How CBD Can Help You Get a Good Night's Sleep
Sleep is vital for our overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, millions of Americans do not get enough sleep. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults do not get the recommended minimum amount of sleep, which is seven hours per night.
There are many reasons people may not be getting enough sleep. Some of the most common include stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. These factors can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. As a result, people often turn to prescription drugs to get some relief.
While prescription drugs can be effective, they can also bring several side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness. Additionally, they can be addictive and potentially dangerous. Which explains why many people are turning to natural alternatives, like CBD oil.
CBD and Sleep
CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it is a compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD has been shown to have a variety of potential health benefits, including the ability to improve sleep.
Unlike its counterpart, THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, which means it will not get you high. CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates many bodily functions, including sleep, appetite, mood, and pain.
How Does CBD Help with Sleep?
There are a few ways that CBD can help you get a good night’s sleep. We'll go over some of the most common below.
1. CBD Can Help to Reduce Anxiety.
If you're one of the 40 million adults in the United States who suffer from anxiety, you may find it difficult to get a good night's sleep. When we’re anxious, our bodies are in a state of fight-or-flight, which makes it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
CBD oil can help to reduce anxiety by acting on your body's serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and anxiety.
In a study of 72 people who experienced sleep troubles and anxiety, taking doses of CBD between 25 milligrams and 75 milligrams helped improve sleep in 66.7% of the participants.
2. CBD Works As a Natural Sleep Aid
CBD oil can also help to improve sleep quality by working as a natural sleep aid. CBD oil works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates sleep.
CBD can help to increase the body’s anandamide levels, a neurotransmitter that helps to promote sleep. CBD can also help reduce the body's cortisol levels, a hormone that handles wakefulness.
3. CBD Helps Manage Chronic Pain.
If you suffer from chronic pain, you may find it difficult to get comfortable enough to sleep. CBD oil can help to reduce pain by interacting with your body's ECS which regulates mood, pain, and inflammation.
A 2018 review of CBD’s effects on pain and sleep found that the cannabinoid may reduce pain, which may improve the quality of sleep in those with chronic pain.
CBD oil may also help to reduce inflammation by interacting with your body's inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory cytokines cause inflammation. By reducing inflammation, CBD oil can help to improve sleep quality.
4. CBD Can Help to Reduce Stress.
As we mentioned before, one of the most common reasons people don't get enough sleep is because of stress. CBD oil may help to reduce stress by interacting with your body's adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce stress hormones, like cortisol.
CBD oil can help to reduce the production of cortisol, which can help reduce the time you take to fall asleep and increase the duration of your sleep.
5. CBD Oil Is Non-Habit Forming
One of the biggest concerns people have with sleep aids is that they are habit-forming. Most traditional sleeping pills, like benzodiazepines, can be habit-forming and have several side effects.
CBD oil is non-habit forming, making it a natural and safe option for those looking for a sleep aid. Additionally, CBD oil is non-toxic and has milder side effects.
How Safe Is CBD?
CBD oil is a safe and well-tolerated compound with a wide margin of safety. The World Health Organization (WHO), in its critical review report on CBD, stated thus:
"To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD,"
CBD oil is considered safe for most people. However, it can cause mild side effects like dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue. The FDA advises that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using CBD oil.
If you already take medications, speak with your doctor before taking CBD oil. CBD can interact with some drugs, like blood thinners and immunosuppressants.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is legal in the United States if it contains less than 0.3% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp-derived CBD from the list of controlled substances and made it federally legal.
That said, some states have certain restrictions on CBD. States like Idaho and Iowa allow only CBD isolate (CBD with 0% THC), while other states like Texas and California have more relaxed laws.
Getting Started With CBD Oil for Sleep
If you're interested in trying CBD oil for sleep, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find one that works for you.
Second, buy CBD oil from a reputable source. Look for a company that uses third-party lab testing to ensure the quality and safety of its products. Just Live is a great option if you're looking for high-quality, THC-free CBD oil. Our products are used by athletes, celebrities, and everyday people to improve their sleep and quality of life.
Finally, give it some time. It can take a while for CBD oil to build up in your system and start working its magic.
Ways to Use CBD Oil for Sleep
Now that we've gone over the basics of CBD oil, let's talk about some of the ways you can use it to improve your sleep.
CBD oil can be used in a variety of ways, including:
-taken orally via drops or capsules.
-taken as an edible (gummies).
-added to food or drinks.
-applied topically as a cream, lotion, or balm.
-inhaled via an oil diffuser or vape pen
How you take CBD oil will depend on your preferences and what works best for you. If you're not sure where to start, we recommend trying a CBD tincture. CBD tinctures are one of the most popular ways to take CBD oil and are easy to use. Simply place a few drops under your tongue and hold for 30-60 seconds before swallowing.
You can also add CBD oil to your favorite food or drink. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to feel the effects if you eat or drink CBD oil.
CBD Oil Dosage for Sleep
The ideal CBD oil dosage for sleep will vary from person to person. The general rule of thumb is to start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find a dose that works for you. The standard starting dose is 25mg, but some people may need a higher or lower dose depending on their weight, metabolism, and other factors.
Now that you know a bit more about how CBD oil can help you get a good night's sleep, try it and see for yourself!
