If you’ve been paying attention to what’s going on in the world of health and wellness, then you’ve probably noticed that CBD is the most talked about up-and-comer in the industry. In the past year or so, people have been using CBD, which is the non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant, to treat conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. But what about CBD for sleep?
But, before we discuss the latest science on CBD, first let’s talk about what it is, and what researchers think it can do for our health, sleep, and overall wellness.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which, next to THC, is the most heavily studied compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is a cannabinoid, a type of plant chemical that’s found in cannabis. It’s captured a lot of attention because of its health benefits, but it’s also caused some polarity because of it’s association with the cannabis plant.
However, unlike THC, which causes altered mental states and sometimes even anxiety, CBD has the exact opposite affect. It’s has no psychoactive properties, and it calms and soothes jittery nerves rather than increase it.
To be clear, CBD is not the same thing as pot. Marijuana is a type of cannabis plant, while THC and CBD are chemical compounds found in various levels in the plant. Marijuana has high levels of THC, where as the industrial hemp plant, another variety of cannabis, has none. This is where all legal CBD products are sourced from, and it does not give users a “high.”
What Can CBD Do?
CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it’s an analgesic, and it’s also a known anxiolytic (anxiety reducer). It’s become a therapeutic tool for physicians and laypersons alike to treat or self-treat common health issues such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, neurogenerative diseases, and seizures.
Since it can address so many conditions at once, it’s clear to see why CBD has become such a popular supplement.
What Can CBD Do For Sleep?
What sleep-deprived users love about CBD is its ability to almost instantly resolve their problems with insomnia. There’s been lot of scientific evidence that demonstrates how CBD is a powerhouse when it comes to relieving insomnia symptoms. Those with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain have problems with sleep as a side effect of their main medical issues, but since CBD helps to relieve these primary symptoms, their sleep issues are addressed at the same time.
After researchers gathered data from 400 volunteers in their natural sleep environment, researchers analyzed the effects CBD had on these subjects. The results unequivocally showed that symptoms of insomnia had been significantly reduced.
Brazilian scientists investigated whether or not CBD has a disruptive effect on our sleep cycles. CBD didn’t change the sleep of healthy volunteers. They moved through the normal stages of the sleep cycle, including deep sleep, slow-wave, and REM sleep. This is good news for people who take CBD for reasons other than sleep.
Complementary Uses Of CBD
Pharmaceuticals that are used to treat depression include benzodiazepines and SSRI’s, which can interfere with our normal sleep-wake cycles. Side effects of these drugs can lead to problems with sleep regulation and consistency.
CBD, on the other hand, shows promise as a natural alternative for those suffering with symptoms of depression, and small doses appear to help with daytime sleepiness.
CBD Specifically For Sleep
If you’re considering using CBD for sleep, anxiety, pain, or other purposes, consider trying a CBD that is specifically made for just for sleep.
Bliss Herbal‘s “Sleep Formula” can be taken as either a CBD oil or capsule, and it has a proprietary blend of 5 different terpenes, which deliver an “entourage” effect of sleep plus relaxation.
When you start taking CBD, give it some time to take effect and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see instant results. Like many natural remedies, the best way to see results is to take it consistently.
