Having a hard time sleeping? It’s not just you. Many adults don’t sleep the recommended seven to nine hours per night. That can be a problem, putting you at a greater risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. But CBD might be a solution.
CBD oil has been touted as a potential treatment for painful inflammation, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. And it might be a helpful tool to support your healthy sleep habits.
How is CBD Helpful?
CBD is marijuana without THC, so it offers some of the benefits of marijuana without the psychoactive effects. CBD can have a calming effect on the central nervous system, encouraging you to relax and wind down so you can get to sleep.
Specifically, CBD can be used to alleviate painful inflammation from conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. With pain relief, you might be able to sleep better at night.
And CBD can be good for anxiety — another potential sleep problem. If you’re staying up at night feeling stressed and having trouble managing anxious thoughts so you can get to sleep, you might benefit from CBD.
In fact, new research suggests that CBD can improve anxiety and sleep in the first month. And almost all patients tolerated CBD well.
CBD is also believed to work with the receptors that manage your circadian rhythm. So if your internal clock is off track, you might be able to get it back where it should be by using CBD.
CBD and Sleep Habits
CBD oil is a helpful tool for sleep, but if you’re regularly having a hard time sleeping well, CBD isn’t the only thing you should be doing. Consider how you can improve your sleep hygiene and make CBD a supportive tool, not a crutch.
- Lay the foundation for healthy sleep. You can’t expect CBD oil to help you sleep well if your sleep hygiene is poor. Make sure you’re sticking to a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine, and eating a healthy diet. Give yourself at least seven to nine hours to sleep each night. And avoid common sleep pitfalls, like consuming caffeine or alcohol in the evening or even late at night. Your bedroom should be a healthy sleep environment, offering a quiet, dark, calm, and cool place to rest.
- Plan ahead for CBD use. The timing of CBD consumption depends on when you need it and how you take it. If you’re using a vape, you can use CBD oil right before bed and its effects may kick in right away. Though they may be short lived. But CBD edibles could be a better choice if you need sustained sleep support (like if you wake up at night). Edibles might take about an hour to kick in, but they could last longer, too.
- See a doctor for serious sleep concerns. CBD isn’t a magic solution for sleep, and if you’re dealing with a serious sleep disorder, CBD may not be as helpful as you’re hoping. Talk to your doctor if you’re struggling with insomnia, sleep apnea, or other major sleep disorders and discuss how CBD can be part of your treatment plan.
Struggling with sleep is normal and happens to everyone now and then. When you’re having a hard time, CBD oil might be a good choice. That’s especially true if pain or anxiety keep you up at night. Consider using CBD oil as a resource for improving your sleep and getting the rest you need.
Author Bio
Amy Highland is a sleep expert at SleepHelp.org. She loves taking naps during thunderstorms and cuddling up with a blanket, book, and cats.
