Millions of people in the world suffer from insomnia. Unfortunately, not being able to sleep well has become a very common problem. And conventional treatments are often too potent, may have serious side effects, and even in some cases can even be addictive. Hence, it is only natural that so many people are looking for natural alternatives to improve their sleep. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has gained a lot of popularity in recent years thanks to its multiple properties. And a great number of individuals have started using CBD for insomnia. But does it work? How can CBD help you alleviate insomnia? Read on to dive into the benefits of cannabidiol for a good night’s sleep.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is the acronym of cannabidiol, one of the active compounds of cannabis (cannabinoids). Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. That means that you will not get high by using CBD oil.
The cannabidiol used in CBD oil usually comes from hemp, a variety from the species Cannabis sativa that contains very low levels of THC. THC is the cannabinoid that gives cannabis its psychoactive properties. So, cannabis products without THC will not have any psychoactive effects.
CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system in your body, especially on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD oil is very helpful in many conditions, such as:
- Epilepsy
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chron’s Disease
- Hepatitis C
Moreover, CBD oil can also mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and has recently become a common remedy to treat pets’ conditions.
Causes of Insomnia and Different Types of Insomnia: Why Can You Not Sleep Well?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person cannot fall asleep or is incapable to stay asleep for enough hours. Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It can also affect people intermittently. That is, people can suffer from insomnia for certain periods of time while having normal sleep cycles for other periods.
There are many causes that can lead to insomnia:
- Stress
- Anxiety or depression
- Hormonal imbalance
- Physical discomfort or pain
- Environmental factors (temperature, noise…)
- Certain medications
When someone is suffering from insomnia, they often become easily irritable, have concentration problems, and feel sleepy during the day. Getting enough sleep is crucial for a healthy life. Therefore, insomnia can be a serious problem for people who experience it.
Can I Use CBD Oil for Insomnia?
More than 2,000 years ago, cannabis was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat many conditions. And insomnia was one of these conditions. Nowadays, we can extract the different compounds of cannabis, which allows us to use cannabidiol without the psychoactive effects of the plant.
But does CBD work for insomnia? While there are few studies on the effects of cannabidiol for sleep, one study published in 2016 demonstrated that CBD oil had reduced insomnia in a girl suffering from PTSD. Even if there are not many more studies that focus on the effects of cannabidiol alone on insomnia, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD is indeed effective in alleviating insomnia.
Thanks to its actions on the endocannabinoid receptor CB1, cannabidiol promotes relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and fights stress. But this receptor (and the endocannabinoid system in general) also plays a very important role in sleep modulation. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of cannabidiol can also relieve sleep disorders when insomnia is due to pain or physical discomfort.
How to Take CBD Oil for Insomnia: Usage and Dosage
People usually consume CBD oil by dropping a few drops under the tongue, waiting between 30 – 60 seconds, and then swallowing them. This method is known as sublingual. Quite often, you will find that CBD oil comes in different flavors. But sometimes it does not have any external flavors, and not everybody likes its taste. The good news is that you can find flavored CBD oils.
Regarding the dosage, establishing an exact dose for everybody is not easy. The dosage of CBD oil depends on several factors, such as the weight of the person or the cannabidiol concentration level of the oil. Nevertheless, the consensus when taking CBD oil for insomnia is using a large dosage. However, it is recommendable you start using low doses and experience until you find the appropriate dosage for you.
More Natural Ways that will Help You Alleviate Insomnia
CBD oil can help you get your sleep back, but there are other things that you can do to fight insomnia. Following these tips can help you sleep better:
- Exercise (but never within two hours before going to bed)
- Do not eat heavy meals for dinner
- Meditate or practice mindfulness
- Avoid long naps during the day
- Follow a sleep routine
- Avoid stimulating drinks (even in the morning)
- Never check your phone in bed
If you have already tried CBD oil for insomnia, we would love that you share your experience in a comment.
