Do you struggle to sleep or suffer from insomnia? CBD (cannabidiol), a cannabis-based drug, may be the solution you are looking for.
CBD oil has been proven to improve sleep quality. But, there are mixed results. Like many natural treatments, it is not clear if CBD works. This is because, despite the fact that there have been studies, no one can prove CBD helps with sleep.
This article will cover everything you need about CBD for sleep and the research done to date.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. This is one the main cannabinoids of cannabis. This component isn’t psychoactive and does not interact with cannabis. Because cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD doesn’t, this is why. CBD doesn’t give you the same high as normal cannabis products. This is also why CBD can be legally obtained in the UK as long as it does not contain more THC than 0.2%. It is important to note that the body can create its own cannabis compounds and needs them for their function.
How does CBD impact sleep?
CBD interacts inside your body with your endocannabinoid. This system is responsible to maintaining balance and stability. It also influences how we sleep. CBD has had many health benefits, especially in the treatment of epileptic seizures and chronic back pain. It has been suggested that CBD may be the key to improving sleep quality. Although research is still in its early stages, much of it is still speculative. There are still promising results, and there’s more to learn about this natural chemical.
What do scientific studies say about CBD and sleep?
Even though CBD for sleeping is still in its infancy stages, the research surrounding CBD for this purpose is encouraging. CBD is not yet a miracle cure for poor sleep. Instead, it’s being used to treat the causes.
Anxiety is one potential reason for poor sleep and insomnia. While it may be a different condition than CBD can treat, it still can have a profound effect on one’s ability for a good night of sleep.
It is still early days for research on CBD and anxiety. One study did show a 79% drop in anxiety scores and 66% increase in sleep scores after CBD use for one month. The study concluded that CBD could have some beneficial effects on people with anxiety-related disorders.
Bad sleeping habits can also cause pain. CBD has been found to be a powerful painkiller. A 2018 review revealed that CBD has a lot of evidence to soothe pain. This included specific references to cancer, neuropathic and inflammatory. All of this can contribute to a bad night’s rest.
“In the longer term, CBD can interact brain receptors which dictate our sleep cycle,” Dr Ava Williams, a primary doctor at Doctor Spring, told The Sleep Matters Club.
A 2014 review and a 2017 update provide evidence to support this conclusion. Both reviewed in 2014 and 2017, both of which found evidence supporting CBD’s ability to relieve symptoms of REM Behaviour Disorder. A disorder that causes people to act out their dreams. CBD was found to be effective in treating daytime sleepiness and grogginess.
A word of warning
While all this evidence sounds promising, it is important that you remain skeptical. Many of these studies supporting CBD use were done on animals such as dogs and mice.
The scientific research on CBD and its impact on sleep is still being completed. CBD and its effect on sleep is still not clear.
But, there is anecdotal evidence as well as scientific proof.
Net Doctor interviewed Dr Sarah Brewer from Healthspan Medical Director about CBD oil and her use for sleep. She described feeling more relaxed, and getting deeper sleep.
You can do further research on the topic and decide to give it a go.
How does CBD help improve sleep?
CBD does not address sleep directly, repeating what I said above. CBD focuses on the causes of poor sleep. It is therefore difficult to make reliable assumptions about the impact CBD has on our biology.
According to Dr Ava William, CBD “has been shown to activate serotonin receptors which can increase the overall levels and help a person relax.” This, experts say, is a good step to improve your sleep habits.
Neurology is a key factor in the CBD’s ability to improve sleep quality. It affects how our brain functions. CBD reacts with a variety of receptors within our brain. It is one of very few natural chemicals to do this. It is important to remember that anxiety and other sleep disorders, like anxiety, affect many parts of our brain. According to some researchers, CBD’s wide-ranging effects match those of anxiety. These effects help us sleep by reducing anxiety. Here are the words of Nick Jikomes – a Doctor in Neuroscience and Director at Science & Innovation at Leafly.
Understanding CBD’s neurotoxic effects can be complicated due to the many receptors it interacts with. Its potential as a therapeutic agent may lie in its complexity. Motivational disorders, such as anxiety and addiction, are extremely complex. They result from poorly understood causes that involve multiple brain receptor systems and neural networks. CBD’s multi-target and complex effects could prove crucial in the treatment of these disorders. This complexity will be further explored by researchers over the coming years to uncover CBD’s full therapeutic potential.
Nick pointed out that CBD for sleep research is still ongoing, and there’s much to be learned about its therapeutic potential. It is possible to gain a better understanding of CBD’s interactions with our bodies. This will help us understand how CBD can improve our sleep.
Is there any danger from CBD for your health?
According to the World Health Organisation CBD has no potential to cause human health harm. Another example of this is a 2017 study which found similar results.
It’s important to be cautious when using CBD oil or tablets for sleep. Your doctor should be consulted first. You should then consult your doctor to determine how your body reacts. If your symptoms persist, you can either discontinue taking the medication or adjust your dosage.
Closing thoughts: CBD for Sleep…
CBD and sleep are still new areas of research. Many of the findings have yet to be confirmed and tested. We need to do more research to validate and verify the results we have. However, existing research shows that CBD could be a feasible solution for people with insomnia. This article will help you to do your research and consult with health professionals before you start to incorporate CBD into your daily sleep routine.
