Are you a suitable candidate to use CBD for sleep? If you have trouble falling asleep, it’s safe to say you’re in good company because one in four Americans develops insomnia every year. Insomnia resolves itself on its own for approximately three-fourths of these people, but that leaves millions of people with sleep problems that come and go.
Over fifty million people in America have sleep disorders. The millions and millions of adults who are short sleepers don’t meet the healthy recommendation of seven hours of sleep per night. More than one in three people are so sleep-deprived that they unintentionally fall asleep during the day on a regular basis.
Aren’t you exhausted just thinking about it?
It’s more important than ever to remember that getting regular sleep helps keep your immune system running at optimal capacity, helps regulate your stress levels, and generally helps you get the most out of your days, to boot. More and more, using CBD for sleep is gaining mainstream traction, joining the likes of melatonin as a natural remedy.
The Science Behind Using CBD for Sleep
Many people are unaware that sleep is deeply connected to stress and healthy immune system maintenance. You need both systems working in harmony if you want an optimal immune response. This has become increasingly important in a post-COVID world.
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) aids in regulating energy, mood, sleep, and more. CBD interacts with ECS receptors throughout the body, the same way your body’s molecules do naturally. By addressing some of the root causes of restlessness and stress, CBD works excellent for sleep by helping you wind down.
How Stress Affects Your Sleep
You probably also struggle with proper sleep hygiene if you’re stressed out. High stress levels ruin your chances of good sleep by delaying the time it takes to fall asleep. And even then, stress causes fragmented sleep, not the restful shuteye you truly need.
A lack of sleep triggers your body’s stress response, elevating cortisol. We know cortisol as the stress hormone, and when your body releases a lot of it, it keeps you awake at night. Using CBD for sleep works through its ability to decrease cortisol in your body, keeping your body in a balanced (homeostatic) state.
CBD Dosage for Sleep Disorders
You can use CBD externally or by ingestion. CBD oil is particularly recommended for people with insomnia because it’s easy to use and because you can easily adjust your dose. The dosage is different for everyone, and each CBD product is unique. Check with your doctor to see if he or she has some good recommendations. Always start with a low dosage and increase if necessary. As a general guideline, start with two or three drops of 2% CBD oil daily for sleep problems.
Ways to Use CBD for Sleep
People of all ages are turning to CBD for sleep disorders. Primary reasons for this include a holistic approach to sleep hygiene and the variety of ways to use CBD for sleep. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to expensive prescriptions, mattresses, or electronic aids. CBD also offers lots of usage options.
Edibles
You can eat your CBD in edibles like gummies, chocolate, or other foods or opt for a CBD cocktail like beer or wine. CBD is fat-soluble, which means most of the dose passes through your gut without absorption. What your body absorbs then takes up to two hours to break down.
Topical Options
A CBD massage is the perfect remedy for sleep problems, combining the relaxing effects of both. Topical CBD balms and creams provide stress relief and a mood boost without impairing motor functions. The CBD lotion eventually works its way into your bloodstream after being thoroughly rubbed into your skin. Because your skin is fantastic at protecting your body, a CBD balm won’t be as effective for sleep as an edible.
Tinctures
Neither edible nor topical CBD products are as effective as CBD tinctures. A CBD tincture works quickly by using the blood vessels on the underside of your tongue. When you place CBD under your tongue, it hits your bloodstream immediately without losing any potency. This is the fastest and most efficient way to ingest CBD.
You can also use CBD to help you sleep by vaping, smoking, or using CBD patches.
Side of Effects of CBD
The major side effect of CBD is drowsiness, which is exactly what you’re trying to achieve, so hooray! Compared to conventional sleeping drugs, CBD is significantly better tolerated and does not lead to any addictive behaviors. Stay hydrated to avoid cottonmouth, though. Under certain circumstances, CBD can lower blood pressure or reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications. Make sure you see a medical provider before trying anything new, like CBD.
If you’re ready to try CBD for sleep problems, start by checking out high-quality CBD products for yourself or your pets.
