CBD AND SLEEP : DOES CBD HELP WITH INSOMNIA?
We’ve all been there. You’ve switched off the lights, tucked yourself in and even made the extra effort to keep your phone a couple feet beyond your reach. But there’s a slight problem. No matter how many sheep you count or meditative songs you play - sleep is a distant dream to you tonight.
If this is relatable to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. According to a study conducted by a consumer products giant, nearly 93% of Indians are sleep-deprived. Sleep, much like stress and stiffness, has become an everyday problem that shines light on the ill-effects of our modern day lifestyles.
Before understanding how CBD can help, let’s take a look at the main reasons behind sleep deprivation and insomnia.
What is keeping you from a good night’s sleep?
Wondering why you’re losing sleep? Sleep deprivation and insomnia can have various underlying causes:
- Poor sleep habits: Using your phone before sleeping, sleeping at odd times and having an erratic bedtime
- Mental Disorders: Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Depression or other mental health issues
- Caffeine, nicotine & alcohol: Stimulants prevent you from entering deeper stages of sleep
- Hormonal shifts: Women often face insomnia due to hormonal changes such as menopause
- Age: Insomnia increases with age due to change in sleep patterns
- Medications: Pharmaceutical drugs can affect your sleep-wake cycle
- Externalities: Changes in your environment or lifestyle
Based on certain studies and anecdotal evidence, CBD may be a great option to treat insomnia caused by external factors as well as stress, anxiety and pain.
CBD & The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System is a cell-signaling system in our body that has three main components - enzymes, receptors and endocannabinoids. Interestingly, the endocannabinoids found in the ECS are similar to compounds found in the cannabis plant. By ingesting cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, you can activate the receptor response in the ECS thereby inducing sleep and stimulating wakefulness.
CBD can also improve your sleep cycle by indirectly accelerating other functions of the Endocannabinoid System:
Mood & Mental Health: Cannabinoids like CBD, THC and CBN present in cannabis extract may be able to help you sleep by reducing your stress levels and binding with the receptors responsible for signaling and stabilizing the cortisol & serotonin production in our body.
Pain Management: Chronic pain often interferes with restful sleep. However, CBD has been known to reduce chronic pain by calming down pain signals thereby alleviating migraines, muscle soreness, arthritis and even PMS!
Grogginess: A 2014 review revealed that CBD may be able to promote wakefulness and tackle ‘Grogginess’ or excessive sleepiness in the day, a symptom of insomnia which could lead to a vicious cycle of sleepless nights after sleepless nights.
Tried everything but still can’t sleep? Wholeleaf’s CBD Relief Oils can help. Visit here to view and buy our current assortment of CBD oils for sleep.
Want to know more about hemp products and their benefits? Read our latest blogs on how CBD can help with lifestyle ailments such as stress and anxiety here.