For many of us our sleep difficulties are occasional and usually caused by stress illness or other temporary interruptions to our normal routine However the effects of sleep deprivation are more severe for those who experience regular sleeplessness and wake up feeling exhausted every day
Fortunately some natural remedies like hemp oil or CBD oils can work as effective sleep aids Currently the CBD oil Australia market is booming thanks to such therapeutic effects and the cannabinoids stress relieving and pain management potential
How CBD Oil May Improve Sleep
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD oils help users fall asleep more quickly stay asleep longer and feel rested in the morning However there is limited clinical evidence to back these claims
Its widely believed that CBDs sleep promoting effects are linked to its ability to reduce stress and manage pain In other words hemp oil works indirectly to improve sleep by addressing issues that may be preventing people from getting a good nights rest
CBD is well known for its ability to induce feelings of calm help with muscle relaxation and reduce acute pain all of which may promote a better nights sleep
Although more research is needed on the relationship between CBD and sleep some experts believe there is a direct link CBD exerts its effects through its interaction with our endocannabinoid system ECS
The ECS is an important biological system that plays a role in maintaining certain body functions such as mood appetite pain sleep and regulating circadian rhythms The system is composed of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body
Cannabinoids like CBD attach to these cells to exert various effects Its thought that CBD may interact with specific receptors potentially affecting our sleep wake cycle and thereby improving sleep
Again its unclear whether CBD directly affects sleep or has an indirect effect by addressing issues that interfere with restful sleep
What the Research Says About CBD and Sleep
Although more studies need to be performed early research supports the idea that high doses of CBD may support sleep
One 2012 investigation reported that compared with a placebo a 160mg dose of CBD increased sleep duration
In another study published in Permanente Journal adults with anxiety and poor sleep were evaluated Participants were administered 25mg of CBD in capsule form either in the evening for sleep or the morning for anxiety
After the first month anxiety scores decreased in 79 of people while sleep scores improved in 66 of participants indicating less difficulty sleeping However the sleep scores fluctuated throughout the study
Researchers have also explored the link between CBD and cortisol levels Levels of cortisol the stress hormone usually peak in the morning However people with sleep difficulties may have elevated cortisol levels at night resulting in an increased number of nighttime awakenings One study found that cortisol levels reduced significantly when participants took 300 or 600mg of CBD oil By affecting the release of cortisol CBD may be sedating
While extensive supporting evidence demonstrates that CBD may improve sleep the results are inconclusive and more research must be done in this area
How to Use CBD Oil to Improve Sleep
CBD is by no means a foolproof sleep aid that is guaranteed to improve sleep Instead it works best with other natural strategies promoting better sleep
Here are a few tips to make adjustments to your sleeping habits
Take time to wind down before bed in a dark setting with no bright screens It is known that the light from a smartphone interferes with sleep
Exercise regularly Though researchers arent entirely sure why physical activity can improve sleep
Stick to a sleep schedule Try to sleep at the same time every night and sleep between 7 to 8 hours no more Being consistent supports your bodys sleep wake cycle
Its also important to understand that for some people hemp oil CBD may have a stimulating effect rather than sedating one This is often dose dependent whereby low dose CBD has a stimulating effect and high dose CBD is sedating But sometimes it may just be how an individual responds to CBD
Final Thoughts on How CBD Oil Affects Sleep
Many praise CBD or hemp oil as an excellent natural sleep aid that helps calm the mind and send them into a blissful slumber However this may not be the experience for everyone
In some instances CBD may be stimulating so its important to find the precise dosage that works for you Moreover each person may respond differently to CBD the results will not be the same for everyone
Nonetheless its worth experimenting with CBD to see if it works for you Preliminary evidence suggests that CBD oil could promote better sleep especially if your sleep difficulties are caused by external factors like stress or pain
Better still CBD is natural with few potential side effects making it a safer option than pharmaceutical drugs like sleeping pills
Dont rely however on sleep medication to cure insomnia Prescription and nonprescription sleep medications are only intended for occasional short term use
If you continue to have insomnia talk to your health care provider or consider consulting with one of our board certified providers who specializes in sleep disorders
Established as the first independent diagnostic testing facility IDTF sleep clinic in Alaska in 2002 Alaska Sleep Clinic has grown to 4 locations and 13 beds Alaska Sleep Clinic is the most comprehensive sleep clinic in Alaska Contact us today 907 357 6700 for your FREE sleep assessment
