CBD FOR SLEEP: DOES IT WORK?

CBD FOR SLEEP: DOES IT WORK?

Sleep quality is affected by pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. You know you are not getting enough sleep when you are tired all the time, or you can’t focus. Either you will start using sleeping pills or CBD products for sleep.CBD products for sleep are meant to aid in achieving better sleep. Keep reading to have an insight into how CBD sleep products aid sleep.

How CBD For Sleep Works

The difference between other CBD products and CBD for sleep is that CBD for sleep has melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that responds to darkness and the sleep-wake cycle. According to Arendt et al. (2005), melatonin is highly secreted in the body when there is darkness. Taking CBD infused with melatonin increase the secretion of melatonin in the body. Also, CBD binds with the ECS receptors, which prevents melatonin from breaking, thus achieving better sleep and increasing sleep time. Leger (1994) suggested that  CBD can alleviate pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia which are the leading causes of stress-deprived sleep in the body.

When To Take CBD For Sleep

CBD for sleep is meant to be taken when preparing for bed, but you can also take it during your daytime sleep. The method of administering CBD also determines when to take CBD for sleep because of the difference in the time taken for the CBD to effect.

How To Take CBD For Sleep

CBD is made consumable by processing it into products like CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD sprays, and vapes. These products have different methods of administration which affect the time taken for the effect of CBD to be felt. The methods of taking CBD are ingestion, inhalation, and sublingual administration. The sublingual administering involves taking CBD oil as a tincture where you place CBD oil drops under the tongue for absorption. The sublingual layer is rich in tissues and capillaries that absorb the CBD into the bloodstream. For absorption to take place, you have to hold the CBD oil for 30 to 60 seconds.

The inhalation method involves taking CBD in vapes and smoking. The CBD enters the lungs, absorbed into the bloodstream with oxygen. Smoking CBD can be fatal, but vapes emit little to no smoke. You can also spray CBD oil directly into your mouth.

When you take CBD edibles like CBD gummies and CBD cookies or even add CBD oil to meals and drinks, you are ingesting CBD. You can also cook with CBD oil but at a low temperature because the main components in CBD will evaporate at high temperatures. CBD will undergo metabolism like meals before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It is the slowest method of taking CBD because of the metabolism process.

Effects Of Lack Of Sleep

Lack of sleep may lead to accidents and injuries. Fatigue caused by lack of sleep can lead to impaired attention, alertness, and concentration needed in operating machines. Drowsing can be fatal because of reduced reaction time. The body and mind are slowed down by impairing critical thinking. Having a quality sleep can reduce accidents related to the operation of machines.

The body’s immune system is repaired and boosted when sleeping. A weak immune system is characterized by pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, and skin infections. With a lack of better sleep, you are at risk of heart disease, heart attack & failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and diabetes because of weak immune. People with insomnia are more likely to have other health conditions like chronic pain, asthma, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Lack of sleep can result in lower libido and less interest in sex. Low sex is due to less energy and tension. Men with sleep apnea, a condition in which sleep is interrupted, are reported to have low testosterone levels, and they secrete low levels of testosterone at night. In women, it can cause reduced desire and arousal. Erectile dysfunction is another condition in men associated with lack of sleep.

Chronic sleep loss can lead to lackluster skin, fine lines, and dark circles in the eyes. The stress hormone released breaks down skin collagen, a protein that keeps the skin smooth and elastic; this makes the skin appear to age. The growth hormone is also affected by lack of sleep resulting in less muscle, weak bones, and thin skin. It makes you appear older. The formation of the growth hormone is important in the normal tissue repair or the patching of the wear and tear of the day during sleep.

Conclusion

CBD for sleep products works because they contain melatonin. When buying CBD for sleep, you should check if it has melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep patterns. Taking CBD for sleep at night increases the level of melatonin in the body because melatonin is highly secreted in the body at night. For new CBD users, it’s better to start with a small dose than recommended and increase it gradually to the dose you are comfortable with. CBD products are not meant for treating or diagnosing; it’s important to always check with your doctor before using CBD products instead of your prescribed drugs.

References

Arendt, J., & Skene, D. J. (2005). Melatonin is a chronobiotic. Sleep medicine reviews, 9(1), 25-39.

Leger, D. (1994). The cost of sleep-related accidents: a report for the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research. Sleep, 17(1), 84-93.

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

Latest from CBD