Are you struggling to sleep? You may have found a solution by looking for CBD (cannabidiol), which can be used to help you sleep.
CBD has been shown to be beneficial for sleeping. The results are mixed. The science behind CBD’s effectiveness is still being debated, as with many natural treatments. Because of this, even though there are many studies, it is not yet clear if CBD can help with sleep.
We’ll be breaking down all you need to know about CBD and sleep, as well as the research that has been done so far.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the most important cannabinoids found in cannabis. This component, however, is not psychoactive like cannabis. This is because cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol, but CBD does not. CBD is not as high-asked as regular cannabis products. This is why CBD products are legal in the UK. It must not contain more than 0.2% THC. The body makes its own cannabinoids, which is why they are essential for our bodies to function.
What does CBD do for your sleep?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid systems in your body. This bodily system is responsible for maintaining stability and balance. It is also responsible for how we sleep. CBD has shown many health benefits over the years, including for chronic pain and epileptic seizures. Recent research suggests that CBD could be the key to better sleep. The research is still in its infancy and some of the results are only anecdotal. However, promising results are being reported and there is still much to be discovered with this natural chemical.
What can scientific research tell us about CBD for sleep?
Although still in its infancy research on CBD for sleep is promising. The majority of CBD’s effects on sleep are not a magical cure for insomnia, but rather a fix for the causes.
Anxiety can lead to poor sleep or insomnia. It is possible to treat it with CBD, but it can still have a significant impact on your ability to get a good nights sleep.
The research on CBD for anxiety and sleep is still in its infancy. One study showed that CBD can reduce anxiety scores by 79% and increase sleep scores by 66% in just one month. These researchers concluded that CBD may have some benefits for people suffering from anxiety-related disorders, as well as the poor sleep that results from it.
Poor sleeping habits can also lead to pain. CBD has been shown to be a pain relief agent. In 2018, a review found that CBD could soothe pain. It was specifically mentioned for neuropathic, cancer and inflammatory pain. All of these factors can lead to poor sleep quality.
“In the long-term, CBD can interact avec brain receptors that determine our sleeping cycles,” Dr Ava Williams, a doctor of primary care at Doctor Spring, explained to The Sleep Matters Club.
This is supported by evidence from both a 2014 review and a 2017 review. Both reviews found evidence that CBD may be able to reduce symptoms of REM Behaviour Disorder. This disorder results in people acting out their dreams. Evidence also suggests that CBD can be used to treat daytime sleepiness or grogginess.
A word of caution
All of the evidence is promising but it is important to be critical. Many of the studies that support CBD use were conducted on dogs and mice.
Important to keep in mind that scientific research is still being done. CBD and its effects on sleep are not yet clear.
Other evidence is also available, but it’s not scientific.
Net Doctor interviewed Dr Sarah Brewer, Healthspan Medical Director. She uses CBD oil to help her sleep. She said she felt more relaxed and had deeper sleep.
Do more research before you give it a shot. Keep a log of any side effects, and contact your GP if there are any questions.
What does CBD do to improve your sleep quality?
CBD does not directly address sleep, as I have already stated. It addresses the causes of poor sleeping habits. It’s therefore difficult to draw any conclusions about how CBD affects our biology.
Experts like Dr Ava William believe CBD can activate serotonin receptors, increasing the overall levels which can help a person to relax. This is a great step towards improving your sleep routine.
The CBD effect on sleep has a lot to do with neurology, or how the brain influences our bodies. CBD interacts with many receptors in the brain. This is one of the few natural chemicals that does so. Important to note is that some disorders that affect sleep, such as anxiety, can also affect other parts of the brain. Some researchers believe this broad-ranging effect of CBD is similar to anxiety. This helps to reduce anxiety and then aids in sleeping. Here is what Nick Jikomes (a doctor of neuroscience and director of science & innovation at Leafly) had to say.
Because CBD interacts with many receptors, it can be difficult to understand its neurological effects. This complexity could be what makes CBD a promising therapeutic agent. Motivational disorders such as anxiety and addiction are complex. They arise from a variety of brain neural networks and receptor systems that are not fully understood. CBD’s multi-target, complex effects could be key to its potential in treating such disorders. Researchers will continue to investigate this complex area and discover the full potential of CBD’s therapeutic benefits over the next few years.
Nick identified that research into CBD for sleep is ongoing and there’s still much to learn about its therapeutic potential. More research will allow us to better understand how CBD interacts in our bodies and how it can help improve our sleep.
Are there any health risks associated with CBD?
The World Health Organisation states that CBD does not have the potential to cause any harm to human health. A 2017 study that found similar results also supports this conclusion.
If you are considering using CBD oil or tablets to aid you in sleeping, you should be cautious. Talk to your doctor before you start using CBD oil or tablets to help you sleep. If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
Closing thoughts about CBD for sleep…
The study of CBD’s effects on sleep is still in its infancy. Most of the findings are still being tested and supported. To confirm and validate the current findings, more research is required. The existing research suggests that CBD may be a viable option for people who have trouble sleeping. It is important to remember that you should do your research before you incorporate CBD into your sleeping routine.
