Do People Use CBD as a Sleep Aid?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary cannabinoids, along with THC, in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids work by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping your body maintain stability and balance, or homeostasis.
CBD isn't psychoactive, like THC, so this means you won't experience the "high" when using it. Instead, it provides a whole array of health applications, such as pain relief for a variety of conditions, and reducing seizures in those with epilepsy.
Both anecdotal reports and research suggest CBD could also help you with sleep problems. If so, are people actually using CBD as a sleep aid?
Do People Use CBD as a Sleep Aid?
Many individuals are exploring more natural sleep aids like medical cannabis. While it's already known THC-infused products can help people sleep, what do those individuals do who don't want the intoxicating effects?
This is where CBD can help. But, does it offer sleep benefits?
According to a poll, it does.
A Gallup poll shows one in seven Americans report the use of CBD products, and 11 percent claim to use it for sleep.
Between 50 and 70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Around 30 to 40 percent of individuals will struggle with insomnia at some time during their lives, and around 10 to 15 percent will struggle with chronic insomnia.
So, if falling and staying asleep is becoming more difficult, you're not alone.
With so many individuals experiencing sleep problems, there's been an increase in interest in cannabis. Many within the medical cannabis community say it's an effective treatment for a range of sleeping disorders, including:
- PTSD
- Acute insomnia
- Restless legs syndrome
- Parasomnias like sleepwalking, nightmares, or sleep-related eating disorders
- REM sleep behavior disorder
Cannabis is an efficient sleep aid, since it restores your natural sleep cycle, which with today's modern lifestyle, often falls out of sync with your schedule.
Whether you're struggling with a sleep disorder, or are just having a hard time sleeping after a stress-filled day, CBD could be an option for you. It could provide some relief for anxiety, chronic pain, and stress, too.
According to a Consumer Reports survey, around 10 percent of individuals in the U.S. who claimed to have tried CBD said they did so to help them sleep. Most of these individuals said CBD worked.
And why shouldn't people turn to CBD to try and get some shut-eye? Around 80 percent of individuals in the U.S. say at least once a week, they have problems sleeping, according to another CR survey that involved 1,267 adults. Plus, many current treatments, especially OTC and prescription drugs aren't always effective, and are risky.
There is some scientific research, small, but growing, that does support the use of CBD as a sleep aid. For instance, one study suggested it could help those with short-term sleep issues.
How to Use CBD as a Sleep Aid
You should always consult with your doctor before you incorporate any medicine or supplement into your health routine, including CBD. CBD could possibly interact negatively with other medicines you might be taking; therefore, it's important you let your doctor know.
If you would like to try CBD to help you sleep, you have several options:
- Topical
- Tincture
- Oil
- Capsule
- Edible
The dose of CBD you use, and when you take it, will depend on various factors. Your body chemistry, weight, and what is causing you to have difficulty sleeping could affect how it works. Everyone experiences different results.
Always use high-quality CBD-infused products. The FDA hasn't regulated CBD yet, and because of this, there could be some weak or potentially dangerous products labeled "CBD" out there.
Prior to buying CBD from a company, do some research on their history. Look for testimonials. Choose CBD that's been tested by a third party.
Doctors don't usually suggest using sleep medicines for more than a few weeks. While CBD could be helpful, it's essential that you identify the root cause of your sleep troubles.
Sleep Better with a CBD-Infused Pillow
CBD-infused pillows can help make falling and staying asleep easier. These unique pillows are designed to allow the air to circulate, and absorb moisture (sweat), helping to make your sleeping experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. No matter what is causing your sleep problems, a CBD-infused pillow should help by providing all the same therapeutic benefits as regular CBD does.