Almost 80% of Americans have said that they struggle with sleep issues at least once weekly. Besides that, it was reported that 30%-40% of older adults have insomnia. The side effects of sleep disorders can be harsh, ranging from reduced productivity during the day to deleterious medical consequences such as stroke, obesity, and diabetes. Even though there are many prescription and over-the-counter sleep drugs, many are not highly effective. Besides that, they are risky, and most of them usually lead to dependency.
The use of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative source of medicine has increased as a result. The organic cannabis compound extract has numerous beneficial health properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative. This article offers a review of CBD for sleep, highlighting forms of CBD products and their effectiveness in improving sleep patterns and safety.
CBD and Sleep: The Evidence
Several pieces of evidence indicate that CBD may positively impact a wide range of symptoms, diseases, and other discomforts that normally result in sleep issues. Additionally, evidence in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) found that CBD can help improve focus and change the user’s habits which normally disrupt sleep patterns. Furthermore, research shows that using CBD as an alternative source of medicine is safe and more effective than over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Other studies have found that CBD has a marked influence on conditions such as stress, pain, and anxiety, which are the biggest cause factors for sleep issues. It also appears that the effectiveness of CBD in minimizing interrupted sleep is by altering how the brain perceives pain signals. Overall, the evidence, as well as research regarding CBD’s effectiveness in treating sleep issues, is still in its infancy. There is still a need for more research studies to be done before definitive conclusions can be finally drawn.
How Can CBD Help with Sleep Disorders?
CBD can help with sleep disorders by tackling the root causes, such as pain and anxiety. Besides that, the cannabis compound normally supports the normal functioning of the endocannabinoid system which consists of the hypothalamus that plays a role in sleep regulation. It’s been found to be effective in managing sleep disorders such as:
Insomnia: A sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall and stay asleep.
REM behavior disorder: a disorder in which a person vividly and physically acts out with vocal sounds coupled with sudden and violent leg or arm movements during sleep.
Excessive daytime sleepiness disorder: it’s a feeling of tiredness all the time, and an individual may regularly nap during the day and still sleep for long hours, even at night.
How to Use CBD
Understanding how to use CBD for sleep will help you determine the appropriate method of administration. Different forms of CBD have different profiles which include appearance, onset times, and longevity in the system.
CBD Oil: They are the most common and readily available to consumers. CBD oil oral products are for sublingual application under the tongue. They are known to offer almost instant effects within 15-30 minutes. To buy the best CBD oil for sleep, consider reputable manufacturers with verifiable 3rd-party lab test results.
CBD Gummies: These are sweet edibles that normally come in pre-measured servings. CBD gummies are always available in multiple sizes, potencies, and flavor options. Even though their onset time can take up to two hours, the effects of CBD can last in the system for up to 8 hours.
CBD Cream: it’s a topical product for external application on the skin. CBD cream is ideal for managing interruptive sleep discomforts such as inflamed joints and painful muscles. They normally produce localized effects on a specific application area.
CBD Capsules: They are odorless and tasteless oral products available in pre-measured doses. They also provide lasting effects on the body.
How Much CBD Should I Take for Sleep?
There are several factors that influence CBD dosage for sleep, including weight, age, the severity of the medical condition, biochemistry, and others. Besides that, the form of the CBD product as well as the potency matters. That’s why you should analyze and understand your needs before making a purchase.
Clinical trials involved in the research saw subjects being given amounts ranging between 25 mg and 1,500 mg of CBD daily. A 160 mg CBD dosage was found to increase sleep duration compared with a placebo. Ideally, starting with a low dosage is always suitable to allow your body to adjust accordingly. Thereafter, you can incrementally and gradually adjust the dosage until you find what works for you.
Safety and Side Effects of CBD
CBD for sleep products is generally safe and well-tolerated. But due to different chemical responses, it’s possible for some individuals to experience possible side effects. Documented potential side effects of using CBD for wellness include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Drug interactions
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite
Besides that, certain groups of people should avoid using CBD oil for sleep, and they include:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: CBD can interfere with the development of young babies and can lead to stunted fetal development.
Heavy drinkers or people with liver disease: this is because some medications, just like CBD, usually get broken down the liver. On the other hand, excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver.
Closing Thoughts
Is CBD for sleep safe and effective? From the above review, it’s evident that CBD has a good safety profile. Besides that, it’s highly effective in improving the quality of sleep, especially when used in the right doses. You can use CBD for sleep in the form of CBD oil, gummies, capsules, and cream.
However, it’s important to understand that different people react to similar products differently. As such, some people may experience mild side effects, which normally tend to wear off quickly. If you take supplements or prescription medication, ensure that you first consult with your doctor to avoid unwanted side effects.
ATTENTION READERS
We See The World From All Sides and Want YOU To Be Fully InformedIn fact, intentional disinformation is a disgraceful scourge in media today. So to assuage any possible errant incorrect information posted herein, we strongly encourage you to seek corroboration from other non-VT sources before forming an educated opinion.
About VT - Policies & Disclosures - Comment Policy
