How Can CBD Affect Your Sleep?
Amy Highland
We could all use a little more sleep in our lives. More than a third of adults in the United States don’t get the recommended amount of sleep, making it hard for them to get through their days. Chances are, you’re one of those adults. If you haven’t tried CBD products yet, we’re here to talk to you about why you should give it a try!
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid that is found in marijuana. It is what gives you the relaxation feeling that you get from marijuana but without feeling high. It works as a mild sedative that can help your body to reduce pain and symptoms of anxiety that often cause sleeplessness.
What is THC?
THC is another cannabinoid found in marijuana. THC is an acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol and it is the active ingredient that gives you the high feeling when you smoke weed.
Not all CBD products use THC, but for those that do, it will show up on a drug test as if you’ve been smoking weed. If you live in a state where recreational marijuana is illegal, you will not be able to get a product with THC in it shipped to you legally.
What are the Benefits of Using CBD?
Improved Melatonin Production
CBD products work with your endocannabinoid system to restore your body to homeostasis and trigger melatonin production throughout the night, making it easier for you to get to sleep and stay asleep on your own.
Reduce Pain and Anxiety
Because CBD products work as a mild sedative, you will be more able to handle any pain or anxiety you feel. These are two of the most common reasons that people struggle to sleep. It makes sense. If you can’t get comfortable or can’t get your brain to stop worrying over something you have no control over, you’re not going to be able to relax long enough to fall asleep.
Reduce Reliance on Prescription Medications
By reducing the amount of pain and anxiety you feel, you may not need to take other prescription medications for those problems. Prescription medicines often come with a lot of side effects, including ones that keep you up at night. They’re also usually expensive. Talk to your doctor before going off of any medications entirely, but CBD might be a good supplement.
Non-Addictive Sleep Aid
Because of all of its benefits, CBD products can be a helpful sleep aid.
How can you take CBD Products?
There are tons of ways for you to take CBD, no matter which kind you choose. The most common form of CBD is an oil, which can be ingested or used on your skin to be more directed toward particular areas of your body. You can take CBD oil straight or include it in your food or drinks.
If you’re serving these foods, make sure you tell the others you are serving that your food contains CBD oil, as there are some medications and illnesses that CBD can have negative interactions with.
Amy Highland is a sleep expert. Her preferred research topics are health and wellness, so Amy’s a regular reader of Scientific American and Nature. She loves taking naps during thunderstorms and cuddling up with a blanket, book, and cats.