles. According to a literature review published in the Journal of Sleep Disorders, the EC System directly influences circadian sleep-wake cycles suggesting it serves as a link between circadian regulation systems and other behavioral and physiological activities that affect sleep.
What’s more, researchers noted that insufficient sleep can cause EC System dysregulation while CB receptor activation seems to correct the discrepancy. The authors go on to highlight important dose-specific differences in CB receptor activation. Specifically, low doses of CBD are stimulating whereas high CBD doses are more sedative.
The Problem with Poor Sleep
Insufficient sleep can have many negative consequences far beyond a little daytime grogginess. According to the CDC, chronic sleeplessness can lead to many serious health problems, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
Excessive sleepiness also causes more car accidents, an increased risk of injury, and a significant drop in productivity. In fact, a survey of more than 7,000 employed health plan subscribers found that those with insomnia lost an average of seven to 11 workdays annually due to low productivity.
Best CBD Products for Sleep
CBD and sleep have an interesting relationship. Research shows that small amounts of CBD can stimulate someone, which can make it harder to fall asleep. However, larger CBD doses have the opposite effect. Essentially, larger CBD doses can help lull someone into a peaceful sleep without making them feel groggy or overly sedated. As such, the best CBD products for sleep are those which you can take in relatively high quantities, such as oils and tinctures. Importantly, these products allow you to adjust your dose size instead unlike pre-dosed pills or edibles. This is important because everyone processes CBD differently, which generally requires a bit of trial and error to find the right dose.
Another thing to consider is exactly how you hope to get a better slumber. For example, if stress blocks you from a good night’s sleep, then try using products that address both sleeplessness and worry. We suggest our combination CBD/CBG tincture for those who struggle with mental anguish and sleeplessness.
Finally, always consider the other ingredients included in any product when choosing the best CBD sleep products. This is because other ingredients like stimulating terpenes can counteract CBD’s sedative properties. Remember that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other ingredients can alter the effects of a product, so avoid those with effects that counter your objective.
Tips for Consuming CBD for Sleep
As mentioned, CBD’s sedative properties depend on dose size. As such, try consuming relatively high doses of CBD about 30 minutes before bedtime. Also, consider potency factors like bioavailability and cannabinoid strength. Remember, a substance takes longer to have an effect when digested than it does to absorb under the tongue.
The latter mode of CBD consumption is called sublingual absorption. Importantly, this method generally requires lower doses for the same effect, though the duration is shorter-lived, as well. As such, those who want to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer might consider combining these consumption methods.
Finally, remember that everyone reacts differently to cannabinoid products. Whereas one product might be right for one person, the best CBD products for another person may be completely different. As such, we recommend a trial-and-error approach to CBD dosing and consumption.
Track progress in a journal for at least 30 days, adjusting dose size, frequency, and consumption method along the way to find what works best. Of course, I’m always happy to help guide you in your hemp cannabinoid, but only you can determine what works best for your unique needs.
Final Thoughts About CBD and Sleep
A good night’s sleep is a crucial component of well-rounded health. Fortunately, CBD can help support your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle in many exciting ways.
If you’re thinking about trying CBD for sleep, then check out our selection of flavorful CBD tinctures. We’ve specially designed our CBD oils to be both effective and enjoyable, making it easy to consume CBD either sublingually or metabolically.
Contact us to learn more about our CBD oils and tinctures or follow us on Facebook for news and updates.
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