Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and wellness. However, for many, sleep can be elusive. This is where cannabidiol (CBD) comes in. CBD, one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, is known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antioxidant properties. But, did you know that CBD can also help you sleep better at night?
What is CBD?
Before we dive into how CBD can help you sleep, let’s understand what CBD is. CBD is one of two main active compounds that come from the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the “high” that cannabis produces, CBD does not cause intoxication or alter a person’s mental state.
CBD products are widely available in various forms, including oil, oral sprays, vape liquid, pills or capsules, powder, gummies and teas, topical creams, and smokable products.
But, is CBD approved by the FDA?
Currently, only one CBD product, Epidiolex, has FDA approval. Epidiolex is a prescription drug used to treat children with two serious seizure disorders. While there are a variety of other CBD products on the market, they haven’t yet been FDA approved. So, more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s effects on the body.
How CBD Affects Sleep and Health Conditions
The endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the body, likely plays a role in regulating sleep-related chemicals like serotonin and the sleep-wake cycle. The sleep-wake cycle is what tells the body to feel sleepy at nighttime and wake up in the morning.
There have been few large-scale studies looking at the use of CBD for sleep disorders and other health conditions, but there’s evidence that CBD products can help improve sleep. While experts are still unsure as to exactly how CBD impacts sleep, CBD has drawn an increasing amount of scientific interest as a way to manage certain sleep disorders and health conditions that may affect sleep.
Sleep Disorders
CBD at a variety of doses leads to more sleep, but those that consume lower doses may fall asleep faster. Cannabinoids appear to prevent pauses in breathing during sleep in animal studies. Although few studies have looked at CBD in treating sleep problems, more research is needed to understand if CBD may be an effective treatment for sleep disorders.
Anxiety
More than 60% of people who take CBD use it to treat their anxiety. CBD might have a positive impact on certain cannabinoid receptors that affect anxiety. Nonetheless, a number of studies indicate that CBD could potentially be an effective treatment for the condition. For some people, less anxiety might mean better sleep.
PTSD
CBD might be useful in preventing nightmares due to PTSD. Cannabinoids reduce activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that plays a key role in controlling fear responses.
Conclusion
CBD has been shown to have various health benefits, including helping with sleep disorders. However, experts are still unsure if and how CBD products affect sleep. While more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s effects on the body, CBD might be worth a try if you’re struggling with sleep. Just remember to consult your doctor first before trying any CBD products. Sweet dreams!
