CBD for Insomnia
Aug 5, 2019 | Save On Cannabis
An average adult requires at least 7 hours sleep each night. However, as much as 35% of Americans don’t get the right amount. Cannabidiol seems to be helping people sleep better. CBD, one of more than 100 active compounds in marijuana, has been studied as a treatment for anxiety and epilepsy. The question is: Can CBD be used to help you sleep?
Why CBD is used to help people sleep
Cannabidiol is a popular choice for insomnia sufferers.
First, avoid side effects of prescription sleep. Ambien can cause dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness as well as nausea, constipation. Memory loss, mood swings, hallucinations, and memory loss are some of the possible side effects. This is a short list. Dalmane and other benzodiazepines have similar side effects. They can also be addictive and often require assisted detox and rehabilitation.
People are choosing CBD over prescription sleep aids for two reasons. The first is to avoid overdose. Ambien overdoses can be rare but benzodiazepine poisonings are very common. They were responsible for 31% prescription overdose deaths across the United States in 2013.
It is easy to see how cannabidiol has become a popular treatment for insomnia sufferers. It is safe, effective, non-habit-forming and has no major side effects. Although some users reported mild side effects such as dry mouth and grogginess, most users are able to tolerate the drug. Most importantly, there is no risk of overdose.
What research says about CBD for insomnia
Research shows that cannabidiol may help people sleep better because it reduces anxiety. It works on the brain’s serotonin- and GABA receptors. GABA and serotonin are neurotransmitters that can be influenced by traditional anxiety medications such as SSRIs. It also affects the body’s endocrinoid system which is made up of natural cannabis-like substances. Cannabinoids can help to prolong the life span of our endocannabinoids. These factors could be responsible for CBD’s anti-anxiety properties. Better sleep is possible for many people suffering from insomnia.
Dr. Dr. “When you are up at night planning and making lists, 5-10mg can help you to fall asleep in 10-15 minutes. It slows down your brain.
People suffering from chronic pain may find CBD useful. Dr. Shunney stated that CBD’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects could also be helpful for those who suffer from chronic pain. Its potential to increase the quality and quantity REM sleep has been supported by some studies.
Dr. Shunney cites a 2019 case study published in The Permanente Journal. In it, an integrative psychologist from Colorado examined insomnia and anxiety sufferers for three months. All subjects received CBD treatment. The majority of subjects experienced improved sleep in the first month, but they had fluctuating sleep scores after that. Dr. Shunney stated that CBD was an exceptional treatment for anxiety. The average improvement in sleep was 60 percent, but it varied with time.”
A 2017 review of cannabis research concluded that CBD (cannabidiol) might have therapeutic potential to treat insomnia. It was also acknowledged that further research is needed.
Is CBD addictive?
Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects and is not habit-forming. Many people are considering cannabidiol to be an alternative to traditional sleep aids. Researchers are looking into ways it could be used to control the cravings and impulses in people suffering from addiction.
A single animal study by Scripps Research Institute showed that CBD may reduce drug-seeking behavior. It is non-addictive and preliminary research suggests that CBD may be an effective sleep aid for those who suffer from addiction.
Can CBD be taken with other sleep aids?
Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the counter sleep aids to help you sleep. Cannabidiol can be used to replace or supplement the medication. It is safe to take on its own, but it can interact with some medications.
CBD is a compound that affects the body’s endocrinoid system. It has been shown that CBD inhibits the activity of Cytochrome P450. This is a group of liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs in the body. The body may react differently to drugs if these enzymes are not able to expel or break down drug compounds.
Can CBD make you tired during the day?
It may be able to help you sleep. But, does it make you tired?
Two possible side effects from cannabidiol include fatigue and drowsiness. Severe side effects are very rare. Researchers examined 103 patients in the 2019 case series. Cannabidiol was tolerated by all except three patients.
Keep to the recommended dosages to minimize side effects. Begin with 10-20mg and gradually increase your dosage.
CBD should not cause daytime fatigue from normal use. It isn’t a sleep aid in any traditional sense. It does not affect melatonin or block histamine. Its anti-anxiety effects are its main benefit to insomnia sufferers. It can help improve sleep because anxiety is the leading cause of insomnia.
Which delivery method is best?
CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways. It can be ingested, eaten, mixed with foods and beverages, applied topically or sublingually. Which method is best for you?
The key is the destination. Your brain is the destination in this instance. Oral products are the best option because cannabidiol must be absorbed through your bloodstream. For the best results, you should consider vape oils and tinctures.
You don’t have to vape if you already love vaping. All you need to do is buy some CBD vape oils and add them to your vape pen. A tincture is the best option for you if you are not a regular vaper. Sprays and tinctures are quick-acting and effective, but tinctures that are sublingual (below the tongue) tend to be the most absorbable into the bloodstream. Tinctures are one of the most bioavailable delivery options.
Do your research before you buy. There are many inferior CBD products on the market. And because there is no FDA oversight, there may be some products that aren’t as good as they claim. A certificate of analysis from third-party labs will ensure that you are getting high-quality products. The certificate should be reviewed.
- Verify that the CBD content is listed on the packaging
- Verify that THC does not exceed.3%
- Verify that the product was actually tested in-house
- If you are purchasing a full-spectrum or broad spectrum product, confirm that the product contains additional cannabinoids such as CBDa, CBC and CBG.
How to take CBD for insomnia
Start with a small dose, between 10 and 20 mg, if you are new to CBD oil. You may feel dry or irritable, and you might experience side effects such as morning grogginess and dry mouth. As your body adjusts to treatment, you can experiment with higher doses. Increase the dose gradually, by increasing it by 5 mg intervals.
You can continue to take your regular dose if you are already taking cannabidiol. Only the timing of your intake will change. It is best to take it before you go to bed in order to help with insomnia. The tincture should be effective within 10 to 15 min.
How to Use a CBD Tincture
Use the supplied dropper to place one to two drops under your tongue right before you go to bed. Within a few minutes, the effect should be visible. You can also add the drops to a snack, or drink, and enjoy it this way.
How to vape CBD oil
You can use the same dosage as usual if you have an existing pen, cartridge, pod, or pod. A disposable vape pen is a good option for those who are new to vaping. You can purchase them with the desired dosage already installed. You only need to inhale. There are no buttons.
How to find the right dosage
Understanding concentration is essential in order to comprehend dosage. One serving of CBD oil is equal to 1 mL. A typical CBD oil bottle contains 30 mL or 30 servings.
If a 500mg bottle is filled, each 1mL portion will contain approximately 16.6mg CBD. If you are new to CBD, this is a good place for you to start. You can increase the dose over time.
The same rules apply to vaping. To get a full dose, inhale approximately one-third to one half of the 30mg disposable vape pen.
Can CBD be used as a sleep aid?
Dr. Shunney noted that “nothing works for everyone.” However, CBD could provide some relief for those suffering from insomnia. Although clinical research on the subject is limited, existing studies are promising. It is also safe to use. These are some of the key points to keep in mind.
- For those with anxiety-related insomnia, CBD may be the best choice. Dr. Shunney says that patients who use CBD for stress management have reported better results. That’s what I refer to as stress resilience. I attribute it the CBD supporting ECS (endocannabinoid systems).
- This compound might not be as effective in treating sleeplessness due to sleep apnea or circadian rhythm disorders.
- Begin with a low dose (no more that 10-20mg) and increase gradually in increments of 5 mg as necessary.
- Before you add any other medication to your sleep routine, make sure you consult your doctor.
- Use a tincture, or another oral delivery method to get the best results. One serving should be taken before you go to bed.
Do you have any experience with CBD oil to treat insomnia? We would love to hear about your experiences. It worked for you? Are there any other tips you would like to share with others who are considering using it as a sleeping aid? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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