Our endocannabinoid system is made up of several receptors that help the body maintain balance, stability or homeostasis. Cannabidiol is commonly known as CBD; the main chemical compound in the hemp/cannabis plant that acts on cannabinoid receptors in the hemp/cannabis plant. It is common for people to believe the CBD compound to be associated with THC; a psychoactive compound. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is known to generate a high or euphoric feeling it is important to note that the CBD compound is non-psychoactive.
Insomnia is a disorder that can be characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. There are two types of insomnia, primary insomnia has no other health condition or problem associated with it. While secondary insomnia is typically caused by another health issue unrelated to sleep deprivation. Insomnia is a broad term that can be caused by several life changes. According to the Mayo Clinic, research suggests that poor sleep/insomnia may be caused by:
- Depression or Anxiety
- Stress or Stress Disorders
- Medication
- Caffeine
- Chronic Pain
In a study taken by the US National Library of Medicine, out of 72 adults who presented themselves with health concerns relating to sleep and anxiety 57 patients experienced an improvement in quality of sleep and anxiety after CBD treatment. These results suggest that cannabidiol may be linked to reduced anxiety symptoms and/or insomnia relief. According to recent research; It seems that the activation of cannabinoid receptors is important to inducing fatigue, while the dormancy of these receptors promote wakefulness, as well as anxiety and depression, somewhat resembling insomnia in humans. By leveraging the endocannabinoid system; which directly impacts our bodies ability to process fatigue and wakefulness; we can encourage the use of holistic alternatives as opposed to pharmaceutical drugs in order to achieve a restful sleep cycle. In some cases, CBD and sleeping pills combined may also propose a helpful solution to individuals who are interested in leveraging both strategies.
Does CBD Help You Sleep?
Research shows that the endocannabinoid system directly impacts the ways humans interpret stress pain and fear. With that being said, we can assume that CBD can indirectly induce a deeper sleep cycle by alleviating the root causes of sleep challenges.
Pain Management
A common challenge in falling or staying asleep is pain. Unlike many sleep aids that induce drowsiness. CBD approaches the root cause of the problem. In this case, that would be pain. CBD binds to CB1 AND CB2 receptors in order to reduce pain sensation in the body. Moreover, research proves that the endocannabinoid systems directly interacts with major endogenous pain control systems. By interacting with this receptor we can actively control pain while reducing the possibility of side effects than many other pain medications.
Mental Health
CBD is well known for its ability to bind to key receptors in order to achieve homeostasis (balance) in the brain. Sleep disorders are commonly caused by fluctuations in mental health. Research speaks to the positive impacts of CBD on mental health. More specifically, “CBD helps to relieve anxiety related to PTSD, which reduces anxiety-induced REM sleep disturbances”. In addition, CBD can potentially regulate cortisol levels; a hormone-related to non-REM sleep cycles. By regulating stress hormones and reducing anxiety symptoms it is possible that challenges in sleep will be reduced.
Relief From Somnolence
A common misconception is that CBD induces drowsiness or fatigue, which is false. Taking CBD during the day promotes alertness, leading to a more restful sleep cycle at night. Somnolence can be defined by “a state of strong desire for sleep, or sleeping for unusually long periods”. CBD is able to relieve this feeling without causing disruptions in one’s ability to fall asleep by regulating sleep/wake cycles.
Can CBD help Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized by interruptions in breathing during the sleep cycle. Sleep Apnea is considered to be a very serious sleep disorder that could be life-threatening and is most commonly caused by excess weight and obesity. There is speculation that CBD may be able to help with relieving Sleep Apnea. In this case, muscle relaxation can potentially improve fluid breathing during sleep cycles. This research suggests that CBD can help Sleep Apnea indirectly. However, there is not enough research at this time that speaks to CBD helping Sleep Apnea directly.
What is the best CBD oil dosage for Sleep?
There are a few variables that you should use when considering how much CBD you should intake. For more information, see our dosage chart for specific instructions.
Concentration
The concentration of CBD is incredibly important. An oil tincture containing 1000mg of CBD will impact the body differently than an oil tincture containing 250mg. Be sure you understand how much CBD is in each dose before ingesting any product.
Health Ailment:
More serious/chronic illness demands more from the CBD molecule. For example, an individual who has trouble falling asleep should not consume the same amount CBD as an individual that is battling Arthritic pain. Serious illnesses require higher potency than minor health challenges.
Bodyweight
Bodyweight influences how we process CBD. A lighter weight person will require a lower potency whereas a heavier weight person will require a higher potency
Tolerance
An individual with a history of cannabis, will likely have a higher tolerance to the CBD molecule than an individual who does not have a history with cannabis products.
Conclusion
CBD Oil for sleep provides a great alternative for those who are interested in holistic approaches to sleep challenges. The holistic approach to health takes the long term effects of body, mind and spirit into account. Research shows that CBD Oil for sleep can assist in regulating one’s sleep/wake cycle by “keeping you awake throughout the day and encouraging proper sleep at night”.
Research suggests that challenges in sleep are linked to fluctuations in mental health. CBD products can also assist in reducing cortisol levels (a stress hormone related to several mental health disorders). By reducing bodily reactions related to anxiety and depression it is possible that disruptions in sleep will be reduced. Lastly, CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain in order to reduce pain sensation, potentially assisting in creating a fluid resting experience.