CBD for Insomnia: What are the Benefits?
Cannabidiol also known as CBD is one of the hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis plant. It affects your endocannabinoid system which is responsible for keeping the body in homeostasis or in balance. Here we are going to discuss the effectiveness of CBD for insomnia.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD oil won’t make you high. Moreover it offers many health benefits. It is said to promote good sleep and help with conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and many many more.
CBD for Insomnia: What Research Says
Before understanding if CBD promotes good sleep let’s know what causes poor sleep first. Many things can cause bad sleep. Insomnia or sleeplessness can be caused by:
- Mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Certain medications
- Physical conditions
- Too much caffeine
- Environmental factors like loud noise or uncomfortable bed
If any external factors or related conditions cause your insomnia, CBD can help you by treating sleeplessness. Research on CBD is still at its infancy and some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD can treat anxiety.
Research published in 2019 looked at the effects of CBD in treating anxiety and sleeplessness. The study involved 72 volunteers. 47 of them were suffering from anxiety and 25 were fighting with insomnia. Each of them were given 25 milligrams of CBD in capsule form. The result was good. 79.2% of the volunteers reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported better sleep.
Pain can also cause sleeping problems. In a 2018 review, the authors note that there is plenty of evidence to support the claim that CBD soothes pain. Authors also note that by alleviating pain, CBD can promote good sleep. The result of that particular review also gives us some hope about the efficacy of CBD for insomnia.
Other research says that CBD affects the sleep cycle. A 2014 research looked at patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. They found that CBD improved the REM sleep behaviour disorder or RBD. RBD is associated with poor sleep and nightmares.
A 2017 review concluded that CBD may help treating RBD. Grogginess is another symptom of insomnia which might also get affected by cannabidiol. Based on both animal and human research, researchers claim that CBD could have the potential to promote wakefulness. Furthermore, the researchers note that the reason was unknown.
Even studies that claim that CBD promotes sleep are not always able to say why this is the case. Most of the studies mentioned above emphasize that more research and studies are needed to fully understand how CBD affects our sleep.
How to Use CBD For Insomnia
CBD oil is available in many different forms. There are a number of ways you can take CBD including:
- Vapes
- Oils and Tinctures
- Pills and Capsules
- Edibles
Generally vaping CBD gets into your system faster than any other forms. Other forms like edibles or capsules have to go through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream. CBD vape directly reaches the bloodstream almost instantly. If you are looking for quick action you can take CBD vape.
Unfortunately some research found that CBD does not work the same for all. Many patients who are using CBD for insomnia and anxiety may take some time to respond. But do not quit.
RELATED: Are you looking for wholesale CBD products from a white label CBD product manufacturer? Search it on google, you will find many reputable companies offering amazing quality products. Always purchase from those CBD companies who can provide you with third party lab test results.
Are there any side effects?
It’s quite uncanny to experience side effects from using CBD. But if you encounter any side effects they are mild and may last for 2-4 hours. Side effects including dry mouth, diarrhea, changes in appetite, changes in weight are some of the reported ones. However if you do not feel good after using CBD talk to your doctor. We recommend you start with a very low dose of CBD. Then monitor how CBD affects your health. Then increase it slowly. This will help you avoid all the potential risk of side effects.
The Bottom Line
Before taking CBD it is essential to talk to your doctor. He/She will figure out an appropriate dose for you. CBD interacts with other medications. Be careful with that. Talk to your doctor about the other medications or supplements you are taking. Your doctor can tell you the most effectively you can take CBD for insomnia.
Related: Aaron Bouren, co-founder of CBD Hemp Experts shared his thoughts about the future of CBD as an industry on his blog.
