According to experts, more than 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from a sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation can lead to issues with focus, memory, and alertness. When operating heavy machinery or driving, a sleepy person can be a danger to themselves and others. Chronic lack of sleep can also lead to health issues, which make insomnia worse. While there are several prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids available, many people who have insomnia are reaching for CBD rather than a pill to help them sleep.
What Causes Insomnia?
There are many reasons people can't sleep at night, including pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety. A constant stream of information, entertainment, and outside input keeps people focused on their television, computer, or smartphone. Some people fall into the habit of staying up late and waking early to get in as much work as possible. Others wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts racing through their heads, unable to fall back asleep.
The Connection Between CBD and Sleep
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although it doesn't produce the high feeling that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does, it does have some beneficial effects. While there hasn't been a great deal of clinical research into CBD and sleep, it appears to be beneficial. As it interacts with the body's natural cannabinoid receptors, it's been shown to have a calming effect that helps induce sleep. This may be due in part by the endocannabinoid system's role in controlling sleep and regulating circadian rhythms.
Benefits of CBD
Both prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids are useful in helping a person fall asleep. However, they do come with risks. They can become addictive, and there are many possible side-effects, including extreme sleepiness during the day. CBD does not produce these unwanted side-effects. Most people report feeling a sense of well-being and relaxation when using CBD. It can also help with other issues that may contribute to insomnia, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Forms of CBD
Since CBD is considered a supplement, there are few regulations for labeling and content, so people must be careful to be sure they know what they're getting. CBD is a cannabinoid that's extracted either from a medical cannabis plant, or a hemp plant. CBD oil derived from the cannabis plant is readily available in states with legal marijuana and is generally preferred over hemp CBD oil. CBD oil can be used by placing drops under the tongue, infused in edibles, inhaled as a vapor, or used as a tincture.
How Much CBD Should Someone Use?
Because of the variance of CBD content in CBD oils and high-CBD content flowers, it may take some trial and error to find the right dose. It's always best to start with smaller doses and increase the dosage until the desired effects are achieved.
Chronic lack of sleep, no matter the reason, will hurt the physical, mental, and emotional health of a person. CBD shows promise in helping people who suffer from sleep disorders, and researchers are continuing to dig deeper into its benefits. Anyone who's not getting the sleep they need might want to consider adding CBD to their nightly rituals to rest finally.