How CBD Can Help Insomnia
The cannabis plant has been used by humans for a very long time. But, one popular form of the cannabis plant which is being widely used in recent years is Cannabidiol (CBD). The latter is finding use in various industries, from food to cosmetics. CBD is a very rich ingredient extracted from the cannabis plant which offers a range of health benefits. Since CBD is mostly taken from hemp, it does not create any psychoactive effects, which means it will not get you high.
CBD is estimated to help in treating many health conditions, including skin problems, heart problems, depression, anxiety, and more. Sleep problems affect many people worldwide and various studies have shown that CBD is among the ingredients that could help improve sleeping issues.
How Does CBD Help With Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night. It is mainly caused by:
- Medications
- Caffeine
- Mental health disorders (such as anxiety and depression)
- External factors ( such as uncomfortable bed, noises)
Some insomnia symptoms may include: difficulties falling asleep, feeling tired in the morning, waking up during the night, difficulties in focusing and remembering, etc. Many studies have been conducted to see the effects of CBD in treating insomnia. A lot of users reported that they have managed to fall asleep faster after using CBD. Besides, they also said that they woke up more relaxed the next day. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology has shown that users who took 160mg of CBD said they started to sleep better. Another study published in The Permanente Journal involved 72 patients, 47 of whom experienced anxiety, and 25 said they had sleeping problems. After taking 25 mg CBD pill in the first month, patients have shown these results:
- 79.2% of patients said that CBD had reduced anxiety levels
- 66.7% said that CBD helped with sleeping issues
Pain is another factor that could lead to sleeping problems. Since CBD has positive effects on reducing pain, a good night’s sleep can be improved after using CBD.
How to Use CBD Oil for Sleep?
CBD oil can be taken directly, under the tongue, or in a few forms including:
- Capsules or Pills
- Gummies or Edibles
- Tinctures or Sprays
Capsules
A good way to take CBD is to take it as a capsule. This allows you to know the dose you are taking. It is recommended to take the capsules one or two hours before bedtime.
Edibles or Gummies
Another method is through gummies and absorption is the same as if you take capsules. You should only be careful with the amount of sugar because sometimes there is a lot of sugar on them, which can affect sleep. Meanwhile, CBD edibles are very popular mostly because of their good taste as well as because they are easy to use.
Tinctures and Sprays
This is one of the fastest forms of CBD absorption. Apply spray under the tongue and wait for up to 90 seconds. Keep in mind that sprays and tinctures sometimes do not taste very good.
Benefits of Using CBD
CBD affects the so-called endocannabinoid system. The latter has a crucial role in regulating certain conditions such as memory, sleep, appetite, reproductive system, etc. Given the fact that CBD does not get you high, unlike THC (another cannabis compound that gets the user high), CBD is used because of many health benefits such as:
- Treating anxiety and depression
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Alleviating arthritis
- Preventing headaches and migraines
CBD Side Effects
Research about CBD is still ongoing. However, studies conducted so far have shown that CBD is not toxic. Although CBD is considered very safe to use, it is recommended for you to consult your doctor in advance. Side effects of CBD are not very common but they might include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Change in appetite
Don’t forget to start with a smaller dose. In case you want to increase the dose, consult your doctor in advance. Also, be careful and do not mix CBD with other medications unless you have consulted your doctor.
