Photo by Zohre Nemati on Unsplash
You cannot overestimate the importance of getting enough restful sleep. When you’re asleep, your body and brain are able to rest and recharge, preparing you to function normally throughout the day. Unfortunately, for many people, sleeping isn’t easy – about 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems, while 30% to 40% of adults report symptoms of insomnia at some point during the year.
So, if you frequently find yourself turning and tossing in bed for hours, you’re not alone. But you need to be proactive to prevent the adverse results of sleep deprivation, such as lost work productivity and overall poor well-being. Today, one of the most effective, safest, and natural alternatives to regular sleep aids is cannabidiol, widely known as CBD.
CBD is known for its pain-killing, anti-anxiety, and overall soothing effects, which can indirectly promote a better quality of sleep – after all, pain and stress are two major factors disrupting sleep-wake cycles. Join us as we explore the therapeutic benefits of the substance and decide if it’s a good fit for your bedtime routine.
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of more than a hundred chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, another popular cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any intoxicating effects. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system that regulates vital processes like sleep, mood, pain, and appetite. This system consists of various receptors located throughout the body and brain that bind with cannabinoids for different purposes.
One of the major cannabinoids interacting with the endocannabinoid system is 2-AG, an endocannabinoid produced naturally by the body that acts as an agonist (stimulant) of cannabinoid receptors. CBD binds indirectly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, stimulating their activity and increasing the levels of 2-AG and other endocannabinoids. In simple terms, it’s just another way of saying that CBD activates the endocannabinoid system.
While regular sleep aids may induce drowsiness by targeting specific neurotransmitters, CBD acts indirectly on the body’s systems, meaning that there’s no risk of developing an addiction or experiencing any other side effects associated with regular sleep aids.
CBD oil products are available in various forms; you can choose between oils, capsules, gummies, or vape juices – for instance, you can read more about Foliage and explore their offer to find the right product for your needs.
What Are CBD Sleep Benefits?
CBD is often used to promote sleep because of its ability to reduce stress and pain while also promoting relaxation. Let’s have a closer look at how it works:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety Levels
Stress is one of the leading causes of sleep problems – it can cause anxiety, irritability, and low energy levels, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. When stress levels are constantly high, it can lead to chronic insomnia – a condition that cannot be resolved without proper treatment.
Unfortunately, many people deal with stress by using alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs instead of treating it at its source. However, if you’re looking for a more effective way to curb stress, you might want to consider using CBD products.
Research has shown that CBD can lower stress levels by altering the body’s serotonin receptors; this hormone is responsible for creating feelings of relaxation and happiness. Therefore, it makes sense that taking CBD products can help ease stress and anxiety and reduce the likelihood of developing insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Moreover, CBD has been shown to be highly effective in reducing anxiety. In one study, researchers evaluated the effects of CBD on people with social anxiety before giving them a public speaking test. The participants were divided into two groups – one received 600 mg of CBD, while the other group received a placebo. The study found that those who took CBD had lower anxiety levels before their speech than those who received a placebo.
Another study looked at how CBD may help with anxiety-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The results showed that CBD effectively reduced symptoms in all three disorders. So, if you’re suffering from anxiety, CBD oil may be able to help you sleep better.
Relieves Pain
Pain is another major factor that can disrupt regular sleep patterns. Whether it’s chronic pain caused by inflammation or nerve damage, acute pain from an injury, or simply muscle soreness from exercise, pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep for long periods of time.
CBD can be useful for treating various types of pain, including:
- Arthritis pain,
- Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity,
- Muscle aches and stiffness,
- Nerve pain,
- Headaches and migraines.
Some research suggests that CBD may help alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters responsible for pain perception. This means that taking CBD products may help you get a better night’s sleep by reducing pain and discomfort.
Final Note
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, CBD may be able to help. CBD is known for its anti-anxiety and pain-relieving effects, which can facilitate relaxation and indirectly improve sleep quality. Additionally, CBD is safe and well-tolerated by most people, and it has no abuse potential.
However, it’s important to mention that CBD might interfere with other medications you might be taking, so if you’re considering taking CBD for sleep, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Sleep tight!