Editors note: this post was updated February 15th, 2022.
One of the things that all humans have in common is that sleep is required to be able to function in day-to-day life. Unfortunately, nearly a third of the general population has trouble getting a good nights’ sleep. Many people turn to sleep aids and medications, but the downside to these supplements is that most of them come with uncomfortable side effects you don’t want.
Many individuals that suffer from insomnia are turning to more natural options as far as falling asleep. Some use melatonin, as it is the naturally occurring sleep hormone that our brains make, but when you take too much, your brain starts to slow the natural production of melatonin, leading to further problems. If you want something that is completely natural and comes with no side effects, CBD is a great alternative to traditional sleep aids.
Hemp Helps
For centuries, people have been turning to the cannabis plant for its many health benefits. From pain relief to sleep aid, there is not much this plant can not do. Even in modern science and medicine, cannabis has many applications.
One of the most popular forms of cannabis is cannabidiol or CBD. CBD is found in hemp and marijuana, but unlike THC, CBD does not get you high. This means you can enjoy the medical benefits without having any impact on your functionality.
With legalization happening in more places, more research is also being done to learn more specific details about the ways that cannabis helps with various conditions. Around 10% of those that have tried CBD tried it to help with insomnia and other sleep troubles. Most of them had success.
Will CBD Oil Work for Sleep?
It is no surprise that a large number of individuals are turning to CBD as a way to get some sleep, as nearly 80% of Americans struggle with sleep at least one time a week. The options for sleep aids are mainly just sleeping pills, essential oil blends, and melatonin. Using over-the-counter drugs can seem appealing, but many risky side effects come with these pills.
If you have been dealing with insomnia or other sleep issues, chances are you have tried many different supplements and medications. The downside of using CBD as a sleep aid is that it is not a guaranteed solution. There are definitely individuals that see no relief when using CBD, although most folks do.
How CBD Helps with Sleep
If you are experiencing problems with sleeping, it is important to figure out why. Maybe you are suffering from insomnia, maybe you get headaches that keep you up at night. You could even be dealing with some anxiety that needs to be addressed.
One of the best things about cannabis is that it can help with numerous conditions. Adding CBD to your routine is a great way to help with swelling, chronic pain, and anxiety, all of which can lead to poor sleep due to the symptoms of these conditions.
CBD can be found in many forms, including oils, edibles, and smokable flower forms. The method of use can greatly impact how the CBD affects your body as well. Generally speaking, oils and edibles are the most effective for pain and swelling, while smoking or vaping is great for insomnia and anxiety. This does vary from person to person, so you should try a few different methods of ingestion to see what works best for you.
Other Benefits of CBD
The popularity of cannabidiol is on the rise for several reasons. One big thing that folks seem to enjoy is that CBD is legal all across the country, meaning you can buy it in stores and gas stations with no problem, as long as you are of legal age. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not give the same psychoactive high that you get from THC. Because of this, CBD is very appealing to those that want relief without getting high.
The CBD is extracted from the cannabis hemp and is combined with a carrier oil (usually hemp seed oil or coconut oil), both diluting it and making it easier to ingest. This oil can be mixed into foods, drinks, or taken directly by mouth.
Some of the common conditions that CBD may be able to help with are:
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic pain
- Cancer-related symptoms
- Acne
- It may have neuroprotective properties
- Heart health
- Substance abuse
- Diabetes prevention
- Anti-tumor effects
Side Effects of CBD
As with most things, even the safest things can be harmful to some. While one person may have no problem enjoying a piece of fruit, the person next to them may have an allergic reaction when they eat the same thing. CBD is the same. Most people that give this supplement a try, have no adverse side effects or complications, but not everyone is so lucky.
Although not very common, some side effects that have been noted are:
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Diarrhea
Another thing to keep in mind when adding new medications or supplements to your routine is that some things interact with other medications. Prior to taking CBD, you should speak with your doctor about your current medications.
Take extra caution with any medications or supplements that have a “grapefruit warning”. This may sound silly, but CBD and grapefruit both interfere with a group of enzymes that are important in drug metabolization: cytochromes P450.
Conclusion
If you have tried everything you can think of, CBD could be just what you need to be able to get restful sleep once and for all. While it is essentially a coin flip on whether or not it will help with actual sleep disorders or not, if your issues stem from conditions such as depression, anxiety, or pain, you may be in luck.
Generally speaking, CBD is a safe alternative to many medications. If you are looking for a natural way to help you get some sleep, CBD may be the ticket to your journey to restful sleep once and for all.
