Sleeping problems are common, and anyone can be a victim of sleep disorders. About 70 percent of both children and adults cannot sleep the recommended hours in a day. Even though significant causes of sleep deprivation are hectic schedules and stress, medical and mental health problems may deprive you of a good night of sleep. Lack of enough sleep may negatively impact your overall health, cause poor concentration, mood changes, and lack of motivation.

It is crucial to consult or seek medical help when you suspect you have a sleeping disorder. Even though some medications may help you get a quick and lengthy nap, natural treatment options are always a good choice. CBD is one of these natural regimens that could help you have a restful and relaxed night of sleep.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD is one of the major cannabinoids in the cannabis plant – Hemp. CBD targets your endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing homeostatic processes. The ECS is responsible for regulating and balancing various body processes, including immune responses, cell communication, appetite and metabolism, memory and many other responses as well.

Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have a “high” effect on its users. However, it has several beneficial health benefits that have taken over the medical world by storm. Research shows CBD can be an effective remedy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Besides, it can also help in alleviating pain and reduce inflammation. Further research and anecdotal evidence also show that CBD is useful in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Does CBD help sleep better?

To understand how CBD improves sleep, we must first understand what leads to poor sleeping habits. Common causes of insomnia include:

• Lack of a conducive environment for sleep, such as loud neighborhoods, uncomfortable bedding, or intrusive lighting among other factors as well.
• Physical conditions that cause discomfort or chronic pain, e.g., restless muscles, body injury, headaches, and many more issues that may exist.
• Caffeine consumption at night.
• Medication that interrupts the sleep cycle
• Mental health disorders; these could include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis.

CBD research is still in its preliminary stages and a lot is yet to be understood on how CBD works. Anxiety is the root cause of many sleep disorders. The mind simply cannot be calm enough to allow the sleep process to take over.

In 2019, research was conducted to analyze the benefits of CBD vape oil on sleep and anxiety reduction. 72 subjects took 25mg of CBD per day and 79.2% of them reported lower anxiety levels, while 66.7% claimed they slept better after taking the medication. This serves as hard evidence that CBD can be useful in treating sleep disorders.

Can CBD help alleviate pain?

CBD also shows potential for alleviation of pain. Evidence indicates that CBD soothes pain, which in the long run serves to improve sleeping patterns. We all know or have experienced the discomfort pain can cause and the effects on your sleeping patterns. CBD has analgesic properties that are known to help alleviate pain. Some people with sleeping disorders, especially those with Schizophrenia, may experience nightmares, forcing them to stay awake. CBD can help them sleep better by improving REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a sleep disorder whereby the patient acts out their dreams.

Taken in various doses, CBD can display sedative properties. This is important when treating insomnia as it can help to calm the mind, thus inducing sleep. Such interaction enables the patient to develop a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

How does CBD work to help with sleep?

As discussed earlier, CBD influences the functions of the ECS. CBD is known to reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is also known as “the stress hormone.” Furthermore, CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Once consumed, it can calm the user by reducing cortisol levels and inhibiting the metabolism of anandamide. High anandamide levels in the body result in higher psychosis tendencies in schizophrenic patients. If you are experiencing night-time awakening, especially when suffering from schizophrenia, CBD can offer a sedative effect and this can help you sleep better for longer hours.

CBD Dosage for Sleep

There is no specific rule when it comes to CBD dosage. However, small doses of CBD have stimulating effects, while a higher dose can have sedative effects. You should choose the amount of CBD depending on the severity of your sleeping problems. A general rule for taking cannabidiol is starting with a lower dose and increasing the amount gradually. As a result, you will understand how your body tolerates varying amounts of CBD doses.

Consequently, insomnia also disrupts the sleep-wake cycle. When a user consumes CBD in relatively higher doses, it can induce a sedative effect. This is helpful as CBD helps induce sleep. However, experts say that 40mg-80mg is a proper dosage to treat sleep disorders. Some doctors prescribe a dosage as high as 300mg per day.

Conclusion

Insomnia is a common ailment facing almost half of the general population at some point in their lives. You have to admit that you have experienced sleepless nights now and then. Many people are now trying out CBD for their sleeping problems. It is generally safe and improves sleep duration, and balances out the sleep-wake cycle. Over time, people have established CBD usage for various reasons, including reducing seizures, anxiety, and pain. Sleep treatment is now a relative discovery that is dominating the medical scene. Proper and clear-cut dosage levels are yet to be established since research is still underway. However, lower doses induce stimulant effect

With all of the hoopla in the media these days surrounding cannabidiol, you may be wondering what CBD is, its benefits, how to read labels and the correct amount to consume.

So, what is CBD?

Let’s look under the hood to discover more.

What Is CBD And What Are The Health Benefits? 

Derived from hemp plants, CBD triggers particular receptors in the brain and nervous system, resulting in serotonin release. This release can reduce anxiety, depression, muscle soreness and more in both humans and canines.

One of the most significant benefits of CBD is combatting insomnia. As Portland-based startup Mendi states, “The common benefit people notice with CBD is better sleep, because if you have less pain, stress, anxiousness and reduced inflammation, you’re likely in a more calm state and less likely to have disrupted sleep.”

Understanding CBD Labels

Let’s break down what to look for on CBD labels, some of which may include THC information:

• The products: Do you prefer mints, Starburst-like candies, chocolate bars, or even sodas? CBD labels will tell you things like flavors and ingredients.
• Milligrams: This is your starting point. Most labels will encourage microdosing, so you don’t take too much (more on that in a bit).
• Suggested Use: Unless you’re told otherwise by your doctor, follow all suggested use information.
• Time: Many labels will tell you how long it takes for the product to kick in, which can be anywhere from 15 minutes to 90.
• Nutritional Facts: Like grocery store items, total fat, sodium, carbs and more are typically listed.
• CBD to THC Ratio: This is critical because THC may be illegal or require a medical card depending on what state you live in. Know your state’s laws and those you may be visiting. The last thing you want is to bring illegal substances across state lines unknowingly. And because THC is the psychoactive agent of the plant, consuming it is a very different experience than CBD-only items.

CBD Dosage: How Much Is Too Much (Or Too Little)

There’s a hilarious saying in the cannabis world when it comes to products possessing THC: “You can always have more, but you can never have less.” If you’ve ever scarfed down an entire THC-loaded brownie, you probably learned this lesson the hard way.

This axiom should always be respected, but do understand that because CBD does not contain the psychoactive agent found in THC, you don’t need to be afraid of a “bad trip.”

However, there’s no reason to take more CBD than required. If you don’t know how many milligrams to take, dispensaries are known for providing expert advice via email, online chats, phone, and inside brick and mortar stores. Explaining your pain points, what you’re looking to achieve, and, if you’re comfortable, physical attributes like gender, height and weight can help the experts determine the ideal dosage for you.

From life-threatening viruses to raging wildfires to skyrocketing unemployment, 2020 is testing the human spirit in unimaginable ways. One such symptom of this year’s chaos is maintaining proper mental health as bad news continually wafts through televisions sets like a skunk’s scent from a bedroom window.

Anxiety and depression are running amok. Some studies discovered that “In mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March.”

With so much uncertainly swirling about, how are CBD, anxiety and depression intertwined, and how can cannabidiol products help during such trying times?

CBD and Anxiety

In 2011, a study reported that CBD possessed the power to reduced anxiety during public speaking for those anxious in social situations. How was that possible?

CBD aids the neurotransmitters already bouncing around your brain by promoting the release of serotonin. It’s a potential alternative to sketchy “happy pills” like Prozac, and you can purchase it at outlets as popular as Whole Foods.

No grocery stores in your area with CBD items? No worries. Products are legal to ship to your doorstep in the United States.

CBD and Depression

CBD can help with depression, similar to relieving anxiety issues. Early studies on canines and CBD showed great promise in raising low serotonin levels.

Science has only progressed in purporting that CBD has incredible antidepressant effects, but it’s always smart to speak with your doctor about your unique situation, including how many milligrams to begin with and any potential side effects.

Say Goodbye to Insomnia

Pandemic or not, you know full well how difficult everyday tasks are following a night of fitful sleep, and a lack of solid slumber can exasperate anxiety and depression.

To maximize your chances of saying goodnight to insomnia, check out products consisting of tinctures easily added to evening teas, soothing bath salts, yummy edibles (don’t worry, no THC here) and more.

In Sickness and in Health

Whether you’re battling a life-threatening disease, anxiety and depression or simply looking to feel your best, CBD helps in additional ways:

• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Can help increase the lack of appetite often arising from anxiety or depression
• Exercise is closely linked to alleviating anxiety and depression. CBD can provide muscle recovery afterward
• Offers a viable alternative to traditional drugstore items unhelpful in providing relief
• Confidence in knowing products are legal and regulated
• Depending on where you live, home delivery is possible

These are challenging times, to say the least, and we aren’t clear of the forest yet, but with an assist from over-the-counter CBD items, you can increase your odds of keeping anxiety and depression at bay.