Can CBD Help with Your Insomnia?
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder where a person is unable to fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia can be classified into two types: acute, and chronic insomnia.
Acute insomnia is when a person has trouble sleeping and maintaining sleep up to a month. This is most likely due to situational stressors like deadlines, exams, job interviews, etc. Acute insomnia usually sorts itself out once the stressor goes away.
Chronic insomnia is when one has trouble sleeping and staying asleep for more than a month.
Symptoms
Symptoms of insomnia can include:
- Difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep during the night
- Fatigue or sleepiness during the day
- Irritability
- Difficulty in concentrating at work or in school
- Dizziness and headaches
- Acid reflux
Causes
Insomnia can be divided into two classifications when we talk about causes: Primary and Secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia means the disorder is caused by stressors like a new sleep environment, a new job, a pending evaluation, etc. Secondary insomnia is caused by existing medical conditions like depression or anxiety, or other sleep disorders. Certain medications can also cause insomnia. Even age is thought to play a role in causing insomnia.
CBD — what is it?
CBD or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid present in hemp plants. This is a non-intoxicating compound that helps bring homeostasis to our bodies by binding with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The Endocannabinoid system
The ECS is a complex system that runs throughout our bodies and encompasses other systems such as the nervous system, our immune system, the respiratory system, etc. It helps keep our body in equilibrium.
The ECS has receptors lining along its path and cannabinoids bind to these receptors and send signals through our bodies to help regulate the various systems and their functions. The ECS helps regulate our moods, appetite, even sleep.
Can CBD help treat insomnia?
Studies have been conducted to investigate if CBD could actually help improve sleep. A retrospective case study was done in 2019 involving 72 patients, 47 of them had anxiety and 25 had difficulty sleeping. The study showed that within the first month, 66% of the participants who were suffering from insomnia reported improved sleep. The study also showed that CBD helped the participants lower their levels of anxiety, allowing conditions for better sleep.
Because CBD is known for its anti-anxiety properties, researchers believe that taking CBD as a sleep aid will help improve one’s quality of sleep, considering that stress is a factor that affects sleep.
Aside from keeping stress hormone levels in check, CBD is also known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. If insomnia is caused by factors like chronic pain or other diseases that cause pain and inflammation, CBD will be able to address those thereby giving the person an opportunity to have a more restful sleep.
Admittedly, more research needs to be done when it comes to using CBD products for the long haul. Short term use of CBD has shown little adverse effects and it has shown that it can help people manage their sleep patterns and anxiety.
Aside from using CBD as a sleep aid, one must also establish healthy sleeping habits. Set up a sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Allow yourself time to wind down and relax before you sleep. Reduce caffeine and sugar intake especially when it is close to bedtime.
Sleep is an important part of life that allows us to function normally during our waking hours. Therefore we must ensure that we get enough sleep at night.
Author profile:
Heather Smith is the Communications Manager at Sunday Scaries. She’s a composed copywriter and content strategist. She’s also a CBD advocate, promoting a healthy lifestyle free of stress and scaries.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
