The use of CBD for sleep goes way back in history. During those times, people believed that sleeplessness is the result of lovesickness, worry, hunger, or “heaven’s curse.” Ancient Indian and Chinese herbalists used cannabis or the “sacred grass” to help induce sleep.
At present, studies have proven how powerful cannabidiol or CBD is when it comes to one’s health. It has become immensely popular because it can help treat a lot of health issues – from muscle joints to anxieties, and even cancer pains.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is a beneficial compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. No, it does not make you high because it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC Is the one that brings euphoric sensation – the kick that can mostly be found in marijuana.
Cannabis sativa has two species: marijuana and hemp. The hemp plant contains higher amounts of CBD and lower (or none at all) percentage of THC, unlike marijuana. Aside from CBD, the hemp also contains helpful substances such as omegas, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Most CBD oil products come from hemp extracts.
The Science Behind It
What’s interesting about CBD is that more people testify to its use when it comes to having a good night’s sleep. According to a survey, almost 80 percent of Americans suffers from sleep deprivation at least once a week. They gave up using prescription medicine because of its ineffectiveness and potential risk.
Recent findings show CBD’s potential involvement in the treatment for insomnia and other sleeping disorders. CBD and other cannabinoids were found to provide ease for those who suffer from sleep apnea. But what does CBD oil do exactly to provide such results?
How CBD Oil Help Your Sleeping Habits
Researchers’ initial findings show that CBD oil is an effective treatment for insomnia and other sleeping disorders. They found out that it is the body’s interaction with CBD that makes it work – specifically the endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Where is it exactly? It’s in every system you have in your body. There are endocannabinoids and receptors all throughout the body to maintain homeostasis. Simply put, this system is the bridge between the body and the mind.
The endocannabinoid system includes the following:
- Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2
- Enzymes such as monoacylglycerol lipase and amide hydrolase
- Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
Breaking Down Stress in the Body
People who suffer from anxieties are also the target of sleep deprivation. Research has concluded that the use of CBD oil helps the body to respond to stress well. Once CBD goes inside the body, the brain receives signals from the ECS to identify the source of stress and regulate it.
Once stress is “broken,” the body relaxes – giving you the privilege to sleep well. Regular use of CBD oil can help you enjoy a great sleeping pattern.
Anxieties are not the only culprit that bring stress to humans; pain is another factor. People who suffer from pain and inflammation may also find it difficult to sleep well.
Bodily pain brings stress in the body. You cannot sleep if you have a toothache or muscle pain. Just imagine people suffering from neurological issues such as Parkinson’s disease – it could be worse.
CBD Oil in Action
The use of CBD oil for sleep is the best alternative remedy to traditional medication. There is no “ideal” dosage to follow but high dosages are found to be more effective.
Consequently, a study in 2004 showed that low doses can actually make people more active. It may be pricey, but getting high doses of CBD oil can help you in the long run.
Ways on How to Take CBD Oil
The ideal way to take CBD oil is oral. However, some people find it difficult to swallow.
Vaping CBD is another way to make CBD oil work fast in the body. The vapor released inside the body “delivers” CBD quickly to your system.
If that does not fly, you can also choose CBD edibles such as gummies, pills, and capsules. CBD is released slowly in this method, so the effect is that you sleep longer. It is recommended that you take one an hour before you sleep.
Knowing What You are Buying
This alternative treatment does not come in cheap; health is an investment, anyway. Remember that high-quality CBD oils go through a process called CO2 extraction. This method ensures that you will get the purest CBD and other beneficial nutrients that can be found in hemp.
If you’d come across a cheap brand, do not put your trust in it right away. It may contain synthetic chemicals that may harm your body instead of relieving you from pain. You can do research over the internet to find the best brands and what they offer.
One quick tip: check if the brands are tested by a third-party laboratory. It is best to trust companies that follow existing regulations, right?
Are There Any Risks?
Any medication, traditional or natural, comes with a caution. Thousands of scientific reports, including one from the World Health Organization, confirm that pure CBD does not cause harm or have abuse potential.
What’s best is to ask your physician, most especially when you are taking prescribed medication along with CBD oil. Remember that there are endocannabinoid receptors all over the body and that includes the liver. Since the enzymes interact with CBD, there’s a tendency for traditional medicine to be compromised.
CBD Oil Can Help You Sleep
In summary, CBD oil can help you regulate your sleeping habits by knowing the cause and “breaking” it apart. Evidences have proven that CBD relaxes the body, which helps you fall asleep faster than when you are anxious.
Though it is quite expensive, CBD oil in high dosages can make you feel relaxed faster than lower doses. If still in doubt, you can ask your physician about it.
More studies are needed for CBD to be considered as a direct treatment for insomnia. But one thing is for sure: CBD oil can help you sleep when you need to the natural way.
