Fighting Sleep Disorders: CBD for Sleep
Can’t get a good night’s sleep?
You’re not alone. Nearly 80% of Americans report experiencing sleep difficulties at least once per week. That’s an astronomical number of people lying awake at night.
But here’s the thing…
Sleep disorders are on the rise, and over-the-counter sleep medication is addictive and has so many side effects that leave you feeling hungover the next day.
However, a new sleep solution is on the horizon that might have some life-changing results.
Namely? CBD products.
Curious to know why people are rushing to find the best CBD for sleep?
CBD For Sleep products are a complete game changer for many people. Prescription sleep aids are dangerous, many are habit forming, and while effective in the short-term, research into CBD’s ability to help with sleep disorders is showing real promise.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
- How CBD Actually Works For Sleep
- The Science Behind CBD And Sleep Disorders
- Delta 9: The Sleep Game Changer
- Finding The Right CBD Dosage For Better Rest
- Common Sleep Disorders CBD Can Help With
How CBD Actually Works For Sleep
CBD (cannabidiol) is not like other sleep aids.
It doesn’t zap you into unconsciousness like a frying pan like traditional prescription sleep medication. CBD works within your body to unlock better, healthier sleep.
The way that it works is through the endocannabinoid system. Your endocannabinoid system contains receptors that help your body regulate sleep, mood, and even pain.
This part’s kind of cool…
Your body already produces cannabinoids that signal to this system when things aren’t working as they should. CBD just enhances and improves this system when it’s out of balance.
In the case of sleep, CBD helps your nervous system calm down and relax. It doesn’t intoxicate you or make you feel “high”. This means you wake up feeling refreshed as opposed to sleepy and out of it like you might with prescription sleep medication.
The Science Behind CBD And Sleep Disorders
Wait, wait, wait…there’s more!
A study that was recently published showed that an astonishing 79.2% of patients in the study had a decreased anxiety score within one month of CBD use.
In the same study? Even more impressive – 66.7% of patients had improved sleep scores in that same one month window.
And, wait for it…
CBD does more than put you to sleep. The reason that CBD can improve sleep is because it does multiple things simultaneously.
CBD reduces anxiety, eases pain, helps your body transition between sleep cycles, and dials down an overactive nervous system. The research even points to CBD helping with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder as well as Excessive Daytime Sleepiness.
This is interesting though…
CBD’s efficacy doesn’t diminish with time and use as is often the case with prescription sleep medication. Plus, there is no risk of building up physical tolerance or dependence.
Delta 9: The Sleep Game Changer
And, check this out…
Delta 9 THC has an entirely different relationship with sleep than CBD. In fact, Delta 9 THC is much more powerful at inducing sleep than CBD. However, using Delta 9 as a sleep aid requires a little more finesse.
So what gives?
Delta 9 THC interacts with your CB1 receptors to a much greater degree than other cannabinoids or Delta 8 THC. This leads to sleep induction, which explains anecdotal reports of people using Delta 9 and falling asleep.
However, Delta 9 THC can be a little harder to dose than CBD. It’s much more sensitive in that you can take too little or too much Delta 9 THC, with little to no effect or with increased anxiety, respectively.
The research says that Delta 9 THC can improve sleep latency (the time it takes you to fall asleep) but also impacts REM sleep negatively. Delta 9 THC supplementation is shown to increase deep sleep but decrease REM sleep.
This is what most people will experience when they take Delta 9 THC for sleep. They fall asleep quicker, sleep for longer durations, wake up less during the night, and feel more rested in the morning.
But the real trick is in low dosing. Most experts recommend 1-2 mg of Delta 9 THC as a starting point and then working your way up from there.
Also, Delta 9 THC may help to regularize your circadian rhythm (your internal 24-hour sleep-wake cycle) when it is out of sync.
Finding The Right CBD Dosage For Better Rest
CBD sleep dosing isn’t exactly science, but it does require a little patience on your part.
The issue most people have is that they take either too little CBD or too much CBD for their needs.
Research suggests a starting point of 5-10 mg per day, increasing or decreasing as needed.
The experts suggest a slightly different method though…
CBD should be taken 1-2 hours before you are ready to go to sleep. The idea here is that you give it time to kick in a little before bedtime.
CBD also works well for daytime anxiety which, when managed, also improves sleep at night.
CBD affects everyone a little differently. Don’t stress if your friend’s dose isn’t working for you. Play with your dose and find your sweet spot.
Common Sleep Disorders CBD Can Help With
CBD won’t cure all your sleep problems, but there are several specific sleep disorders that CBD can treat.
Insomnia is the big one here.
Many people with insomnia have racing thoughts or high anxiety, which often keeps them awake. Since CBD calms down your nervous system, it naturally targets one of the root causes of insomnia.
But it’s not just insomnia…
CBD may also help with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Pain-Related Sleep Disruption, and Anxiety-Induced Sleep Problems.
And here’s something interesting…
CBD is being used by 20% of adults to help with sleep. That’s a huge uptick from just a few years ago when prescription sleep aids were the only option for most people.
Choosing Quality CBD Products
Here’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when trying CBD for sleep…
They buy cheap, low-quality CBD products and wonder why it doesn’t work.
Truth bomb time…
CBD products are not all the same. The CBD industry is still unregulated, so that means that there are lots of sketchy products out there.
Look for third-party lab testing, CO2 extraction methods, full-spectrum CBD, organic hemp, and easy-to-read dosage instructions.
Steer clear of wild health claims, hidden ingredients, suspiciously cheap products, or no lab testing.
The method of CBD you choose will also impact how quickly it works. Sublingual tinctures and oils are faster acting than CBD gummies, for example.
Wrapping It All Together
CBD’s impact on sleep disorders is not going anywhere.
When 66.7% of patients in clinical studies show improved sleep scores, you know that CBD is a valid alternative to traditional sleep medications.
The advantages of CBD are numerous. Natural approach to better sleep, no physical dependence, addresses multiple sleep issues, next to no side effects when used properly, and works in harmony with your body’s natural systems.
However, you must choose high-quality CBD products. Cheap CBD will not give you the results you are looking for. Find a reputable manufacturer, start with a small dose, and give it time.
It’s important to note here that CBD is not a magic bullet. It’s not going to fix all your sleep problems overnight. But, in conjunction with good sleep hygiene and a healthy bedtime routine, CBD is becoming a game-changer for many people looking to sleep better.
If you are sick of staring at the ceiling all night, it might be time to try CBD.
