CBD comes in many forms, from food and drinks to oils and creams. Not only can it reduce anxiety and pain, but it’s also been known to aid sleep.
If you are thinking of trying CBD to aid sleep, please first consult a healthcare provider who can identify any possible interactions and suggest safe products.
1. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is an interconnected network of cannabinoid receptors and their corresponding enzymes that work to control various biological functions such as pain, mood, appetite, stress management, metabolism, sleep quality and the immune response. Homeostasis relies upon it, while any disruption causes chronic pain symptoms as well as sleep disorders, anxiety, fibromyalgia symptoms as well as IBS symptoms or depression.
CBD interacts with the ECS to produce anti-anxiety effects, which in turn can lead to better sleep. Research suggests that CBD may assist with sleep apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia symptoms.
Retrospective chart review of 103 adult patients treated with CBD for anxiety and sleep issues at a psychiatric clinic showed improvements in both anxiety scores as well as sleep scores after 3 months of treatment, with anxiety scores dropping while sleep scores increasing slightly; although limitations include small sample size and short observation duration; nonetheless real world evidence (RWE) provides invaluable insights and supplement information regarding its use, safety, and efficacy when used for sleeping disorders.
2. CBD interacts with the central nervous system (CNS)
CBD interacts with your central nervous system to relax and sooth your body, helping you fall asleep faster while improving the duration of sleep. Furthermore, it may reduce anxiety which is often responsible for poor quality slumber.
Studies indicate that CBD is safe and has few side effects. While it should not interact with other medications, it’s still wise to inform your physician of any supplements or prescription drugs you are taking; particularly those which block enzymes called cytochrome P450 which help your liver break down toxins efficiently.
CBD may help treat some causes of sleep disturbances, including restless leg syndrome (RLS). Initial studies indicate it can reduce anxiety and increase duration in people living with RLS; more research needs to be conducted into how it might be used in treating other sleep disorders – for instance narcolepsy patients have reported that CBD reduces their number of arousals; yet more investigation needs to be completed to fully understand its effectiveness in treating them.
3. CBD interacts with the melatonin receptors
Sleep is essential to overall health. While sleeping, your body and brain perform numerous important processes, including hormone production and memory formation. Unfortunately, many people struggle with sleeping well each night.
CBD and melatonin are natural, non-toxic solutions for insomnia and other sleep issues, providing an alternative to potentially more dangerous prescription and OTC medications that could have potentially dangerous side effects like sedation and addiction.
CBD works by binding with the melatonin receptors that control sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms, and may help improve it by balancing melatonin levels while simultaneously decreasing anxiety and pain. Before trying new supplements or drugs such as CBD or melatonin, always consult your healthcare provider first – they can recommend the ideal dose and dosage schedule to suit you – starting low then gradually building it up is wise advice.
4. CBD interacts with the serotonin receptors
There are various natural sleep aids that may help with insomnia, including controlled-release melatonin or doxepin for adults and Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). But CBD could be even more effective as it doesn’t interact with the endocannabinoid system – thus ensuring no highs.
CBD appears to improve sleep by making people more alert rather than sedating them, according to research published by FEBS Letters. CBD acts on neurons in the hypothalamus and DRD to promote wakefulness by decreasing serotonin production and thus aid in inducing greater wakefulness.
No one knows for certain whether CBD helps or hinders with sleep; therefore it’s advisable to speak to a healthcare professional prior to trying any new supplements, including CBD. They will be able to inform you if CBD may interact with any medications such as sedatives you’re currently taking and offer other treatment options such as behavioral therapy or prescription sleep medication that could benefit.
