Having a regular sleep schedule has benefits that people should start taking note of and consider. Here, we explore how CBD could help you to sleep better.

In general, CBD may contribute to a better sleep in two different ways: First, CBD directly interacts with the receptors in your brain that modulate body’s wake & sleep cycle and prevents excessive neuronal activity, calming and decreasing anxiety and stress. And second, CBD has also effect on the receptors in the immune tissues and gastrointestinal system. CBD helps to mediate the release of cytokines from the immune cells in a manner that helps to reduce inflammation and pain.

CBD oil has become increasingly popular treatment of anxiety and sleep issues and an effective alternative to pharmaceutical medications. As such, it has been used for treating patients with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other stress-related disorders that are often linked with sleep problems as secondary issue.

The effects of CBD on sleep disruptions

There are many reasons why people have a difficult time sleeping. It may be due to mental issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder), certain medicines, continuous intake of caffeinated drinks, and outside factors such as light & noise.

While CBD research continues to generate more understanding, available studies to-date indicate that CBD can help treating anxiety, which contributes to sleeplessness. This study conducted by Scott Shannon, MD et al. involved 72 patients, of which 47 subjects had anxiety and remaining 25 experienced a difficulty to sleep. The results reported that a 25mg CBD pill ingestion during the first month showed following:

1. 79.2% of all the participants said that CBD use resulted in lower levels of anxiety; and
2. 66.7% of all the participants said that CBD use gave them a better sleep experience.

Another frequent factor contributing to sleeplessness is pain, in any form. A study conducted by Frontiers in Pharmacology reported that CBD helps decrease pain, which ultimately reduces the discomfort felt when sleeping.

In another research study conducted in 2014 by researchers from University of São Paulo, Brazil, the subjects had Parkinson’s Disease, combined with REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) wherein they act out in response to their dreams and have a hard time sleeping. With CBD usage, the symptoms dramatically improved. In line with the study conducted with RBD, another research published in Springer Nature concluded that CBD intake might help treat the disorder, as well as daytime sleepiness.

Things to remember once you decide to use CBD:

• Always start with the lowest dose indicated on the label;
• If you wish to increase your dosage, consult your physician; and
• While CBD is safe to use with your current medications, consult your physician and change the use levels with their supervision.