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CBD and Sleep: What the Studies Show

As we have outlined on numerous occasions in recent months, the use of cannabis and CBD as a treatment method for a multitude of conditions has risen significantly over the past few years. Initial research surrounding CBD has strongly indicated the compound’s potential health benefits for various symptoms and ailments.

Sleep issues are problems that plague millions of people around the globe, especially in the U.S. CBD has fast grown into a popular supplement to help in the fight against sleepless nights. To provide a clearer picture of how CBD affects sleep, here is some background on what exactly CBD is and how it impacts our body and our sleep habits.

Sleep and the ECS: Does CBD help with sleep?

Over the past couple of decades, extensive research has been done on cannabis and its effect on the human body. In the early ‘90s, the scientists who were conducting this research discovered the endocannabinoid system – or ECS. Our body’s internal and peripheral nervous systems are full of cannabinoid receptors. The human body produces neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids that function by taking in and sending out messages to these receptors.

The ECS helps to regulate many of our internal functions, including appetite, sleep, and brain function. The cannabis plant produces cannabinoids that mimic the naturally produced compounds within our bodies.

What Does Research Tell Us About CBD and Sleep?

It should be noted that while CBD knowledge and usage has grown exponentially over the past few years, we are still in the infancy of attaining knowledge around the subject. But although additional studies are needed to gain enhanced clarity of the details regarding CBD, initial research supports the theory that CBD and cannabinoids can improve sleep and relieve symptoms of insomnia.

One particular study published in the journal, Medicines, performed studies on 409 individuals. Data was collected over a time period that ran from June 2016 to May 2018. Participants in the study were asked to rate their symptoms of sleeplessness on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being almost non-existent and 10 being the most severe). Based on the collection of data from all 409 participants, starting symptoms were rated to be 6.6 on average.

Several other smaller studies also supported the theory that the use of CBD oil for good sleep lead to positive results. For instance, one case study involving a 10-year-old girl who suffered from poor sleep – was treated with CBD oil. During this study, 25 mg of a CBD supplement was administered at bedtime over a period of five months. Additionally, 6 to 12 mg of CBD was administered via a CBD oral spray throughout the day. Sleep quantity and quality gradually increased for the patient during this time period.

While these may just be a couple of examples of the studies conducted that support the growing theory that CBD is effective in helping patients get sleep, they certainly aren’t the only ones. Numerous case studies and scientific research have only further solidified the idea that CBD interacts with our body’s ECS to combat sleep-related issues.

In Closing

Sleep-related disorders are common conditions. Doctors typically start treatment with the recommendation of behavioral changes, occasionally in combination with prescription drugs when deemed necessary. For those seeking natural alternatives to prescription medications to aid sleep, taking CBD appears to be a safe, effective, non-habit forming supplement for this initiative.

Scientific research continues to clearly support the theory that there are numerous CBD health benefits, including those that relate to sleep. While there admittedly needs to be more research conducted to further understand the compound, CBD use has been shown to decrease sleeplessness in numerous case studies and trials. For those who struggle with sleep-related issues, the best first step in finding the ideal solution is to consult your doctor and learn more about the potential causes and treatments.

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