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Here’s How CBD Can Help Treat Insomnia

CBD is the short form for cannabidiol, a chemical compound belonging to the family of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are active compounds found in marijuana.

CBD is the second most active compound present in cannabis or marijuana. Marijuana that is employed for medical purposes contains CBD as an essential ingredient. CBD is also available through the hemp plant, which belongs to the marijuana family.

Although it is a component of marijuana, pure CBD is considered a safe substance for human consumption. It does not push the consumer into a “high” state even though it is a part of marijuana. The safety of pure CBD has been attested by the World Health Organization (WHO).

CBD Products for Skin Issues, Pain Relief and Sleep Problems are now Widely Available

A wide range of CBD products is available in the market today for a range of lifestyle and medical needs. There are skincare products such as CBD glow oil, body oil, facial serum, facial cream, anti-aging facial serum, body oil, and face cream that provide a range of benefits, from moisturizing the skin to treating skin ailments such as acne.

CBD sleeping mask beauty products heal skin problems and keep the skin hydrated. Recovery lotion is another popular skincare product that soothes the skin and keeps it cool.

Specialized products such as CBD eye serum soothe the skin under the eyes and reduce common under-eye skin issues, such as dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness.

Other specialized CBD products include those for treating sleep problems and pain. Pain relief products such as pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, and pain relief cream have been formulated to treat different types of pain, including chronic pain.

CBD Helps Treat Sleep Problems

CBD is becoming popular for its ability to address insomnia. It is also used to ease symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety, which can reduce the sleep quality of patients. The use of CBD has been shown to help people suffering from insomnia to fall asleep and stay asleep without interruption.

If you are confused about using CBD as a solution for insomnia either for you or for a loved one, then here are some CBD insights to be aware of.

Why is CBD being used for insomnia?

The feelings of “high” imparted by other popular cannabinoid compounds such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are not imparted by CBD. In scientific parlance, this means CBD does not produce psychoactive effects in human beings. This property of CBD makes it extremely helpful to treat a variety of medical conditions, including insomnia.

How do cannabinoids and CBD work on the human body?

Research shows that cannabinoids work on the human body by attaching themselves to specific receptors of the CNS (Central Nervous System). CBD, in particular, works in association with brain cells and proteins.

The effects of cannabinoids, and in particular CBD, is associated with the endocannabinoid system of the human body. The endocannabinoid system or the ECS is a crucial network of the human body as it helps build and maintain body health.

ECS is basically made of endocannabinoids or ECs, and cannabinoid receptor proteins. ECs are retrograde neurotransmitters occurring within the body (endogenous). As retrograde neurotransmitters, their task is to serve as chemical messengers carrying messages across neurons or transmitting signals from neurons to body muscles.

The term “retrograde” used in connection with ECs indicates that these neurotransmitters travel backward for signal transmission.

The other component of the ECS – the cannabinoid receptors -are cell membrane receptors. These receptors are basically proteins found in the cells’ plasma membrane. Their function is to maintain communication between cells and the components outside the cell.

ECs and cannabinoid receptors are located in every part of the body, including glands, organs, brain, connective tissues, and immune cells. Research shows that ECs perform the crucial task of maintaining communication between the body and mind.

ECs impact all major systems and functions of the human body, including the nervous system and immune system.

Research on ECS and ECs is still in its early stages. Scientists believe that new discoveries regarding the system would provide more insights into how different brain activities lead to different physical states and diseases in the body.

ECS and Sleep

It is believed that ECS has an impact on sleep, mood, hunger, and circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythm is your individual sleep-wake cycle or your own body clock that makes you feel sleepy or alert according to your inner rhythm.

Your inner circadian rhythm remains in order when you have a good sleep routine, such as sleeping at night and waking up in the morning at the same time every day.

This rhythm is disturbed by factors such as jetlag or an abnormal late-night sleep that you may have indulged in after a party. When the circadian rhythm is disturbed, your sleep gets disturbed, and issues such as irritation, loss of concentration, and fatigue, occur.

Cannabinoid receptors (explained above) in the ECS include the 2 most important receptors, the CB1 and CB2. Cannabinoids tend to bind to these receptors, which makes them impact sleep and other body functions.

CBD, in particular, does not attach itself to CB1 or CB2. Instead, it stimulates these receptors and makes an impact on specific body functions, including sleep.

How does CBD improve your sleep?

Research suggests that CBD communicates with select receptors as a result of which its impact on the circadian rhythm occurs.

Research on how CBD directly affects the sleep cycle is still underway. Studies reveal that one of the reasons for the efficacy of CBD in treating insomnia is its ability to address the root cause of insomnia.

For example, conditions such as pain and anxiety can affect an individual’s ability to sleep. By easing the symptoms of these conditions, CBD improves the sleep quality of patients suffering from such conditions.

There are several studies to prove the success that patients have had with their sleep after using CBD. A particular study, cited by the American Sleep Association, deserves a read:

A study was conducted on 72 adults with sleep and anxiety problems. Assessments of their sleep and anxiety levels were taken before the initiation of the study and after a month as a follow-up.

Participants were administered CBD in the form capsules. CBD administered measured 25mg in dosage. Participants with sleep problems were given CBD in the evening, whereas those with anxiety took CBD in the morning.

After a month, results showed that 66% of people with sleep issues experienced better sleep. 79% of people with anxiety experienced a dip in symptoms.

Research regarding the interaction of CBD within the human body is still progressing. New discoveries in the field can provide more insights into the specific way in which CBD interacts with the brain.

CBD Helps by Addressing Conditions that Affect Sleep

Sleep can be affected by several conditions, in addition to chronic pain and anxiety.

• PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can have a considerable effect on an individual’s sleep. Studies show that CBD can help improve sleep in people with PTSD.

A study found that CBD offered positive results for people suffering from PTSD. The study participant, a girl of 10 years of age, with PTSD, was administered 25mg of CBD in supplement form before bedtime.

She was given another dose ranging between 6mg and 12mg in the morning to ease anxiety symptoms. This dose was administered in the form of a spray used under the tongue (sublingual).

Results showed an improvement in sleep quality and quantity over a period of 5 months.

• Pain

Chronic and non-chronic pain can affect sleep quality. Studies show that CBD has good anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also safe for human consumption. These three properties elevate the perspective of researchers regarding CBD as a potential and safe analgesic.

A total of 29 trials were conducted as part of a study on the analgesic effects of CBD. About 22 trials of these 29 revealed a significant positive impact on people with chronic non-cancer pain. In addition, CBD had a positive impact on the sleep of participants.

• Sleep Disorder

CBD can ease the symptoms of REM or Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Disorder, thereby improving the sleep quality of such patients.

People with this disorder tend to act out their dreams in their sleep. They enact the dreams with sounds, and violent abrupt movements (often of the leg and arms).

A study involving 4 Parkinson-afflicted patients showed that CBD could control the sleep behaviors associated with the disorder. The patients experienced no side effects at all.

• Grogginess

Grogginess, considered a symptom of insomnia, can be eased with the use of CBD, suggest in-depth studies. This study involved both humans and animals as participants. Results provided insights into the wake-promoting capability of CBD. By promoting wakefulness and alertness during the day, CBD helps insomniacs get a good nighttime sleep.

CBD Helps Treat Insomnia in Different Forms

Whether you are suffering from insomnia, or from any other condition such as pain or a disorder that is keeping you from a good sleep, usage of CBD can help.

According to “extended” research, CBD is, in general, safe for consumption by humans. The study was conducted on people with psychotic disorders and epilepsy. Some common side effects of the compound, according to this research, include changes in weight and appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea.

The research also notes that the side effect profile following treatment with CBD is better than profiles through other treatments, for the aforesaid medical conditions.

However, researchers are of the opinion that there are some key pharmacological and toxicological parameters that still need to be researched and reviewed to understand more about CBD.

The amount of CBD required for improving your sleep is highly individual, meaning it depends on your body and its processes. So, what works for one person may not work for another.

Crucial factors such as your body weight, body’s biological processes, and the type of sleep issues you are suffering from, are taken into account while prescribing CBD dosage.

It can be difficult to assess the exact CBD dosage that can help improve your sleep. Low dosages are recommended at first before graduating to greater dosage levels. It is important to consult your doctor before including CBD in your lifestyle.

It takes time and some experimentation to find out the right dosage that meets your needs.

It should also be noted that the use of CBD does not promise immediate results. If you notice the studies explained above, treatment in every study took at least some months to show results. However, some products such as tinctures and sublingual sprays may show immediate results.

The forms in which CBD is available for use to treat sleep problems, include:

Oils and Tinctures

A variety of CBD oils and tinctures is available for use by people with sleep problems. CBD tinctures are liquid forms of the compound. Tinctures are usually added to drinks (as little as a few drops) for consumption.

Capsules and Pills

For those preferring a non-sticky alternative, there are CBD capsules and pills. These forms are easier and convenient to use. They also offer consistent dosage as each capsule and pill contains premeasured content.

CBD Vapes

Vapes enable faster entry of CBD into the body. A vape pen or vaporizer is generally used to inhale CBD extracts into the body. The extract within the pen or vaporizer gets heated up, which produces a vapor. The vapor is the ingredient that is inhaled into the body.

Edibles

Cookies, chocolates, cakes, gummy bears and worms, protein bars, smoothies, granola bars, teas and coffee, and almonds are some of the wide range of CBD edibles available for consumption. These edible products contain CBD oil, the measure of which is usually mentioned in the product label in milligrams.

A Choice of CBD Sleep Products is Available

Choosing from the huge range in CBD sleep products can be difficult, which is why you must verify any product for the following before buying:

• The Extraction Process – CO2 Extraction, Cold Ethanol Extraction, Olive Oil, and Solvent, are some well-known methods of CBD extraction.

CO2 extraction is preferred by many manufacturers as it provides CBD of the highest quality. The process does not leave any toxic residue, which makes it safe.

• Third-Party Testing – Find out if the product has been tested at independent laboratories for quality assurance. Such information is usually provided on the company website and the product chart. Testing must include verification of all the product contents.
• Product Price – It is always better to go for expensive products as there are more chances of them being high-quality products. Such products use high-quality home-grown hemp for CBD extraction instead of sourcing them from nations with no extensive quality regulations for hemp cultivation.

In Conclusion

Though more research is pending on CBD, existing research shows favorable results regarding the efficacy of CBD in treating insomnia. If you have insomnia, start addressing the issue by first consulting your doctor. Discuss the use of CBD extensively before deciding to use it.

CBD Plus and CBD Must are a popular and reliable range of CBD products that you may want to consider using to get rid of your insomnia. Get in touch with us for any questions on CBD products.