CBD oil has been in the spotlight for the past few years and its popularity is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. From supplements and tinctures to baked goods and canned beverages, it’s popping up just about everywhere and is being praised for its many health benefits.
CBD has been shown to have numerous benefits, from easing anxiety to possibly supporting weight loss, but in today’s post, we’re going to focus on its use as a sleep aid.
Note: This article is meant simply to inform and should never be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you have questions about the benefits and effects of CBD oil, we recommend consulting a health care provider.
What is CBD oil?
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at what exactly CBD (or Cannabidiol) oil is. CBD is one of 80 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Because it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD is often confused with THC, the compound found in marijuana, so people mistakenly think that CBD will give you a high. However, CBD is an entirely differently compound with entirely different effects, so it won’t give you any high at all. CBD oil is the extracted compound mixed into an oil.
Unlike marijuana, which is illegal in all but 9 states, CBD is legal in all 50 states.
THC and CBD are the most well-known and commonly studied of the cannabis compounds but as we mentioned, a total of 80 have been identified in the plant, all with various benefits and possible side effects.
Is CBD oil a trend?
Cannabis as a whole has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses and diseases. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, before individual compounds were isolated and began to be studied. So, while CBD itself may seem like just one of the latest wellness trends, it’s actually been used for a very long time.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
Easing anxiety is said to be the most common reason people use CBD, but there are a number of other reported benefits as well. CBD is also commonly used to relieve pain, inflammation, stress, and insomnia. It can also be taken to counter the “high” effects of THC. While more research needs to be done, it is believed to have a multitude of disease fighting abilities.
How do you use CBD?
CBD can be found in a variety of formulas, including oils, inhalers, pills, tinctures, and sprays. Formulas can contain CBD on its own or can contain multiple cannabis compounds, which some believe is more beneficial than taking CBD in isolation.
How does CBD work in our bodies?
In part, we are still figuring this out, but what the research shows so far is that the compound interacts with different receptors, proteins, and chemicals in our brain and helps to regulate various cycles, emotions, responses, etc.
Our bodies actually produce their own cannabinoids as part of our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating numerous process in the body including mood, pain perception, appetite, immune function, digestion, stress, reproduction, and more. CBD, along with other cannabinoids, can help to support this system.
Can CBD oils help you sleep?
Treating insomnia and sleep issues is one of the top uses for CBD, and it can help to support your sleep in a number of ways. Of course, there are many different factors that can cause sleep issues, and CBD helps to address a number of them. Rather than cause you to feel drowsy, CBD can help to address some of the issues that are keeping you from getting a good rest.
For many people, trouble falling and staying asleep is caused by stress, worrying, and an overactive mind. CBD can help to ease stress and anxiety, allowing you to feel calmer and more at ease. This alone is enough to help many people fall and stay asleep.
CBD is also commonly used in pain management. As anyone dealing with short term or chronic pain knows, it can be a huge hinderance to getting a good rest. CBD can be a highly effective and natural way of treating pain, allowing users to get some much needed and pain-free sleep.
These are two of the indirect ways that CBD oil can assist with sleep. However, it’s also believed to have a direct effect by helping to regulate your sleep-wake cycles.
If you are tired during the day, CBD can also be taken to improve alertness and energy.
Currently, CBD has been shown to be more effective at curbing anxiety than inducing sleep, so if a racing mind, anxiety, stress, or excessive worrying is what’s keeping you up at night, you’re more likely to have success with the oil than someone whose sleep is affected by other factors.
At this point, there isn’t enough information to make conclusive claims about the effectiveness of CBD oil in supporting sleep, but there is growing evidence showing that it can be helpful. Some people have reported real improvements in their sleep after taking it while others reported no noticeable difference, which indicates that it may affect people differently.
As well, some researchers believe that any perceived benefits from the cannabinoid are simply the result of the placebo effect, while others believe it has the potential to be a powerful and natural supplement to a healthy lifestyle.
Should you try CBD oil?
Because the research is limited and inconclusive at the moment, this comes down to a decision that you need to make for yourself (with the support of your health care practitioner). If you’re interested in trying it out, make sure you do your research to find a high-quality oil.
It’s generally recommended that you take a formula that contains other cannabinoids as well as this helps your body to take full advantage of the compounds. For this, look for a “whole plant extract” or “full spectrum oil.”
You also want to make sure that the product is as clean as possible, so look for organic, high-quality brands that you feel good about. Our friend Kathryn, of Going Zero Waste, did a great rundown here on her use of CBD oil, and she includes a mention to her favorite CBD brand, Sunsoil. There are lots of great brands on the market, so do a little research and find a brand that feels like the right fit for you.
Looking for more tips on getting a good night’s sleep?
Check out some of the following articles!
Things to Keep Out of the Bedroom for a Good Sleep
Reset Your Sleep Schedule to Daylight Savings Time
Struggling to Fall Asleep? Try These Simple Tips
Super Easy Tips to Help You Fall Asleep
Why Sleep Might Be More Important than Diet and Exercise
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