Does CBD Help With Sleep?

In recent times, scientists and non-scientists alike are attracted to the medical benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). Certain people take CBD to assist them in sleeping better in the night. However, experts are still unclear about the way CBD products impact sleep.

CBD is one of the between around 80 and 100 cannabinoids, or compounds derived from the cannabis plant. It has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. A few studies suggest that CBD might also be useful as an antioxidant, an antipsychotic, and to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Two-thirds of the adult population struggles with insomnia, and it’s no surprise that people are starting to research CBD for sleep difficulties. Researchers are also looking into CBD oil for sleep UK disorders like obstructive sleep or apnea (OSA). However, the evidence for linking CBD to improved sleep is scarce, and more research is required to determine whether CBD can provide a beneficial treatment for sleep and insomnia problems.

What Is CBD?

CBD is among two major active compounds in the marijuana plant. In generally, CBD products contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is which is the chemical that gives you the “high” that cannabis creates. Contrary to THC, CBD does not create a sense of intoxication or alter a person’s mental state.

CBD products are increasingly popular and readily available in variety of forms, including:

Oil
Oral sprays
Vape liquid
Liquid suspensions
Capsules or pills
Powder
Edible items, such as gummies and teas
Topical creams, gelsand Ointments and cosmetics
Smokable products

Experts still have many questions about the benefits and potential risks connected with CBD usage and its safety, including its use for sleep.

Is CBD Awarded the approval of the FDA?

Currently only one CBD product has FDA approval. FDA has also granted approval to three other CBD products that have synthetic cannabinoids.

Epidiolex The Epidiolex CBD product can be described as a prescription medication that is used to treat children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome two serious seizure disorders.
Cesamet A synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone, Cesamet aids in reducing nausea and vomiting. It is typically used by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Marinol and Syndros both are made from a synthetic cannabinoid known as dronabinol. Dronabinol aids in reducing nausea and vomiting for those who undergo chemotherapy. It also treats hunger loss in those suffering from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Although there is a wide range of other CBD products available but they’re not yet FDA recognized. While research conducted by the government on CBD and cannabis product is in progress, further research is required to fully comprehend the effects of CBD to the body. The FDA is working to determine whether CBD is a safe and effective treatment alternative.

How CBD Affects Sleep and Health Conditions

There aren’t many large-scale studies looking at the use of CBD to treat sleep disorders and other ailments, but there’s evidence that CBD products can improve sleep.

CBD can affect a set of receptors in the body, which regulate processes like memory, pain, as well as metabolism, which is known as the endocannabinoid systems. The endocannabinoid system likely plays a role in regulating sleep-related chemicals like serotonin and the sleep-wake cycle , too.

The sleep-wake cycles are a kind of circadian rhythm or 24-hour biological rhythm that controls bodily functions such as body temperatures and metabolic rate. The sleep-wake pattern is what tells the body to feel tired at night and to awake in the morning.

Experts aren’t sure as to exactly how CBD influences sleep. Yet, CBD can be a source of an growing amount of interest in science as a method of tackling various sleep disorders and health conditions that may influence sleep.

Sleep Disorders

A handful of studies have been conducted to examine CBD as a cure for insomnia.

Sleepiness: While insomnia is a recognized CBD side effect, results from studies using CBD to treat insomnia are mixed. Studies conducted on animals indicate that CBD’s effectiveness may be contingent on the dosage. CBD in a variety doses leads to more sleep however those who consume less doses can get sleep faster.
Sleep apnea: A few studies of a small size have shown positive results with the use of cannabinoids for treating sleep apnea. Cannabinoids appear to prevent breath pauses during sleep in studies on animals. However, human studies are still in the earliest stages.
Narcolepsy: Research on the relationship between CBD and narcolepsy are in the early stages. While some people find that CBD aids in sleeping however, some people say that CBD keeps them awake.

Since there aren’t many studies looking at CBD in treating sleep problems More research is required to find out the possibility that CBD is a feasible treatment for sleep disorders.

Anxiety

A majority of those who take CBD make use of it to alleviate their anxiety. While evidence isn’t yet conclusive, research indicates that CBD might have anti-anxiety properties.

CBD may affect certain receptors of cannabinoid that cause anxiety. It is necessary to determine CBD’s long-term effects on anxiety disorder, and what dosage is most suitable. But, a variety of studies suggest that CBD could be a beneficial treatment for this condition.

For some people with less anxiety, it could mean better sleeping. The effects of anxiety disorders may make it difficult to rest, and people suffering from insomnia may experience anxiety about sleeping. It’s not clear if CBD helps with both insomnia and anxiety or if people just sleep better when they are less stressed.

PTSD

People who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience sleep problems, including sleeplessness and nightmares. These difficulties can lead to sleeping disorders, which could make PTSD signs worse.

CBD might be useful in preventing nightmares resulting from PTSD. Cannabinoids lower activity in the amygdala area, a region of the brain responsible for controlling panic reactions and paranoia. A handful of studies with people suffering from PTSD have found that synthetic cannabinoids decreased the frequency of nightmares and also helped to ease insomnia.
Pain

Cannabis has been used to treat pain since the medieval times. CBD provides anti-inflammatory as well as pain relief properties. CBD could help with some signs of chronic pain.

Although numerous studies have examined cannabinoids as a potential painkiller, the results have often been unreliable or insignificant.

How Much CBD Should You Take to help you sleep better?

The research has revealed there is evidence that 300 mg CBD every day could be safely consumed for six months and that higher doses can also be tolerated for a shorter time frame. It is true that more research is required to figure the right amount of CBD is needed to get a better night’s sleep or rest faster.

CBD appears to be dosage dependent when it comes to sleeping. This means that certain doses could help people fall asleep quicker and others may hinder sleep. While experts work out the most effective dosage of CBD to help you sleep, the answer may depend on your own tolerance.

Doctors who prescribe CBD to treat epilepsy generally begin with the lowest dosage and gradually increase the amount as needed. If you’re considering taking CBD for epilepsy, start by taking just a tiny amount and observe how well you take it. When you’re confident that your body can tolerate it, you may consider taking a larger dose than the recommended dosage.

It’s crucial to let your health professional inform them if you’d like to start taking CBD for sleep, especially if you are already taking various prescription medications or supplements. A doctor can tell that any medications you’re taking might be a trigger for CBD or the possibility that CBD might affect a medical issue you already suffer from.

CBD Security and Side Effects

It is believed that taking CBD for sleep is generally regarded as secure, however experts advise additional information is needed regarding how CBD can affect health over time.

Common side effects that come with CBD use are typically moderate and may include diarrhea, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite and low blood pressure.

CBD can be broken down in the liver, just as is the case with every product or drug you use. Because of this, research is in progress to determine the ways in which CBD may affect the liver. Some studies have shown impact to the liver in those taking the anti-seizure drug, Epidiolex, but more research is needed.

Because CBD isn’t studied in depth it’s possible to find a lot about the compound that’s unexplored.

Interactions between drugs: It’s not known whether it’s safe to mix over-the-counter medications with CBD products. Therefore, it’s a good idea to mention to your doctor that you’re considering trying CBD.
Special groups: Researchers are investigating the effects of the substance on particular populations, like children, older adults, and pregnant people.
Misleading claims: Some items on the market offer inaccurate or false claims regarding medical conditions, stating that they sell the highest quality CBD for sleep or other ailments.
In the absence of regulation, since the government does not restrict CBD production, it’s not possible to know if a certain product is effective or safe. Some may potentially be contaminated with unhealthy substances like pesticides or heavy metals.

Some researchers assert that although there is much not understood about CBD It is better than other drugs that are used for treating sleep and other health issues because there are no reports of an overdose or other serious issues.

If you’re thinking of using CBD for sleeping discuss it with your doctor prior to doing so. They can assist you in weighing the pros and cons of taking CBD and take any medical histories into consideration.