Many people regard cannabidiol as a painkiller, an inflammation fighter, a stress-buster, a mood enhancer, and even an elixir. It may be no elixir but is considered a potential solution for sleep troubles as research gains steam. There is a lack of research about the effectiveness of CBD for sleep, but preliminary evidence indicates that cannabidiol and sleep are somewhat connected. There is anecdotal evidence that cannabidiol might bring a feeling of calmness; a relaxed body and calm mind contribute to better sleep at night.
Researchers may not know exactly what makes a cannabidiol user sleep better at night, but CBD’s interaction with the ECS is perhaps a starting point. It is thought that the endocannabinoid system modulates circadian rhythms as well as plays a part in the process of regulating our sleep-wake cycle.
According to the Founder of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education, Jamie Corroon, the cannabidiol may reduce anxiety or pain and thus indirectly facilitate sleep. As per Corroon, research demonstrates that inhibiting CB1 cannabinoid receptors can bring neurochemical changes like the changes that antidepressant medications cause. Corroon admits that there is only limited and mixed evidence supporting the utilization of cannabidiol for sleep. Corroon finds it a mere reflection of the US federal regulation associated with researching the cannabis plant and the FDA’s stance on cannabidiol in the form of a dietary component.
Early Discoveries
Research about CBD and sleep is underway and in its early phase, but some discoveries point to cannabidiol’s potential capability to help night owls. Corroon states that like several publicly accessible novel compounds, the evidence still starts with user anecdotes. Further, cross-sectional research has confirmed that several people use cannabidiol for sleep and report effectiveness. People in a recent randomized control trial reported that using cannabidiol for six weeks improved their sleep quantity and quality. Researchers in that study also discovered that industrial hemp supplementation made perceived pleasure in life and the response to perceived stress better.
That said, companies in the CBD industry must realize that there is a need for further research on cannabidiol and sleep. Companies should be transparent about the scientific evidence associated with cannabidiol. Most importantly, companies should be conservative about making claims associated with cannabidiol for sleep.
Corroon stated that while other phytocannabinoids are perhaps more effective as compared to cannabidiol in promoting sleep, it is still unclear as to which holds the most potential.