Using CBD for Better Sleep

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is among the main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD interacts with an inherent endocannabinoid system present within the human body, promoting balance and stability, while also helping relieve the symptoms of various chronic illnesses. In this article we will focus on using CBD for better sleep, a trending topic over the last couple of years.

 

The reason behind the popularity of CBD is that unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other main active substance present in cannabis, CBD isn’t psychoactive. This means that it helps deal with a range of health condition without making the user ‘high’.

 

Having been used to treat the symptoms of epilepsy for quite some time now, recent research into the various merits of CBD had uncovered anecdotal evidence that the cannabinoid might be helpful in promoting a more restful sleep.

 

But how does it do so? And is it really effective?

 

What Causes Sleep Disturbances?

 

Before we talk about CBD and sleep, let’s first identify some of the main reasons that cause poor sleep or insomnia.

 

These include:

 

👉 Physical problems, such as chronic pain, or restless leg syndrome

👉 Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

👉 Environmental conditions, such as loud noises, bright light, an uncomfortable sleeping area

👉 Certain medications which interfere with the sleep-wake cycle

👉 Consuming caffeine, especially later in the day

 

While environmental factors and caffeine intake can be handled without the need for external intervention, CBD may help deal with the other factors mentioned above to improve sleep.

 

Let’s now move on to what scientists have to say.

 

CBD for Better Sleep: What Research Says

 

According to a study published in 2019, 72 subjects (47 with anxiety and 25 with sleep problems) were each given a 25 milligram capsule of CBD every day. Results showed that during the first month, a promising 79.2 percent reported reduced symptoms of anxiety, while 66.7 percent reported having slept better.

 

As mentioned above, chronic pain is another factor that causes poor sleep. According to a scientific review, researchers noted that there was sufficient evidence supporting the idea that CBD soothes pain and improves sleep.

 

While studying how CBD influences the sleep-wake cycle, researchers looked at four patients of Parkinson’s disease (a brain disorder leading to shaking, and difficulty with walking and keeping balance). They discovered that CBD helped relieve the symptoms of sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition associated with having nightmares and disrupted sleep.

 

How Does CBD Help Improve Sleep?

 

Now that we’ve established that CBD can in-fact help with poor sleep, the question is: how does it do so?

 

Most studies investigating the relationship between CBD and sleep point to the substance’s ability to interact with GABA and serotonin receptors within the brain. GABA is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter within our body, and helps calm excessive brain activity and promotes relaxation. Serotonin also plays a key role in alleviating anxiety and improving mood.

 

Another aspect which scientists noted was the combination of CBD and melatonin in improving sleep. Melatonin is naturally produced by the body, and its amounts naturally increase during the evening, directly signaling the brain that it is time to sleep. Most sleep supplements contain melatonin, and these could have a much more profound effect when combined with the sleep-promoting attributes of CBD.

 

How to Use CBD for Better Sleep?

 

Every individual is different, and experts conclude that every person’s response to CBD depends mainly on two factors:

 

❓ how their body processes the compound

❓ how cannabinoid receptors are distributed within the body (endocannabinoid system)

 

This is why there is no set dosage as to how much CBD can effectively improve sleep, and it’s more of a hit-and-trial method. However, using CBD regularly has no negative effects, and there is very little reason to suggest that people might develop a resistance to the substance over time.

 

So while preliminary findings suggest that CBD can very well be used to improve sleep-related outcomes, it must be used with caution.

 

Therapist Preferred CBD Softgels with Melatonin for Sleep

 

If you’re considering using CBD at bedtime, why not try our THC-Free CBD+Melatonin softgels? Our product contains 25mg of organically grown broad-spectrum phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil, along with water soluble melatonin to promote relaxation and a healthy sleep cycle. In addition, we have recently increased the amount of melatonin to 3mg and added 3mg of CBN, a minor cannabinoid with sedative properties.

 

With our proprietary water soluble nanoemulsion technology, the active ingredients within our softgels are efficiently absorbed within the bloodstream due to their increased bioavailability and surface area.

 

And last but not the least; Therapist-Preferred CBD Softgels are packed with phytonutrients. This ensures quick and effective results every time you use the product.

 

Simply take one to two capsules approximately 30-45 minutes before going to bed.

 

Another option from Therapist Preferred is our Sleep Better Bundle, a curated combination of products that help promote better sleep.  This popular and convenient bundle includes the Softgels with Melatonin for Sleep, Organic Tincture & Sample Packs of both Gummy flavors.

 

So why not give CBD a try if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Simply use the product and see if it works out for you.