Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. When introduced in the human body, Cannabinoids combine with the endocannabinoid system to encourage stability and a state of balance, or technically speaking, ‘homeostasis’.
Contrary to Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Therefore, CBD users will not experience the ‘high’ usually associated with marijuana consumption. Instead, CBD has the potential to provide users with a range of health benefits from pain relief to a reduction in seizures for patients suffering from epilepsy.
Research and anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that CBD can also help those suffering from insomnia.
What Does the Research Say About CBD and Insomnia?
To get an idea of show CBD helps improve the quality of sleep, it is important to first understand the reasons for the lack of sleep, or insomnia. According to studies by the Mayo Clinic, insomnia can be due to –
- Medication that can alter sleep-wake patterns
- Mental health problems like PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Caffeine consumption, especially during the late evenings
- Physical problems such as pain
- Various environmental factors like loud noises, uncomfortable surroundings, etc.
CBD can help treat insomnia when it is caused by external factors. While research is still ongoing, early findings point to the ability of CBD to treat anxiety.
Research results published last year focused on understanding if CBD can improve sleep. The study covered more than 70 subjects with 40+ suffering from anxiety and 20+ experiencing a lack of sleep. The test subjects were administered a 25mg daily dose of CBD via capsules. During the first month, almost 80% of the test subjects reported lowered anxiety while more than 65% reported a better quality of sleep.
CBD can also help treat insomnia due to pain. A study published by Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2018 demonstrated the evidence supporting CBD’s ability to help alleviate pain. The study showed that by helping treat acute pain, CBD can help improve the quality of sleep.
Similar research also shows that CBD has an impact on sleep cycles. A 2014 research studied the effects of CBD on four subjects suffering from Parkinson’s disease. CBD was found to improve the symptoms of REM sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). RBD is a serious condition where people act out their dreams. RBD is commonly associated with nightmares and poor sleep.
An article on sleep disorders published in 2017, noted that CBD has the potential to treat RBD and excessive sleepiness during the day.
CBD can also help with grogginess – another symptom of insomnia. The findings of a study published in 2014 showed CBD’s potential in encouraging wakefulness in both humans and animals.
How Does CBD Help Improve Sleep Quality?
Unfortunately, studies that currently show that CBD can improve sleep quality are inconclusive when it comes to the reasons why. Most of the research quoted above comes with a rider that research on the subject is currently ongoing.
Using CBD for Sleep Improvement
CBD can be consumed in a number of ways –
- Tinctures and Oils
- Pills and Softgels
- Edibles
- Creams and Lotions
- Smokables
Generally speaking smoking or vaping CBD leads to noticeable effects in the fastest time. However, research on vaping CBD is limited and smoking/vaping may lead to other respiratory problems.
The amount of CBD for sleep you will need to consume depends on a number of factors like body composition, weight, metabolic rate, cause of insomnia, etc. What works for some, may not work for others.
As a rule, it is best to start with a low dosage and generally work your way up until a suitable point is reached.
Safety Concerns Associated with CBD Consumption
A report published in 2017 looked at various research on the safety and side-effects of CBD consumption. The conclusion was that CBD is relatively safe. The side-effects are uncommon and minor. These include –
- diarrhea
- changes in weight and appetite
- fatigue, etc.
The Food and Drug Administration currently does not guarantee the effectiveness, safety, or quality of CBD products available over the counter.
Given that CBD products are currently not regulated by the FDA in the manner in which they regulate other supplements and drugs, CBD products are often the victims of misrepresentation and mislabelling.
Doctors do not often recommend the use of a sleeping aid for more than a few weeks. While the use of CBD and similar aids may be helpful, it is important to get to the root of the insomnia problem. This may require a doctor’s examination or a change in medication, environment, etc.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.