CBD is a phytocannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It has many therapeutic effects and when consumed it results in drowsiness and makes you relaxed. CBD affects the way in which chemical receptors in the brain respond to serotonin and hence it is useful in treating sleeping disorders. Quality sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. Read ahead to know more about the uses of CBD in treating sleeping disorders and insomnia.
Frequent causes of insomnia and sleeping disorders
Very often insomnia results from psychological triggers like stress, anxiety, and depression. Other causes for insomnia are circadian rhythm disorders and the side effects of consuming certain medicines. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption can influence the quality of sleep. CBD oil is one of the popular products administered for treating Insomnia and improving sleep.
Categories of CBD oil
Pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil is available in two categories, namely CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD oil. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains CBD along with THC, hence it will be restricted where cannabis is illegal. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and it is a potent liquid. They can be consumed in several ways like ingesting CBD oil capsules and edibles infused with CBD oil, as well as tinctures. Low concentration oil has minimal effect and vice versa.
CBD for Insomnia and Sleep
Cannabis plant-derived products have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, in treating sleeping disorders and improving sleep. A recent study shows that using CBD products reduced the average time for falling asleep by 30 minutes for people with active difficulty in falling asleep. For normal people, it reduced the average time to fall asleep by 15 minutes
How CBD improves sleep and treating Insomnia?
In humans, the circadian rhythm is regulated by the hormone melatonin produced by the pineal gland. During daytime signals from the retina to the pineal gland restrict Melatonin production. At night these signals are absent and melatonin is produced. The amino acid tryptophan is essential for melatonin production. CBD boosts the levels of tryptophan in the bloodstream and stimulates melatonin production. Likewise, an increase in tryptophan availability aids in serotonin synthesis in the brain. CBD’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties help in alleviating many of the symptoms of secondary insomnia. It is effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by the way it affects the response of chemical receptors in the brain to serotonin. A study has shown the effectiveness of CBD in treating insomnia induced by PTSD.
Unlike the regular sleeping pills that are usually prescribed for insomnia and sleeping disorders, CBD does not pose the risk of habit-forming even in higher doses. It is of vital importance for those suffering from insomnia and sleeping disorders to consult their physician prior to trying CBD products for their insomnia and sleeping disorders.