What exactly is CBD? Cannabidiol can be defined as a naturally occurring compound found in the stem, flowers, and leaves of cannabis plants. Most legal CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp (a cousin of the marijuana plant), which has less than 0.3% THC concentrations and is therefore not a plant capable of producing psychoactive effects.
Does CBD Affect Sleep?
Are you worried that using CBD oil could keep you up at night? Or, are you worried that CBD might make you sleepy? Well, you don’t need to be! In fact, some studies suggest CBD could help manage insomnia. If you’ve considered using CBD oil to help with your sleep problems, you’re in luck!
In many cases, sleep cycle issues are a result of stress-related disorders. While no definitive studies link CBD use and sleep, CBD has been associated with helping patients with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other stress disorders. Pain can also contribute to sleeplessness, and CBD may help reduce inflammation to deliver pain relief, which could help users sleep better.
CBD and Sleep Explained
It would be true to assume that CBD delivers a sedative effect similar to what you experience with THC use. However, CBD does not make you sleepy, even though it may help you battle sleep disorders. That’s because of the unique way in which CBD seems to alleviate symptoms of insomnia.
CBD may help you sleep in two different ways. First, CBD appears to directly interact with the receptors in your brain that dictate your body’s wake and sleep cycle. And second, CBD may help alleviate pain and stress, two factors that can keep you up at night.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system responsible for receiving cannabinoids. Its receptors are present throughout your brain, tissues, and even your skin. This system controls stress, anxiety levels, and pain perception, working to maintain balance (homeostasis) in your body. The ECS can synthesize phytocannabinoids, which are plant-based cannabinoids. CBD triggers your ECS by activating its receptors to regulate stress, pain, and anxiety. It does this by:
Producing Neurochemicals
CBD appears to attach itself to receptors and connectors that influence the release of melatonin and serotonin both of which are biochemicals that help you maintain a normal sleep cycle.
May Help Loosen Muscles
Muscle conditions like hypermotility, as well as sore, tense muscles, can interfere with sleep. When CBD works with your muscles’ receptors, they might cause a relaxing sensation, leading to better sleep.
Modulating Cortisol
Your body also releases cortisol, a hormone that causes anxiety that can, in turn, interfere with sleep. CBD may help regulate the production of cortisol, which in turn might help the user to fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality sleep.
Minimizing Nightmares
If nightmares give you interrupted nights, you’ll appreciate this study that suggests using CBD may help stop nightmares so you can enjoy better quality slumber.
May Help to Control the Wake/Sleep Cycle
Ever heard of the term somnolence? It refers to being drowsy or having a strong desire to sleep during the day. And somnolence during the day can interfere with your sleep at night. So, if you’re nodding off at the wrong times of the day, taking CBD may help your body’s internal clock get back on track.
Pain Relief
Pain, no matter where you feel it, can be a great hindrance to sleep. CBD might help mitigate this issue by connecting to your cannabinoid receptors. When CBD interacts with your receptors, it can reduce the intensity of pain signals transmitted to your brain. And, once the pain is reduced, you may be able to sleep better.
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