CBD For Insomnia

About Insomnia - CBD For Insomnia

A diagnosis ofinsomnia does not necessarily have anything to do with how quickly you fall asleep or how many hours of sleep you get.

After all, it is normal for people of different ages and circumstances to need different amounts of sleep. Instead, insomnia has more to do with the quality of your sleep and how your sleep patterns affect you throughout the day.

Insomnia generally refers to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which leaves you feeling drained, fatigued and unrefreshed.

However, insomnia is not a specific sleep disorder. Rather,it is a complex symptom which can be caused by a range of issues.

cbd for sleeping disorders

If you suffer from insomnia you may find that you take a long time to fall asleep, your body may wake you up too early or you may wake up in the middle of the night and be unable to go back to sleep.

The most common complaints of people with insomnia are low energy, low moods and irritability.

These issues may lead to accidents, a lower quality of work and weakened relationships. Additionally, people who suffer from insomnia over a long period of time may develop serious health conditions.

This includes mental and behavioral health concerns such as depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse, as well as physical issues such as heart disease and hypertension.

Why Can't I Fall Asleep?

A number of factors may contribute to the onset of insomnia. Some of these include:

 

  • stress   
  • ageing
  • sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
  • certain medications
  • depression
  • anxiety disorders
  • stimulants, such as caffeine, alcohol or nicotine
  • certain medical conditions
  • chronic pain
  • eating or drinking late at night
  • poor sleeping habits or poor sleeping conditions

 

Some of the causes listed above can be eliminated through simple changes. Such as limiting late night snacking, improving sleep habits by sticking to a consistent bedtime or eliminating technology from the bedroom and even limiting stress.

However, other factors might be out of your control and these may require extra help.

Neutralizing Anxiety

One of the best things you can do to help reduce insomnia is minimize the anxiety that often causes it. There are many ways to achieve this.

For example, if certain thoughts or concerns make you feel anxious, try writing them down on a piece of paper and dealing with them in the daytime.

Limit anxious thoughtsby meditatively repeating relaxing sounds. You can also try practicing diaphragmatic breathing, also known as ‘belly breathing.

This breathing technique requires you to inhale deeply and involve your chest, belly, rib cage and lower back.

Practice diaphragmatic breathingslowly as you close your eyes and focus on the air entering and leaving your lungs.

Finally, you can engage in non-stimulating activities for at least half an hour before bed. Reading a book is the most common option.

In all of this, try to make relaxation your goal rather than sleep. Sleep is more elusive and not as easily controlled. If your goal is to fall asleep, you may become more anxious and frustrated the longer you are awake.

Using CBD for Insomnia

Please be aware that sleep medication will not cure your insomnia. In fact, over time, such medications may even make your insomnia worse.

A better route to take is implementing behavioral changes and introducing natural supplements. CBD has been found to be very effective in helping people with insomnia.

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is an all-natural, health-boosting compound that is found in Cannabis sativa plants such as hemp and marijuana.

cannabis garden

However, CBD does not cause intoxication, confusion or lightheadedness. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical compound in marijuana that makes people high. CBD is different from THC

Should You Take CBD for Insomnia?

Studies have shown that CBD can be effective in alleviating insomnia.

Not only can it help you to fall asleep and stay asleep, but CBD does not make you feel groggy, a common side effect of sleeping pills and cold/allergy medications.

In mild to moderate doses, CBD has been found to soothe irritability and reduce the low moods and daytime fatigue that people with insomnia may experience.

Though promising, the pool of research on CBD and its effects on sleep is still relatively small. Even so, many people have reported having a great night’s sleep after consuming CBD products.

CBD has been reported to help alleviate physical and psychological disorders that can cause insomnia such as chronic pain, depression and  anxiety.

Consider the scientific evidence for CBD use shown in the following studies:

  •     A 2017 peer review of the existing studies on cannabis products and sleep stated that “CBD may hold promise for REM sleep behavior disorder and [combating] excessive daytime sleepiness…”
  •      A larger-scale series of case studies in 2019 relates that CBD reduced the anxiety levels for most of the participants resulting in better sleep.

Can CBD Help My Child With Insomnia?

A 2016 case report highlights that CBD oil may be used as a treatment for pediatric anxiety and sleep issues associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This was a case study of a 10 year old girl who had suffered sexual trauma and parental neglect for a long time.

On the trial, she experienced a steady and significant reduction in anxiety and improved sleep quality.

 
cbd dropps

What CBD Products Should I Use and How Much Should I Take?

CBD oil can be effective and safe when placed under the tongue. CBD products can also come in various forms such as: capsules, tinctures, vapors, and edibles like cookies, gummy bears and cakes.

The safe recommended dosage is between 0.025ml and 2ml. For sleep disorders, Mayo Clinic recommends 0.4 to 0.16ml (40 to 160mg).

Naturally, the best time to take CBD products for sleep is at night before bedtime. In smaller doses, CBD promotes wakefulness and eliminates daytime fatigue.

In larger doses, CBD promotes better sleep. If you are using CBD products for the first time, it is recommended that you start with smaller doses to gauge your body’s response.

Then gradually progress to higher dosages as needed. Be patient and in time, you will find the right dosage for you.

Do thorough research before trying any CBD product to ensure that it is pure and of high-quality.

 

Is It Safe To Take CBD With Other Medications?

Some chemicals have interactions with other chemicals. CBD’s interaction with other drugs is being explored but its effects are not yet fully understood.

CBD may be harmful if it is used in conjunction with other sleep medications or stimulants. Don’t take CBD  with grapefruit or medications that have a grapefruit warning.

There is still much that is unknown about CBD.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that CBD has some merits in providing relief to people suffering from a variety of health conditions.

In fact, the use of CBD has now been legalized in several areas of the United States. For a good night’s rest, taking CBD in small doses may be worth trying.

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