CBD for Sleep Disorders

Most of us are burned out, sleep-deprived, exhausted human beings. Some of us fall into the category of considering sleep optional. Often we stay up late in an attempt to milk the day for as long as we can. The result is waking up feeling tired and groggy. In other cases, we may toss and turn in bed, reminiscing about the events of the day, or the week, month, or for as long as we can remember. Our brain remains "on," and our body remains exhausted.

Sleep is one of the best wellness habits, and the impact of not getting a good night's rest plays a significant role in our physical wellbeing, mental health, daily focus, and peace of mind.

In this article, we reveal to you everything you need to know about using CBD for sleep. How it works and how it can help you get quality sleep.

Sleep disorders are those conditions that can disturb and disrupt your normal sleep. Currently, there are over 80 known sleep disorders that one can suffer from. In the United States alone, about 40 million people suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders every year. Additionally, there are about 20 million people with occasional sleep problems.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to improve sleep. And several options have evolved in the last few years. Taking sedatives or the various antihistamines to make you feel dizzy is by no means the only or healthiest option. Those looking for better sleep have turned to alternatives such as meditation, hot baths, yoga, herbal supplements, and CBD to ensure reliable and quality sleep time.​

To understand if CBD can improve sleep, it is essential first to understand the major causes of poor sleep.

Many things can make you sleep poorly or lose sleep - which is called insomnia. And according to Mayo Clinic, there are quite several causes of insomnia; these include but are not limited to the following:

• Mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and even depression medications can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.
• Certain physical conditions like severe or chronic pain and restless leg syndrome.
• Caffeine can also cause sleep disorders. Especially when you consume it late in the day.
• Factors such as loud noises, music, television, an uncomfortable bed, and mobile cellular devices before bed may also affect sleep.

If your lack of sleep or insomnia results from external factors or some other related conditions, then CBD may be your answer to those causes of insomnia or sleeplessness.

In 2019, the Permanente Journal published a report on whether CBD can improve sleep and/or reduce anxiety.

The study included 72 subjects, of whom 47 had anxiety, and 25 had difficulty sleeping. The subjects received 25 mg of CBD capsules each day. During the first month, 79.2% of the patients involved had lower anxiety levels, and 66.7% reported sleeping better.

Pain can also cause serious sleep challenges. A 2018 report by the Frontiers in Pharmacology found evidence to back and support the claim that CBD relieves pain. The authors of the report pointed out that CBD can improve one's sleep through the reduction of chronic pain.

Grogginess is another symptom of insomnia. And it can also be influenced by CBD. CBD may have the potential to improve wakefulness based on research in humans and animals.​

A valid question and probable that you have that question in your mind if you've read this article this far.

CBD has effects on both anxiety and sleep. Studies have shown that the cannabis compound interacts with the endocannabinoid and brain receptors, which may help us sleep better. CBD also interacts with another brain receptor, which scientists have linked with anxiety.

A lot of experts have advised that you should try more of the conventional and proven therapies before you use CBD to improve your sleep. However, these over the counter drugs may lead to addiction, risk of overdose, and even death.

While the benefits of CBD for sleep are still not entirely known, experts have pointed out that CBD has fewer side effects than the prescription medication and is non-addictive.

If you struggle with sleep, try CBD. Here are a few tips to help you be successful when starting CBD.

1. Be sure of what you're looking for relief - sleep issues or other conditions?

​Experts say CBD is likely to work better for those hoping to use it against anxiety than against sleep disorders. This is because there is more evidence of CBD's ability to help relieve stress than assisting you in regaining your quality sleep. But here is a catch, reducing anxiety may help you fall asleep more easily.

2. Duration of use

While some may prefer to CBD it for the long term, it is best to use it for the short-term and observe the effects. One of the reasons this observation is important is because it is believed that CBD's ability to help you improve your sleep may decrease the longer it is used. As your body gets used to the CBD, or tries to find it's balance, you may need to tweak your dosage.

3. Understand your dosage

We always recommend starting low and go slow when starting CBD to help determine the proper dosage. Each individual is different, and determining your individual dosage and best form of CBD (CBD Oil drops, soft gel capsules, CBD gummies, etc.) for you is crucial. Check out our Getting Started with CBD Guide to help you determine your ideal dosage.

If you have questions about the amount of CBD to take, schedule an in-store or virtual free consultation with us.

4. Understand the forms of CBD

You must consider the CBD form you use.

Oils, capsules, and CBD gummies may help you fall asleep and stay asleep for a more extended time period. Should you choose one of these options, we recommend taking it about an hour before your bedtime.

5. Lookout for quality products

You must look for high-quality products. Some studies have indicated that some CBD products do not meet the specifications they claim or are contaminated with pesticides or other harmful substances. Consequently, you must look for quality products and make sure the supplier provides you with third-party test results showing the contents specific to the batch of product you are purchasing. ​

6. Safety

​Before considering CBD, you should consult your medical care provider, especially if you take other medications. This shouldn't be ignored because CBD may interact with other medicines you're taking.

Many CBD enthusiasts are faced with how often and when they should take their CBD oil or CBD supplement daily. There is, however, no direct answer to that question. The bottom line is that the best time to take your CBD oil or supplement is a personal matter, so it's up to you.

Some people prefer to enjoy their supplements as they get out of bed in the morning to help tackle anxiety or depression early on in the day or to boost their overall general wellness. Some people choose this time because they are most energetic in the morning and prefer taking their CBD oil to help maintain that similar energy.

On the other hand, some people may prefer to take their CBD or supplement at bedtime to help with sleep.

And since there is no best time to enjoy your CBD, your consumption time is a matter of understanding what works for you.

Like when it is best to take your CBD, the question of frequency also depends on you. The frequency with which you take your CBD depends entirely on you and the result you want to achieve as you consume the product, either as a supplement or for pleasure.

While some prefer to take it to maintain or perpetuate their body's CBD level, others prefer and consider taking it as a necessity to preserve the efficacy of their health care or their health condition.

How often you take your CBD depends on your goals and your body's response to CBD.

As with other substances that people ingest over time, CBD builds up or accumulates in the body. This is thought to trigger an increase in cannabinoid receptors in the body. And it can, in turn, make the endocannabinoid receptors in one's body system more effective and efficient.

The frequency with which you consume CBD may depend on the duration of CBD's effects on your body. This can be affected by various factors, which include but are not limited to an individuals' total body weight, how often they consume CBD, percent of body fat, etc. CBD's effects can last anywhere from 12 hours to a few days, but it depends on how often you take it.

As with most other things in our lives, consistency is one significant area we must master. You have to be consistent with CBD consumption to obtain the desired result for as long as you want to take it. Without consistency, it may be challenging to be able to reach the right goal for you. This is one reason why many people are not as happy with CBD results as others are.

Just as you form a good habit of eating healthy, exercising, or using certain medications frequently to get the desired result, the same is true for CBD. Consistency is key.