BENEFITS OF CBD AND SLEEP: Dr. Jason Bergerhouse
Since the isolation of CBD in 1940, there has been an increased interest in the possible potential benefits it can offer to users. Although there are still debates on the safety and legal status of CBD, information gathered from research has shown how CBD can provide a vast array of benefits including those related to antioxidants, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anxiolytic and analgesic agents. There is also an increased interest in how CBD can play critical roles in controlling mood and sleep. In this article, we shall discuss the possible benefits of CBD and sleep.
CBD and Sleep
The use of CBD oils and other CBD related products can elicit a vast array of benefits on the sleep cycle. Its non-psychoactive nature coupled with interaction with the endocannabinoid system can serve to promote sleep in the following ways;
- Reduction in anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression have been identified as one of the leading causes of sleep-related conditions. They have negative effects on the overall cognitive response, thus affecting the sleep cycle. CBD’s interaction with the ECS receptors can serve to control cognitive responses, thus reducing the rate of anxiety and depression. CBD can also improve immunity against diseases and trigger the release of feel-good hormones which keeps the body relaxed while promoting sleep. The interaction between CBD, serotonin and GABA receptors have also been reported by researchers.
- Reduction in chronic pain and anti-inflammatory properties
Chronic pain can create the best environment for sleep-related disorders to thrive. CBD possesses an excellent anti-inflammatory activity which serves to arrest emotional trauma or fear triggered in the brain. Since CBD possesses an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, it can serve to neutralize the harmful effect of free radicals on the body, thus promoting sleep.
- Interaction with hormones
Apart from interacting with neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, CBD can also interact with hormones like melatonin to control sleep. Since CBD produces modulatory effects, it can serve to trigger the release of melatonin and other hormones. This is the mechanism behind the combination of CBD and melatonin for sleep.
IS CBD SAFE?
The effectiveness of CBD for sleep is determined by the time of administration. It is pertinent to note that CBD’s modulatory role on melatonin production serves to promote wakefulness and sleep depending on when administered. To obtain maximum effects of CBD for sleep, it is important to take CBD products 30 minutes to one hour before sleep time. This will serve to improve the secretion of melatonin. CBD is safe for use and does not tamper with brain activities. Although its use can be linked with irregular eating habits, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drug interactions, they are not life-threatening to the user. As a sign of precaution, it is not advisable that you combine CBD with drugs like aspirin, clobazam, theophylline, alcohol and warfarin. This may lead to negative drug-drug interactions capable of causing drug overdose.
Final words
CBD is great for promoting sleep. It can interact with neurotransmitters and hormones to promote quality sleep which enhances brain function and internal balance.
I personally take CBD every night before bed. Along with getting a better nights sleep, CBD also helps me fall asleep faster! I also find that if I’m feeling really stressed it can help calm me down.
2 Responses
Is there a age vs dose recommendations?
Not really, I would take a conservative approach starting off with 2-5 drops and then up from there… Just do 2-5 drops per night for 30 days at bedtime…