Millions of Americans report issues with sleeplessness or
falling asleep. Many turn to over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids,
which often carry lengthy warning labels and side effects. Furthermore, they
can be addictive and ineffective.
Enter cannabidiol. CBD acts on receptors throughout the body
known as the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system affects many
physiological processes, including the body’s hormone levels, immune system,
sleep/wake cycles and pain receptors.
Effects of CBD on insomnia and sleeplessness may vary based
on each person’s individual biology and tolerance. But for individuals looking
for a possible treatment for sleep issues, CBD is a safe, non-habit-forming
alternative to pharmaceuticals that shows great promise for those who struggle
to get restful sleep.
How does CBD ease
sleeplessness?
Reduced Anxiety - A common cause of insomnia is anxiety and stress. CBD helps
to regulate cortisol, a stress hormone, which has a significant impact on
non-REM sleep cycles. A large case series review found that CBD is beneficialfor anxiety-related disorders and an increase in sleep quality.
Pain Relief - For those who struggle with sleeplessness due to chronic or
acute pain, CBD offers a welcome alternative to pharmaceutical pain relievers.CBD helps reduce pain-induced sleeplessness by working on the symptoms
themselves rather than providing a sedative effect like many sleep-aids.
Relaxed Muscles - Studies show that CBD is a promising treatment for movement disorders, helping to reduce tremors and hypermotility in Parkinson’s disease
patients. By reducing muscle tremors, CBD helps insomnia in patients with
movement disorders like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
Pregnancy Symptoms - Many women struggle to get restful sleep during pregnancy
due to a variety of factors: stress, pain, nausea and general pregnancy-induced
insomnia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found no adverse health
outcomes from CBD, though studies on pregnant women have been slim. Talk with
your doctor before using CBD during pregnancy.
Elimination Of
Nightmares - Nightmares can have a negative impact on overall sleep
quality for many people. For those who suffer from REM sleep behavior disorder
(RBD), marked by restlessness and increased nightmares, a good night’s rest is
nothing but a dream (pun intended). Patients in a case series treated with CBD
experienced fewer side effects of RBD, with no negative side effects.
Relief From
Somnolence - CBD has a dual effect depending on the individual and time
of day it is administered. This is because it regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycles,
helping to promote wakefulness during daytime and relaxation at night.
Insomnia, daytime sleepiness, or somnolence, can impact both daytime
productivity and the ability to fall asleep at night. Administration of CBD
during daylight hours helps promote alertness, leading to more restful sleep at
night.
Relief From PTSD - Sleep disorders can be a result of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), resulting in sleep disturbances and REM cycle issues. An
increasing number of research studies indicate the effectiveness of using CBD
oil for sleep issues related to PTSD. CBD helps to relieve anxiety related toPTSD, which reduces anxiety-induced REM sleep disturbances.
How to Use CBD for
Sleep
Everybody is different, so experimentation is key in finding
what works for you. CBD can have a variety of effects depending on dosage,
product and time of day as well as individual body chemistry. Studies indicate
that CBD is best used for short-term sleepiness, as the effects may diminish
over time.
Products like tinctures and sublingual sprays offer
immediate effects, while edibles and oils tend to release CBD more slowly,
helping you stay asleep longer. Try Zilis Ultra Dream an hour before bedtime and take a night
off from counting sheep.
