It's been shown that CBD products work, potentially, in treating various conditions. While they're a relatively recent trend, it's apparent that it's quickly growing in popularity.
What are the benefits of taking a CBD supplement, and can it help you get better sleep? Well, there are a ton of potential benefits and, yes, plenty of people use CBD for sleep.
If you can't fall asleep at night and want to give CBD supplements a try, consider reading ahead.
Potential Benefits of Taking a CBD Supplement
CBD supplements are primarily known for potentially helping with pain management, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. They're a less powerful alternative to medicinal marijuana that offers a similarly potent effect without the high.
They can also come in various forms. People taking CBD can opt for nasal sprays, oils, gummies, suppositories, and more. There's so much diversity when it comes to CBD that it can seem complicated to pinpoint the suitable format. Many consider that taking CBD as an oral supplement is the best option for sleep.
Sleep Deprivation: Potential Consequences
Before jumping into how taking a CBD supplement may help you get better sleep, it's essential to look at all the adverse effects of sleep deprivation. Sleep deficiency has direct ties with a wide variety of severe acute and chronic health problems. While the effects can vary, they become more severe over time.
The most common chronic health problems caused by sleep deprivation include the following:
- Obesity
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
The consequences of sleep deficiency don't have to be tied directly to physical health to cause serious issues. It can also put you at risk for problems at work, the potential for injury, and loss of productivity. Lack of sleep is also responsible for many car crash injuries and deaths.
CBD For Sleep
Adults should typically sleep between six and eight hours every night. However, some people can't fall or stay asleep, resulting in lethargy, fatigue, and a negative overall mood the next day. While there are many ways to improve one's sleep schedule and achieve better sleep, you might consider taking CBD for sleep.
One of the main reasons CBD may help achieve better sleep is how it interacts with receptors throughout the body. Specifically, it interacts actively with receptors responsible for memory, pain, and your metabolism. This is known as the endocannabinoid system, which plays a part in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
In many cases, CBD supplements may help improve sleep by reducing overall anxiety and producing a mellow feeling in those who take them. It's a somewhat similar feeling to drinking chamomile tea before heading to bed.
CBD and Anxiety
Most people who take CBD do so to help reduce their daily anxiety. While the science is still blurry on how it works, patient testimony shows that it's effective. Reduced anxiety, of course, can help achieve better sleep.
Sleep Disorders CBD May Help
There are three common sleep disorders that cause the most trouble for patients. These include:
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
People who suffer from insomnia struggle to fall and stay asleep. Sleep apnea makes it difficult to achieve a good night's rest due to interruptions in breathing while asleep. And restless leg syndrome is the combination of a prickly or tingling sensation in the legs, accompanied by an urge to move them non-stop.
CBD supplements seem to potentially help with all three of these sleep disorders. Some believe this is due to their anti-anxiety properties. While exactly how they work might seem unclear, the results are there.
Additional Tips for Better Sleep
Taking CBD products for better sleep is a great approach. But you can complement supplements with a few other tips for a greater likelihood of getting better sleep. Consider the following information.
Less Screen Time at Night
The circadian rhythm relies heavily on light exposure. A bright environment tells your brain to stay awake, with darker environments doing the opposite. A cell phone, tablet, or monitor are bright enough to trick your brain into thinking you should still be up and about.
There are two ways to avoid this effect. You can stop using any and all devices with a screen about an hour before bedtime. Alternatively, you can use glasses that block blue light or apps that reduce blue light emission.
Limit Caffeine Intake
Caffeine prevents certain neurotransmitters from working properly. Specifically, it blocks the receptors for adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel tired. While caffeine can be a great way to start your day, it's important to limit your intake and avoid drinking it too late in the day.
Drinking too much coffee during the day can build up enough resistance to adenosine to negatively impact your sleep later that night. And, even in low amounts, drinking coffee late in the day can have the same effect. So, consider taking your last sips at least 6 hours before heading to bed.
Set a Sleeping Schedule
Consistency is the most fundamental part of building a healthy sleeping schedule. The foundation for better sleep is to head to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Consider building a routine to follow one hour before heading to bed, and one hour after waking up in the morning.
Taking CBD for Better Sleep
If you're struggling to sleep through the night, or can't fall asleep in the first place, taking a CBD supplement might be the way to go. People take CBD to reduce anxiety, manage pain, and alleviate symptoms of other mental health conditions. If reducing screen time, drinking less coffee, and setting a sleeping schedule aren't working, it might be time to try CBD for sleep.
Take a look at some of our CBD products for sleep if you're ready to get a good night's rest. You can also find options for pain relief, inflammation, and overall wellness!
