How CBD is Used to Treat Sleep Disorders

Many, many people across the world use cannabis to aid with sleep or stress relief. With the boom of the cannabis industry in the United States, more research is being done on the active compounds of cannabis. Some of the leading compounds are classified as cannabinoids. Scientific attention is being given to the use of cannabinoids to treat a variety of needs – from anxiety all the way up to cancer.

CBD is one of the cannabinoids people are most familiar with. CBD stands for cannabidiol, and, unlike cannabis or medical cannabis, CBD is legal in all 50 United States and does not give users a “high” as they may experience using another cannabis compound, THC. In fact, even some grocery stores are beginning to carry CBD products. CBD can be extracted from the cannabis plant and CBD comes in the form of pills, sprays, and serums.

CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body – each of us produces our own cannabinoids which work with neurotransmitters, hormones, and other cells to help regulate our moods, appetite, sleep-wake cycle, and pain perception. When CBD bonds with receptors in the brain, it can lead to a decrease in pain perception, reduced inflammation, and a feeling of calmness.

According to the Sleep Doctor site, individuals that suffer from sleep disorders may be able to harness the many qualities of CBD for their benefit. There are a wide range of sleep disorders from severe disorders such as sleep apnea to less severe. Even individuals having difficulty falling or staying asleep could benefit from CBD.

One of CBD’s main current uses is to reduce anxiety and stress. Many individuals with insomnia and difficulty sleeping report feeling anxious, worried, or stress. It makes sense that using a natural supplement like CBD to alleviate anxiety and induce calmness could help individuals fall asleep and get back to sleep when waking up.

Additionally, research has been conducted that demonstrates that smaller doses of CBD can boost daytime alertness and reduce wake time sleepiness. It is crucial for individuals with sleep disorders to try to stick to a sleep schedule where they go to sleep and get up around the same time each day. This helps work with the body’s natural biological clock to train the body when it is time for sleep. If individuals can remain more alert and less sleepy during the day with the help of CBD, it is likely that it will be easier for them to get and stay asleep through the night.